View Project

G2S Project Code: 2021-IL-89755
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
Illinois State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Karen Egan
Director Phone: 217-782-7749
Director Email: kegan@ilsos.gov
General Information
Title: LSTA Five Year Evaluation
State Project Code: 22-0005-EVAL
Start Date: 10/01/2021
End Date: 06/30/2022
Abstract: The Illinois State Library contracted with the Institute for Legal, Legislative, and Policy Studies, Center for State Policy and Leadership, University of Illinois, Springfield to conduct the Five Year Evaluation on Use of LSTA FY2018-2022 and evaluate levels of success under the 2018–2022 Long Range Plan for the Use of Library Services and Technology Act funds in Illinois. An independent evaluator compiled, reviewed and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from project reports of activities funded during the timeframe of the evaluation. The Illinois library community implemented projects to make a difference for Illinois residents of all ages and addressed Illinois four goals to improve access to information, support lifelong learning, enhance reading and provide quality library services through innovation, research and development.

State Goal: Goal 1: Access to Information and Ideas.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$20,112.38
$0.00
$0.00
$20,112.38
Intent(s)
Improve library operations.
Research & Statistics
Activities
Activity Details
Title: The Evaluation
Narrative:

Authorizing legislation for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) requires two important documents for state library agencies to receive the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds. The first requirement is a long range plan detailing use of the federal LSTA and state match funds. The second requirement is an independent evaluation of what was actually accomplished compared to what was proposed in the long range plan. Due to the difference in state and federal fiscal years, the five-year evaluation traditionally covers three years of the state’s grant cycles. This project fulfilled the requirement to conduct an independent evaluation. 


Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Retrospective
Format: Third party


Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 1
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Illinois State Library
Address: 300 South Second Street
City: Springfield
State: IL
Zip: 62701
Question 1: I believe the planning and evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I am satisfied with the extent to which the plan or evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I believe the information from the plan or evaluation will be applied to address library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
In the last 5-year plan, Illinois residents were provided with access to information, opportunities for lifelong learning and increased availability of resources and programs to support reading.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The results of the last evaluation found that Illinois' three goals of access to information, lifelong learning and reading were achieved. The fourth goal regarding use of innovation, research and development was partially achieved which was not surprising considering the downturn in Illinois' economy during the timeframe for this evaluation.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Access to information remains the primary use of LSTA funds in Illinois.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Administrative Records
Interviews
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Statistical Methods
Qualitative Methods
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
Census – We selected everyone (or every item).
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
No comparison for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Evaluation