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G2S Project Code: 2021-OK-90256
State: Oklahoma
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES

Project Director
Director Name: Natalie Currie
Director Phone: 405-522-3215
Director Email: natalie.currie@libraries.ok.gov
General Information
Title: State Aid to Public Libraries - Match Only
State Project Code: STATEAID
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 12/30/2022
Abstract: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) provides a state aid program for Oklahoma's public libraries, which was initiated in 1978 thanks to an appropriation from the State Legislature. The program has continued every year since without interruption even when appropriations increased or decreased depending on the state revenue picture.  

The goal of Oklahoma’s State Aid Program is to provide additional revenue to supplement local tax dollars in running local public libraries and improving library services to communities; to improve and maintain basic library services for local residents by offering this financial incentive for libraries that meet approved service criteria based on the size of their communities; and, to provide flexibility to let local libraries determine the best use of State Aid payments for the benefit of their communities.

The ODL Board awards grant funds to public libraries based on a distribution formula and rules established by administrative code. The distribution formula is based on the number of qualifying libraries, population served, and size of service area. The rules set the minimum standards for State Aid eligibility based on the size of the individual public library or library system. These standards have changed through the years to reflect current Library Services and Technology Act's (LSTA) goals and initiatives as well as needs identified by the field.

State Goal: Goal 2: Institutional Capacity
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$0.00
$1,489,279.00
$0.00
$1,489,279.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Activities
Activity Details
Title: State Aid to Public Libraries
Narrative: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) distributed $1,489,279 between January and May 2022 as State Aid payments. Once the number of qualifying libraries was determined (based on their adherence to the criteria established in Levels of Library Development), distribution of payments was computed based on the population and geographic area served by the individual libraries. State Aid makes a significant difference in the quality of service that libraries are able to give to their communities.

The Rules and Regulations for State Aid Grants to Public Libraries was revised in 2022 and was approved by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board and the Oklahoma Legislature. The change added the following clause: "Eligibility may be impacted by emergency declarations by the President of the United States or the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, public health, public safety or other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the ODL Board. Under those conditions, the Director will present recommendations to the ODL Board to modify application of specific User Service or Administration and Finance requirements. The ODL Board has the authority to accept or deny the recommendations." 
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Other
Format: Physical
Other: State Aid grants to libraries in Oklahoma to use as needed


Quantity


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: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 117
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
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:
Although these funds have been available for forty-five years, every library or library system spends them differently. This year, the funds purchased computers, furniture, materials (physical and digital), staffing, programming items and utilities. Sometimes, the funds are used to purchase something innovative for their community or simply to continue current services, like in the case of the Watonga Public Library, who shared that "[o]ne highlight for us this year was the purchase of 10 Launch Pads, which each provide 180 learning games preloaded on a tablet equipped with bumper pads. The games are appropriate for ages pre-K to 1st grade, focusing on early learning and skills for emergent readers. Other purchases include a laptop to facilitate programming and online meetings and training and data to continue Hot Spot service to customers." No matter how they're spent, the funds remain critical to the success of libraries in Oklahoma. The Perry Carnegie Library shared this: "The library would continually be struggling for new computers without State Aid funds. Again, we used the entire amount to replace some of the staff computers and some of the public computers. Next year, we will probably use the funding to replace the computers we didn't this year. I can't imagine when the city would ever have the funds to accomplish this. We would have a mish mash of old computers. Now, our computers are usually less than three years old." The Ethel Briggs Memorial Library in Barnsdall noted, "Our library is funded by local sales tax and like many small rural communities that tax base is dwindling. Without state aid for libraries, we would not be able to provide the resources our community members desperately need."
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The flexibility of these funds continues to be important. For example, the Duncan Public Library shared, "For many, many years now, we've used this aid to have a part-time staff member we would otherwise not be able to have. This position allows us more desk service, outreach to older people in the community, and the ability to provide free meals to low-income children." Maysville shared how important the funds are to maintaining service. "Without it, we wouldn't have enough money to operate. This year, funds were spent to buy children's books and to pay the electric bill. Thank you for keeping us out of the dark!" The Jay C Byers Memorial Library in Cleveland shared how important the funds are to their community: "State Aid is critical for our library. It allows us to maintain a high level of competency while also keeping our library a welcoming and usable space."
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Even though state aid funding has decreased over the last decade, the funds remain impactful. While more money is always appreciated, the rural libraries need additional funding, no matter the amount.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
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:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
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:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Oklahoma State Aid