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G2S Project Code: 2021-NV-90765
State: Nevada
Fiscal Year: 2021

Grantee
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Project Director
Director Name: Rebecca Colbert
Director Phone: 702-507-6310
Director Email: colbertr@lvccld.org

General Information
Title: ARPA - Accelerating Early Learning
State Project Code: ARP-12
Start Date: 07/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: This project was shaped to meet an urgent priority of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to expand early learning experiences with a focus on Pre-K and reading by 3rd Grade.1,050 Playaway Launchpads were purchased and added to the Library District collection. The tablets were pre-loaded with 40 titles including a wide variety of Pre-K to 3rd Grade content in books, videos, games, and apps. The curated content is designed for young children and is available for three-week checkout to parents, care givers, and child care providers from any of the 25 rural, suburban, and urban library branch facilities. They do not require internet connections, and, with the variety of learning modalities, provide different paths for learning and exploration, based on the child’s learning preferences and interests.
State Goal: Goal 4: Build capacity of libraries to meet evolving information access needs.

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$139,999.00

$0.00

$160,931.00

$300,930.00

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Education
Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Playaway Launchpad Tablets
Narrative: The Head of Collections and Bibliographic Services purchased 1,050 Playaway Launchpad units with 40 title packs including: Pre-K Academy: For kids aged 5 and under who are getting ready to start school: -Path A: Motor and Cognitive -Path B: Math and Science -Path C: Language and Literacy -Path D: Social and Emotional -Path E: Music and Creativity Reading Academy: For school-age kids up to age 8 -Level 1: Pre-Emerging -Level 2: Emerging -Level 3: Early Developing -Level 4: Developing -Level 5: Independent Superpack: For school-age kids up to age 8 featuring twice as many apps for twice the fun.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 1,050
Number of software acquired: 40
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
6-12 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
Address: 7060 W. Windmill Ln.
City: Las Vegas
State: NV
Zip: 89113

Activity Details
Title: Launchpad Lending
Narrative: The Launchpads were added to the collection, available for checkout at all 25 branches. All urban branches received 60+ devices, and a size-appropriate selection was sent to the rurals with the following instructions: Most Launchpads have 8-10 apps loaded, while the Superpacks have 20+. Launchpads target both the Pre-K, and K-3rd grade/age groups. These can be found by searching “Launchpad” in Sierra. The Pre-K titles focus on five subject areas. The Reading Academy (age 5-7) focuses on the same five areas, but divides content by ability into five progressive categories. There are 40 different titles available. Superpacks (devices with 20+ apps) are appropriate for ages 5 and up. Because they are cataloged as nonfiction, Launchpads can be shelved together in a prominent and visible area. Launchpads are fully cataloged and requestable. They are in locking, RFID tagged cases, which contain the tablet, charging stub and cord. They can be checked out for 21 days.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 1,050
Average number of items circulated / month: 567
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District introduced Launchpads in early 2022 as another way to increase early literacy skills and bridge the digital divide. The Launchpads are extremely popular and frequently have holds list. The main outcome of the Launchpads, as documented by staff surveys, is that they enable digital learning without the need for Wi-Fi or internet access. Many parents have expressed that they are a great learning tool without the distraction of the internet. Families have also commented that they take them on vacation since they can be used anywhere and are not dependent on WiFi. The Launchpads are providing families with a new and accessible early learning tool without any digital barriers. Branch Managers and Youth Services staff were surveyed to measure their satisfaction of the Playaway Launchpads to 1) see if they are meeting early childhood learning needs of Pre-K to 3rd Grade students, and 2) see if they are improving library services to parents, caregivers, and child care providers that work with young children. Of the 55 surveys collected, 100% of staff agreed or strongly agreed that the launchpads were meeting library needs and improving library services to the public. Almost all of the staff involved in the project received positive feedback from customers. Here are some of the comments: "Enormously popular in our community and a big step towards bridging the digital divide. Many families in our neighborhood lack internet access and the Launchpads provide an important resource." "People are very excited about this addition to the collection. Parents say they are great for long car trips. I really like the range of levels and variety of activities on each pad." "It's a great way to introduce younger children to basic education while having fun with technology." "The Launchpads are incredibly popular and our customers love them." "The valuable literacy concepts combined with no need for internet is a win-win for parents and kids."
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The Launchpads were popular across all demographics and have exhibited universal appeal. The checkouts were fairly consistent among all 25 branches and customer comments were mostly positive. The project definitely provided access to age- and device-appropriate digital learning without internet barriers and new ways to engage with young children on topics that they enjoy. The devices were easy to add to the circulating collection and thereby accessible to all Library District service area residents. The wide variety of content was interesting, relevant, and age-appropriate for early learners and many families checked them out multiple times.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The purchase of the Playaway Launchpads was a very successful program that was easy to implement. The devices are durable, with a rubber bumper and a locking case, so staff is able to place them on the shelves and in the holds-pickup area for independent access without worrying that they will be damaged. This alleviates the need for staff time and resources for implementation. Several customers requested Spanish content and some requested apps for higher grade levels. Our next phase of the program will be to offer the Launchpads at outreach events.
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:
Yes
Explain:
The program will be continued as it was very well received by customers and the devices continue to be checked out on a regular basis. The main capital outlay occurs in the first phase of purchasing. Now that we have the devices, we can add content at a relatively small cost. We plan to continue to purchase new titles for the devices that we have in the collection to ensure fresh content is available to customers. We will also purchase more Launchpads to be used at outreach events. The Launchpads also serve to ensure that our libraries are keeping up with new and innovative technology and not relying on outdated devices.
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: Digital divide, early learning