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G2S Project Code: 2022-MT-91794
State: Montana
Fiscal Year: 2022
Grantee
Montana State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Colet Bartow
Director Phone: 406-444-3365
Director Email: colet.bartow@mt.gov
General Information
Title: Continuing Education
State Project Code: LSTA 22 CONT ED, TRUSTEE
Start Date: 07/01/2022
End Date: 06/30/2023
Abstract: Montana State Library established a certification program to promote continuing education for library staff, administrators, and trustees. Through this program, 407 unique learners claimed 7,168 continuing education credits, and the State Library awarded 121 certifications. While continuing education credits can be pursued through a variety of professional sources, MSL staff delivered remote training options to meet the needs of Montana librarians and trustees, including webinars, self-paced courses, recorded videos, and WebJunction courses. The continuing education coordinator's work on a new Continuing Education and Certification Handbook clarified the program's goals and ensured ongoing relevance for Montana's library workforce. 92% of surveyed participants this year agree that applying what they learned through MSL training opportunities will help improve library services to the public.
State Goal: Community Leadership
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$87,620.54
$0.00
$0.00
$87,620.54
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Certification
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Continuing Education and Certification Program Handbook
Narrative: The continuing education coordinator and a task force of seven librarians, trustees, and staff studied the certification requirements to consider opportunities to increase the program's flexibility, participation, and value for Montana library professionals. With the task force's input, the continuing education coordinator published an updated Certification and Continuing Education Handbook that librarians and trustees can use to navigate new requirements. In a survey of 75 librarians and trustees, 91% agreed that the purpose of the program was clear, and 93% felt the goals defined in the manual were actionable. Librarian feedback: "Being intentional about my continuing education choices is important. I will try the planning template and consider how the trainings I select will enhance my service to the community in my capacity as library staff."; "I appreciate the new track for library staff so I can choose more credits that are applicable to my specific job. I also like that I need to take some credits outside my comfort/knowledge so I learn new skills."
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 1
Number of plans/frameworks: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
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: 82
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
Activity Details
Title: Remote Training Opportunities
Narrative: To create convenient and cost-effective continuing education options for library staff in a predominately rural state, the Montana State Library offered virtual training, self-paced courses, and a WebJunction subscription for on-demand webinars. For example, staff presented "Tiny Tech" trainings that covered topics like using the Libby e-book app. After each event, the library published the videos on YouTube, which provided access for nearly 5,500 additional views. Learners logged 91 completions of six self-paced courses posted on the library's learning management system, and another 905 attendees explored WebJunction courses on topics such as customer service, library policies, and cataloging. Feedback on MSL webinars: "I always feel a sense of community when we all meet together."; "You are all doing an amazing job and [there] are courses and webinars available on a huge variety of topics. I love that the MSL is providing so many opportunities for continuing education."
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 289
Average number in attendance per session: 24


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
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: 82
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Trustee Training Videos
Narrative: The continuing education coordinator collaborated with the state library consulting team to develop trustee training videos to establish an online series of three courses on "trustee essentials." The library also contracted with Joann Flick, visual media and learning expert, for her assistance in developing course content relevant to trustees. Videos covered topics on library budgets, local government and its relationship to the library, and board responsibilities. The first courses were posted in the final months of the award period, but early feedback has been very positive. 95% of the participants reported that they learned something new by completing the series. Participant feedback: "The biggest take away for me was how to record trainings for my continuing education as well as how the board submits and records their 3 hours. For the board, one thing we will be checking in to is the policy book, but it did affirm that they have been doing it correctly up until now and will continue to monitor and use it consistently. "; "More people need to know that being a trustee is not overwhelming or burdensome in its duties. It is a wonderful opportunity to support a central community service."
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Other
Format: Virtual
Other: Videos for on-demand viewing in a learning management system


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: 82
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Six of the webinars presented by Montana State Library staff were part of a new series called "MSL Learn." The objective of MSL Learn is to provide a predictable and reliable schedule for educational updates on MSL programs. Going forward, these webinars will be offered once a month.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
As an additional benefit, the continuing education coordinator will adapt the recordings from the MSL Learn webinars to create content for online courses and knowledge base documentation. For example, content from the "Basic Training for Trustees" webinar was used as the foundation for the new trustee training videos in the library's learning management system.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Regular virtual trainings serve as a way for state library staff to stay in touch with librarians and trustees around the state. Discussion during webinars is a great way to get feedback from participants on state projects.
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: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeWork on MSL Learn and the addition of new course content on the library's learning management system has been an exemplary effort from Montana State Library staff this year. With more accessible training options, library professionals can develop their skills to better respond to the information needs of their communities. Feedback from MSL Learn users best illustrates the value of this program: "I love how interactive this course was. Having the individual use the skills taught in the lesson was a great idea."; "I love the in-depth videos. The step by step process is very helpful. Thanks for all that you do! Very helpful."; "This was informative both personally and professionally. We regularly assist public patrons with their public library accounts/etc. This helped fill some gaps."; "Thanks for the information. It gave me a lot of things to think about and implement in our library."
Project Tags: certification, trustees