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G2S Project Code: 2022-MT-91795
State: Montana
Fiscal Year: 2022

Grantee
Montana State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Cara Orban
Director Phone: 406-444-5350
Director Email: corban@mt.gov

General Information
Title: Information Access
State Project Code: LSTA 22 COURIER, ECONT, MLN, MSC, OCLC
Start Date: 07/01/2022
End Date: 06/30/2023
Abstract: Montana State Library deployed four statewide services with the intent of improving users’ ability to obtain and use information resources. Participation by libraries in these collaborative efforts maximized the volume of resources available to Montana patrons. First, Montana Shared Catalog (MSC) system administrators provided technical support and training for library software that allowed patrons to checkout from their local library collection and reserve books and other media from libraries around the state. Next, the Montana Courier Alliance transported books between libraries to fill interlibrary loan requests initiated through MSC sharing groups and OCLC Group Services. Finally, MontanaLibrary2Go delivered a platform for digital e-books, audiobooks, and magazines that could be accessed from even the most rural parts of the state from a smartphone app. Through these services, Montanans received 445,601 interlibrary loans, borrowed 4,718,229 physical books and other media, and downloaded 1,329,948 e-books, audiobooks, and magazines.
State Goal: Collaboration

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$367,294.45

$195,132.46

$1,123,978.04

$1,686,404.95

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Systems & Technologies

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Montana Courier Alliance
Narrative: The Montana Courier Alliance connected 54 libraries in Montana for the delivery of library materials to fill patron requests for books and other media. The courier increased the number of available books to Montana readers through this collaborative effort to deliver affordable, efficient interlibrary loans. This year, libraries sent 424,185 items via the courier.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 0
Average number of items circulated / month: 0
Total number of ILL transactions: 424,185
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 35,349

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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 54
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: MontanaLibrary2Go
Narrative: MontanaLibrary2Go worked to expand information access for Montanans through the digital delivery of materials. Patrons from 119 branches checked out 1,329,948 items from a shared collection that consists of nearly 70,000 e-books, audiobooks, and magazines from Overdrive. This year, Montana State Library explored additional methods of providing access to this collection by testing the Palace app which integrates Overdrive content with other local collections so that readers can more easily obtain and use resources relevant to their needs, no matter the e-content provider.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Digital

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 1,329,948
Average number of items circulated / month: 110,829
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 88
Academic Libraries: 11
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 20
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Montana Shared Catalog
Narrative: The Montana Shared Catalog (MSC), a consortium of multi-type libraries with centralized catalog software, technical staff, and training resources, served 445,925 patrons at 215 branches. These patrons had access to 3,485,013 physical books, DVDs, audiobooks, and other library media. Staff at the libraries received support from four MSC system administrators (2.25 LSTA funded) and one trainer who answered 1,374 technical requests on topics like circulation, cataloging, reports, and third-party integrations. Administrators provided additional training and migration support for the Harlowton Public Library, a new MSC member. While the Harlowton Library won't officially launch its new catalog until 2024, MSC staff worked with SirsiDynix to migrate 21,774 catalog records. This work ensures that the library's 669 patrons have the ability to locate and obtain information resources that meet their needs.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 1,374
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 115

Partner Information

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: 106
Academic Libraries: 6
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 7
School Libraries: 95
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Resource Sharing
Narrative: Montanans benefitted from access to two interlibrary loan services, Montana Shared Catalog (MSC) sharing groups and OCLC Group Services. Sharing Group participation allowed patrons at 56 MSC libraries to request and loan items from other libraries in 23 different counties. Patrons requested 424,185 items from around the state by placing a hold in the online catalog. In cases where items were unavailable from sharing group libraries, librarians made interlibrary loan requests using OCLC Group Services. OCLC facilitated access to 21,416 books via interlibrary loan, including 14,338 books from other states.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 0
Average number of items circulated / month: 0
Total number of ILL transactions: 445,601
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 37,133

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 122
Academic Libraries: 22
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 16
School Libraries: 113
Other: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
With large rural land area and low population density, Montana faces significant geographic barriers that impact access to information. The Montana Courier Alliance currently connects libraries along major highway corridors. The following map displays libraries that receive courier service: https://arcg.is/aq5W40
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Montana State Library plans to research how to better transport materials between libraries not presently on the courier travel path, including the Montana Hi-Line and the state's northeast corner. Because participation in other collaborative efforts depends on reliable book transport, identifying new routes for physical book delivery will also open the way for increased participation in efforts like Montana Shared Catalog resource sharing groups.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The current rate for US Postal Service Library Matter is $3.72/pound which is the weight of the average hardbound book. By comparison, the cost per item sent via the courier is approximately $0.18, a significant savings for participating libraries. Additional cost efficiencies also exist that are not included this analysis. For example, it is far less staff intensive to drop 25 books into a milk crate than it is to individually package them for mail. Leveraging economies of scale, the more volume delivered, the more cost savings for all participants. This benefits patrons who receive fast, reliable delivery from libraries across the state.
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 NarrativeMontana's collaborative, statewide projects delivered an impressive volume of reading materials to patrons in small and large communities. These efforts were noticed by patrons and librarians across the state: "Being part of the Montana Shared Catalog is huge. It makes my library contents and that of all other Montana libraries at the tip of patrons fingers ready to use with a simple request." - Montana library director, LSTA Five-Year Evaluation, 2018- 2022. "I am basically home bound and use the ebooks often and the online account management devices to maintain my books checked out/ returned/ renewed and to place holds. The overall library is vital to my quality of life as a 71 year old. I must emphasize that- vital to my quality of life and as a lifeline to the world. Thank you!" - MontanaLibrary2Go patron, LSTA Five-Year Evaluation, 2018-2022.

Project Tags: courier, interlibrary loans, e-books