View Project

G2S Project Code: 2023-AR-92965
State: Arkansas
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
Arkansas State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Kristen Cooke
Director Phone: 501-682-2863
Director Email: kristen.cooke@ade.arkansas.gov
General Information
Title: Statewide Sharing and Engagement
State Project Code: 29
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: This project supports and facilitates meaningful engagement with libraries in Arkansas with Arkansas State Library's services and resources through outreach events, meetings, and seminars. Through the creation of reports, presentations, and communications, the project staff highlights Arkansas State Library's services to key stakeholders and demonstrates the fulfillment of the library's establishing legislation. Project staff encourage engagement with LSTA-funded statewide projects of the Arkansas State Library and ensure engagement with those projects despite staffing changes at local libraries. In addition, the project supports the implementation of the Annual Public Library Survey and promotes the use and application of public data in libraries.
State Goal: Programs for a Broad Audience
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$38,924.00
$0.00
$0.00
$38,924.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Government
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Public Library Survey and Data Consulting
Narrative: The Arkansas Public Library Survey (PLS) collected IMLS-designated data, data that are useful in the work of the Arkansas State Library, and data that are frequently requested by public libraries in furtherance of their service to their communities. Added data elements were reviewed to ensure their continued usefulness, and new data elements were considered to meet the changing needs of libraries in Arkansas. The survey moved to a new collection platform during the program period and resulted in an expansion of the data visualization and reporting tools available to Arkansas public libraries, but also increase the training requirements of the Arkansas State Library staff.
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: 149
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 49


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: 59
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Data & Usage Statistics Consulting
Narrative: Data and Usage Statistics Consulting is provided upon request onsite or virtually offering libraries an opportunity to receive guidance and best practices on related topics such as: conducting data inventories, analyzing existing datasets, using public data in grant applications, data ethics, utilizing data to inform strategic planning, and building data reports that respond to public inquiry. Other topics may be covered upon the request of the library.
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: 27
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 2


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: 59
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 3
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The migration to a different data collection tool made the data more accessible to public library leaders. When the data became more accessible, there was an increase in requests from public libraries for development opportunities related to data use and applications.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
In the coming year, SSE staff will work to identify opportunities to expand use and application development opportunities for public library leaders. Though a recurring project, during this year there was a striking uptick in the request for opportunities to develop professional competencies in the public communication and reporting of data collected by libraries. Additionally, library leaders are increasingly interested in telling "data stories." This expressed need will inform the further exploration of ancillary opportunities and projects related to skill development in this area.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Though there are high-quality opportunities for public libraries to develop skills in this area, many are only available with significant travel or registration fees. On-demand courses in this area are often designed for professionals in the data sciences fields. Expansion of these opportunities will be predicated on what is available as a low-cost or no-cost option and in plain language that is accessible to those without background or proximity to data analytics or visualization.
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 increase in development and training opportunities for public libraries will necessitate an increase in effort to sustain and grow the project.
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: data