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G2S Project Code: 2023-CO-93610
State: Colorado
Fiscal Year: 2023

Grantee
Colorado State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Cristy Moran
Director Phone: 720-926-2159
Director Email: moran_c@cde.state.co.us

General Information
Title: Adult Services Programming
State Project Code: 163E-5204
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: Through Adult Services (AS) Consulting, Colorado State Library (CSL) provided blended learning opportunities for library staff serving adults in public libraries on emerging populations of Spanish-speakers, service to unhoused persons and persons with disabilities, financial health programming and services, and workforce development. In FY23, CSL began a Spanish conversation program for library staff and training for serving older adults. To build capacity and strengthen community networks, CSL promoted cross-sector partnership opportunities, resource sharing, and collaboration. CSL also administered Check Out Colorado State Parks through an ongoing partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. CSL also provided consulting, professional learning, and continuing education opportunities uniquely for academic librarians and library staff and invited academic libraries to participate in broader professional learning opportunities. Topics for academic libraries included instruction and assessment, assessment of library value to student success, best practices for joint-use operations, and other topics and trends.
State Goal: Learning for All Ages

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$126,637.53

$13,097.48

$0.00

$139,735.01

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Outreach & Partnerships

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Programs for Professional Development in Adult Library Services
Narrative: Professional development, learning, and partnership programs facilitated by and/or hosted by the Adult Services Consultant. Themes and topics include Virtual Partner Forums highlighting resources from organizations and agencies in Colorado, outreach to Latino/a communities, tax services and resources for libraries, and other needs for adults. Additionally, programs included topics related to discovering the use of population data for identifying needs of libraries, tax season resources for libraries, intergenerational programming, Colorado's Spanish speakers, cultural competence, and adult programs at libraries.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 28
Average number in attendance per session: 24
Number of times program administered: 1

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

Public Libraries: 112
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 216
Agree: 72
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 153
Agree: 114
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 20
Disagree: 3
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 174
Agree: 97
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 19
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 184
Agree: 79
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 25
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Presentations for Library and Organization Partners
Narrative: Presentations for partners in cross-sector collaborative groups included "Colorado Libraries: Why and How to Partner" for Skills 2 Compete and the Colorado State Digital Equity Committee. Presentations at national conferences include "Check Out Colorado State Parks: The Power of Partnership" at the Partners in the Outdoors Summit and "Spanish for Library Staff: Bridging the Language Barrier" at Public Library Association Conference.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 43

Partner Information

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: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
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: Colorado Center on Law & Policy / Skills to Compete
Address: 789 N. Sherman St. #300
City: Denver
State: CO
Zip: 80203
Name: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment/ The Office of the Future of Work
Address: 633 17th St. #201
City: Denver
State: CO
Zip: 80202
Name: Colorado Department of Natural Resources/ Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Address: 6060 Broadway
City: Denver
State: CO
Zip: 80216

Activity Details
Title: Librarian, Staff, and Partner Consultations
Narrative: Consultations provided information, education, and resources on services to older adults for physical and mental health, developing conversation programs at libraries, expanding Spanish language collections and services, and creating a network of adult services librarians. Consultations with state agency, local organization, and other partners (or potential partners) included topics like bringing harm reduction and overdose reversal tools to libraries, resources for older adult health and exercise programs, fire prevention and safety education, creating local author events, and establishing cross-sector collaborations between libraries and other entities.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

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

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 237
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 20

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

Public Libraries: 112
Academic Libraries: 19
SLAA: 5
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 1
School Libraries: 1
Other: 71

Activity Details
Title: Support for Professional Development
Narrative: The State Library covered registration fees for 20 public library and five academic library staff to take professional learning and gain continuing education units from Library Juice Academy. Also, six public library staff received certification in the Ageless Grace seated exercise for neuroplasticity in older adults program, and three public library staff attended and received travel reimbursement for the annual REFORMA Colorado conference in Denver.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Other
Format: Combined in-person & virtual
Other: Registration Fees

Quantity

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: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Aims Community College
Address: 5401 W. 20th St.
City: Greeley
State: CO
Zip: 80632
Name: ALAMOSA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 300 HUNT AVENUE
City: ALAMOSA
State: CO
Zip: 81101
Name: ARAPAHOE LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 12855 E. ADAM AIRCRAFT CIRCLE
City: ENGLEWOOD
State: CO
Zip: 80112
Name: AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 14949 E ALAMEDA PARKWAY
City: AURORA
State: CO
Zip: 80012
Name: BASALT REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 14 MIDLAND AVE
City: BASALT
State: CO
Zip: 81621
Name: BOULDER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1001 ARAPAHOE AVENUE
City: BOULDER
State: CO
Zip: 80302
Name: BROOMFIELD/EISENHOWER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 3 COMMUNITY PARK ROAD
City: BROOMFIELD
State: CO
Zip: 80020
Name: BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 321 14TH STREET
City: BURLINGTON
State: CO
Zip: 80807
Name: COLORADO COMMUNITY COLLEGES / CCCS Central Library
Address: https://www.ccconline.org/library/
City: N/A
State: CO
Zip: N/A
Name: Colorado Mountain College
Address: 802 Grand Ave.
City: Glenwood Springs
State: CO
Zip: 81601-0233
Name: CONEJOS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 17703 HWY 285
City: LA JARA
State: CO
Zip: 81140
Name: DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 10 W 14TH AVENUE PARKWAY
City: DENVER
State: CO
Zip: 80204
Name: DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES
Address: 100 SOUTH WILCOX
City: CASTLE ROCK
State: CO
Zip: 80104
Name: EAGLE VALLEY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 600 BROADWAY
City: EAGLE
State: CO
Zip: 81631
Name: ELBERT COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 651 W BEVERLY STREET
City: ELIZABETH
State: CO
Zip: 80107
Name: GARFIELD CO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 207 EAST AVENUE
City: RIFLE
State: CO
Zip: 81650
Name: JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 10200 W 20TH AVE
City: LAKEWOOD
State: CO
Zip: 80215
Name: Lone Cone Library District
Address: 1455 Pinion Street
City: Norwood
State: CO
Zip: 81423
Name: LONGMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 409 4TH AVE
City: LONGMONT
State: CO
Zip: 80501
Name: MANCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 211 W. FIRST ST.
City: MANCOS
State: CO
Zip: 81328
Name: POUDRE RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 301 E OLIVE STREET
City: FORT COLLINS
State: CO
Zip: 80524
Name: PUEBLO CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 100 E ABRIENDO AVE
City: PUEBLO
State: CO
Zip: 81004
Name: SECURITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 715 ASPEN DRIVE
City: SECURITY
State: CO
Zip: 80911
Name: University of Colorado Denver
Address: 1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400
City: Denver
State: CO
Zip: 80217-3364
Name: University of Northern Colorado
Address: Carter Hall - Rm 4000
City: Greeley
State: CO
Zip: 80639
Name: WESTMINSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 3705 W. 112TH AVE
City: WESTMINSTER
State: CO
Zip: 80031

Activity Details
Title: Materials to Support Adult Services Programming
Narrative: Materials were purchased for the creation of resource kits which included the "Stories and Storytelling for Adult Emerging Readers" and "Let 'Em Be: Passive Programs for Adults Mini-Kit;" training materials including handbooks and reference texts; materials for the Español for Library Folx Spanish language learning program and for the Check Out Colorado State Parks program .
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 680
Number of electronic materials acquired: 4
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 112
Academic Libraries: 33
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 3
School Libraries: 0
Other: 3

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: Colorado Virtual Library Blog Posts for Adult Services
Narrative: Blog posts on Colorado Virtual Library were published on a number of topics relevant to adult services in libraries . Two main series of posts are "Hidden Gems" where a resource and its authoring partner are featured with information on how libraries may access that resource and "Program Spotlight" where local libraries provide information about a successful library program that other libraries may use as inspiration for their own libraries. Additional posts include those from guest bloggers from local libraries about topics of interest including serving Spanish speakers and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

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): 28
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 112
Academic Libraries: 33
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 3
School Libraries: 0
Other: 3

Activity Details
Title: Resource Kits for Adult Services
Narrative: Resource kits were created for Colorado libraries including "Stories and Storytelling for Adult Emerging Readers" and "Let 'Em Be: Passive Programs for Adults Mini-Kit." These kits are available for Colorado libraries to borrow in support of learning about or facilitating programs for their communities.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 112
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Circulation of Resource Kits
Narrative: Resource kits for Colorado libraries including "Let 'Em Be: Passive Programs for Adults Mini-Kit." These kits are available for Colorado libraries to borrow in support of learning about or facilitating programs for their communities.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 12
Average number of items circulated / month: 1
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 12
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Program Evaluation
Narrative: Evaluation of professional development, learning, and partnership programs facilitated by and/or hosted for Adult Library Services. Annual report of the Check Out Colorado State Parks backpack and parks pass program, including data from borrower surveys, circulation data, and park visitor feedback as well as narrative of program's value as interpreted by Library Research Services (LRS).
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Retrospective
Format: In-house

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 2
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 2

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 112
Academic Libraries: 33
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I believe the planning and evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I am satisfied with the extent to which the plan or evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I believe the information from the plan or evaluation will be applied to address library needs.
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:
Spanish Language Learning and Conversation for Library Staff In FY23, consultant facilitated two cohorts of a Spanish learning and conversation community of practice program, Español for Library Folx, which saw twenty-three total participants. In this program, participants attend weekly hourlong sessions with consultant and a co-facilitator who is a native Spanish speaker from a Colorado public library. Facilitators review basic library vocabulary terms in Spanish and facilitate conversation for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Colorado State Library schedules two cohorts per year. In addition to the statewide program facilitated by the state library, consultant leads workshops and provide guidance in one-on-one consultations with library staff on how to replicate this program at their own local libraries. The following feedback was received on end of program evaluations. • “I think this really strengthened my Spanish language skills and also helped me get over the initial anxiety of diving in since others were at a similar level and had similar questions as we moved through the content. I felt very welcomed and not judged for being so inexperienced in Spanish conversation. I also love that all of the vocabulary we studied and the books we reviewed were directly related to libraries because that is the #1 environment I will be using Spanish in. It kept me engaged through the entire 6 weeks and I always wanted to attend sessions and practice in between. I found the drop-in sessions throughout the week helpful because it gave me the opportunity to recall what we reviewed each week a second time and in a smaller group.” • “The primary benefit for me of participating in this group was to strengthen my vocabulary and conversational skills in Spanish, especially talking about things that we tend to discuss at the library. This added fluency has already helped my interactions with Spanish speaking patrons at the library, and I expect that effect to continue.” • “I learned additional things about culture, especially after reading one of the books. I am always trying to incorporate Spanish books into each of my displays, and most signs I try and have in Spanish and English.” • “I can and will apply so much of what we did in the conversation group together, including the basic library phrases we learned (like "do you have a library card") and moving away from being intimidated to speak to a monolingual Spanish speaker and moving toward trying my best to communicate even if my Spanish is not perfect. This program helped empower me to recognize that I can still interact with monolingual Spanish speakers even if I feel like I have a long way to go before I can confidently identify as a Spanish speaker myself. Knowing that trying and stumbling through a conversation can be meaningful to a patron just as much as speaking perfect Spanish inspires me to keep learning and practicing and I know it will have a big impact on many of my regular patrons.” Professional Learning for Serving Older Adults in Libraries This year, the consultant increased learning opportunities for providing services to older adults in libraries. In FY23, AS Consulting funded 20 public librarians and library staff to take courses in inclusive staff recruitment and retention, andragogy and adult learning theory, and assisting library users on the Autism spectrum, with dementia, and with mental illness/ disorders. Participants were surveyed and asked whether they would recommend these courses and 100% responded they would. Feedback from learners included: • “Thank you for this opportunity! I now have refreshed my understanding of what adults need and crave in their continuing education efforts, both formally and informally… I feel like my own presentations will be better keeping the assumptions and principles of andragogy and heutagogy in mind as I structure learning for my participants.” • “I benefitted from this course and learned practical tools for handling stressful situations we frequently encounter in the library. I am equipped with more knowledge that helps me be more empathetic and self-care practices to de-stress in healthy ways. I am more aware of mental health literacy that I can share with our patrons and the limitations of service the library can provide.” • “This course helped me because my previous experience was working with youth K-5 and now I have started to work a bit with Older Adults. I have never had to relate closely to someone with dementia whether it be at work or my personal life and this course helped me understand a bit more about dementia and how to treat those with dementia. I will use this information in my library career because the course gave some many incredible examples of how to include dementia friendly services in the library.” Additionally, consultant provided funding and promoted certification for a seated exercise program to support neuroplasticity, brain fitness, and overall quality of life in older and aging adults for public libraries to five librarians and library staff (i.e., Ageless Grace). Additional libraries learned about the program through promotion and consultation and have self-funded their staff certifications. Prior to this year only one Colorado library was listed as a provider of this program.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Spanish Language Learning and Conversation for Library Staff The state library has found a high demand for this program with many questions arising throughout the year during consultations, via email, and through feedback on program evaluations. The consultant has presented on the Spanish for library staff program in local, state, and national venues, including at Public Library Association’s annual conference in 2024. Attendees of these sessions as well as visitors to the Spanish for Libraries webpage on the state library website email consultant to request one-on-one consultations and receive guidance for potentially starting their own Spanish for library staff programs or Spanish conversation groups. In addition to answering consulting requests, consultant is asked to facilitate workshops for on meeting the needs of Spanish speakers and Latine communities at libraries. The demand observed and feedback on evaluations from these workshops suggests a need to continue providing these training and learning opportunities. Professional Learning for Serving Older Adults in Libraries State population and demographics data as well as anecdotal data collected from presentations and consultation with libraries suggest that there is an increasing need for training and professional development in delivering services, finding resources, and developing programming for aging and older adults at local libraries. The consultant has identified partners among state agencies and community organizations and has scheduled workshops and networking opportunities in the upcoming year to support those needs. The consultant has also planned to expand opportunities for funding programs as indicated by sustained interest in those programs.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Spanish Language Learning and Conversation for Library Staff The consultant has delivered and is scheduled to deliver presentations on how other state and local libraries can create language learning and conversation communities of practice. The goals of these programs should be confidence rather than competence or mastery. The single most remarked upon takeaway from these sessions and consultations is the “permission to make mistakes” when speaking Spanish. Sustaining a community of practice is difficult, but it is the most important element of a successful program. The community aspect helps practitioners continue to seek learning opportunities in a safe, supportive environment for learning. The consultant continuously reflects upon the goal of expanding access to libraries for non-English speakers and on developing the cultural competence and humility that creates welcoming libraries. Professional Learning for Serving Older Adults in Libraries State and local population trends and demographics data communicate a need for considering aging and older adults in library strategic planning, staffing, and partnership development. Revisiting and reflecting upon these data are key to identifying how community needs have changed and forecast what communities may look like in the future. The consultant includes opportunities for exploring community data through presentations and workshops about services to aging and older adults so that library professionals at all levels and functions can see for themselves who lives in their communities and consider ways their work is and will be impacted by the change in demographics.
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:
Consultant will include an asynchronous online for the Spanish for library staff program on the Moodle Learning Management System and consultant will also be leading a study on the state of adult services in Colorado libraries.
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 Narrative“Español for Library Staff” Spanish language learning and conversation for library staff is an exemplary program for library development. As libraries around the county search for ways they can serve their Spanish-speaking community members they find out about this program and reach out to the consultant for more information and guidance on how they can create something similar in their contexts. There is a great opportunity for a language learning and conversation community of practice in places where demographics have shifted because of immigration and refugee resettlement. As our libraries look for ways of creating welcome for those new community members, they have identified language and cultural competence and humility as opportunities.

Project Tags: Adult, Older Adults, Spanish