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G2S Project Code: 2023-CO-93618
State: Colorado
Fiscal Year: 2023

Grantee
Colorado State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Tiah Frankish
Director Phone: 720-688-3836
Director Email: frankish_t@cde.state.co.us

General Information
Title: Public Library Leadership Development
State Project Code: 163S-5204
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The Public Library Leadership Consultant (PLLC) provided guidance, professional development, and resources to public library directors, trustees, and other library administrators to support their strategic administration of their libraries. Activities included trustee training and resources, updated Colorado Public Library Standards, monthly Hot Topics meetings for directors, and new director orientation throughout the year and an annual forum for New Directors. In collaboration with the Rural and Small Library Consultant, the PLLC consulted with public library leaders on administration, management, and leadership, provided professional development workshops for public library managers and staff on culture-building topics, and developed resources on library policy, law, and other public library administrative topics. These activities were intended and resulted in public library directors, trustees, managers, and staff having the skills, knowledge, and resources to effectively administer library services that meet the needs and aspirations of their communities.
State Goal: Professional Development for Library Staff

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$151,373.23

$13,097.48

$0.00

$164,470.71

Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Continuing Education and Staff Development

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Public Library Staff and Leadership Training
Narrative: In FY23, the Public Library Consultant provided three staff days, a management team workshop, one conference workshop, four leadership workshops on facilitation, data, and/or use standards, and one new directors' forum. A total of 588 public library staff, managers, and directors participated in these interactive sessions that ranged in length from one to three hours.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 119
Number of sessions in program: 9
Average number in attendance per session: 65
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: 63
Agree: 29
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 44
Agree: 45
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 5
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 60
Agree: 31
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 65
Agree: 24
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Trustee Training
Narrative: The Public Library Consultant offered public library board workshops on use of data in decision-making, legal requirements and responsibilities, ethical considerations, planning, and standards. In FY23, CSL hosted a trustee track at the Colorado library conference and traveled to ten libraries to offer custom training for library boards. These interactive sessions were 1 - 3 hours and included culture-building activities.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 117
Number of sessions in program: 11
Average number in attendance per session: 10
Number of times program administered: 1

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

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: 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: BERTHOUD COMMUNITY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 236 WELCH AVENUE
City: BERTHOUD
State: CO
Zip: 80513
Name: DOLORES LIBRARY DISTRICT/MONTEZUMA COUNTY
Address: 1002 RAILROAD AVE
City: DOLORES
State: CO
Zip: 81323
Name: DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES
Address: 100 SOUTH WILCOX
City: CASTLE ROCK
State: CO
Zip: 80104
Name: ESTES VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 335 EAST ELKHORN AVENUE
City: ESTES PARK
State: CO
Zip: 80517
Name: GARFIELD CO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 207 EAST AVENUE
City: RIFLE
State: CO
Zip: 81650
Name: HIGH PLAINS LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 2650 W. 29TH ST.
City: GREELEY
State: CO
Zip: 80631
Name: LAFAYETTE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 775 W BASELINE RD
City: LAFAYETTE
State: CO
Zip: 80026
Name: LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1115 HARRISON AVE
City: LEADVILLE
State: CO
Zip: 80461
Name: MEEKER REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 490 MAIN STREET
City: MEEKER
State: CO
Zip: 81641
Name: MESA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 530 GRAND AVE
City: GRAND JUNCTION
State: CO
Zip: 81502
Name: POUDRE RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 301 E OLIVE STREET
City: FORT COLLINS
State: CO
Zip: 80524
Name: RIDGWAY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 300 CHARLES STREET
City: RIDGWAY
State: CO
Zip: 81432
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 53
Agree: 20
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 40
Agree: 31
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 50
Agree: 22
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 49
Agree: 22
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Trustee Panel Presentation
Narrative: In FY23, the Broomfield Public Library director and two board members offered an online presentation "To Serve All: Eliminating Barriers to Library Service." The presentation was hosted by the State Library. This presentation explained their philosophy and data that led to the policy change to no longer charging fees for damaged children's materials. While only a few trustees attended, each came from different parts of the state which indicates this policy change could expand in Colorado. This policy is recommended in the Colorado Public Library Standards.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 6

Partner Information

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

Activity Details
Title: Public Library Leadership Consultations
Narrative: In FY23, the public library consultant answered questions about legal issues, policy development, trustee transitions, succession planning, standards, hiring and supervision, and wide variety of other issues.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 368
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 31

Partner Information

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

Activity Details
Title: Public Library Leadership Meetings
Narrative: CSL hosted online monthly meetings for public library directors called "Hot Topics" as well as other meetings for deputy directors, foundation directors, and others as needed. Topics included timely updates on network vulnerability, legislative changes, etc. CSL also hosted 34 meetings with task force members and others for the interactive revision of the Colorado Public Library Standards. Meetings included review and integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion measures which strengthened the documents while offering informal learning to those who attended.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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

Quantity

Partner Information

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

Activity Details
Title: Public Library Board - Short Takes
Narrative: In FY23, CSL purchased access for all Colorado public library boards to the United For Libraries Short Takes. These 12 videos offer 5-12 minute microlearning on key aspects of the role of public library trustees and boards. The videos are accompanied by resources and question prompts for discussion and further investigation. Public library boards are encouraged to watch these as part of their board meetings or at other times to increase access to valuable learning. Twenty-seven directors and trustees made accounts, accessing the videos 191 times and the resource files 72 times. Only one person completed the entire series and earned the certificate by completing the evaluation.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Digital

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 1
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

Public Libraries: 112
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: Public Library Development Resources
Narrative: CSL hosted a website for public library leadership. In FY23, the main page was viewed 5,735 times by 1278 unique users, 75% of users have it bookmarked. Use of other areas of the website included 3,413 views of legal resources, 4,135 views of the Standards, 792 views of the policy bank, and 671 views of the Trustee Handbook. Staff also distributed 154 print copies of the Trustee Handbook. The Colorado Public Library Standards were updated to cover 2024 to 2030. The electronic document is accessible from the website and 112 print copies were sent to each public library jurisdiction.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 2
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 5
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 112
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:
The overall outcome for this program is that public library directors and trustees have the skills and knowledge to effectively administer library services that meet the needs and aspirations of their communities. On workshop evaluations, public library trustees and staff indicated that they learned, felt more confident, and planned to apply what they learn based on the interactive workshops provided. Over 90% of survey participants indicated they agree or strongly agree with these statements. In addition, informal feedback indicated that the website with standards, legal, and policy resources, and other tools are used frequently and bookmarked by public library leaders for quick access. The Colorado Public Library Standards document and Trustee Handbook are sought after publications that require additional printing next year. Feedback themes for programming included, "I'm very grateful for this program coming right at the top of the conference. Very helpful and made me feel more confident about this totally new experience." "So much great content was shared; the roleplaying activities were useful and many opportunities to learn from others were available." "Lots of opportunity for questions and discussion. Great to learn from each other. I have lots more confidence in how to move forward with conviction." Feedback themes for trustee training: "There was a lot of information presented that can better help us service our community." "I found this session helpful because we needed an opportunity to get resituationed (sic) as a board." "Well organized, engaging, and covers a lot of information in a way that is easy to understand." "Es una guan oportunidad para aprenter y erterder las odigraciaions y compromisos de ser una parte de la junta de la biblioteca. (It is a great opportunity to learn and experience the joys and commitments of being a part of the library board.)"
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Based on formal evaluation, requests, and informal input, the Colorado State Library (CSL) will devote more time to updating and refreshing online content, providing additional workshops relevant to the new standards, and continue to offer Hot Topics, Short Takes, trustee training, and new director support. Additional attention will be paid to interim and new directors who gain more skill and confidence from frequent engagement.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Public Library Standards In revising the Colorado Public Library Standards, the task forces were comprised primarily of small and rural library directors rather than previous strategies of selecting those with subject expertise. (Subject expertise was gathered in other ways.) CSL used this strategy because Colorado public library jurisdictions serve from 361 to 706,799 residents with 82 public library jurisdictions (73%) serving populations under 25,000, only 8% of all Coloradans. The standards offer applicable guidance for the smallest library jurisdictions while also listing aspirational strategies for even the most innovative libraries. In addition, the Standards and the associated data resources illuminate the differences in public library funding throughout Colorado (operating expenditures per capita rates ranging from $5.31 to $468.72 with the overall average ranging from $65.50 - $81.50 per capita (2022 data)). These disparities are highlighted to inform local decision makers while the standards “essentials” checklists provide library strategies so that all Coloradans may enjoy quality library services. Short Takes CSL offered United for Libraries Short Takes for Public Library Trustees. While over 60 people registered for these helpful trustee training videos, a fraction completed one or more subjects. CSL got the word out but what is needed for trustees to use the resource? This coming year CSL staff are working more closely with United for Libraries to combine marketing, mechanisms for encouraging completion, and more targeted feedback on each training topic. ADA and Evaluation CSL needs to comply with online ADA requirements which allowed the public library leadership website to be redeveloped. The addition of an evaluation system to gain input on outcomes will be added to assess use and improve these online offerings.
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:
Now that the revised standards are available, less effort will go into development. More effort will go into promotion of the use of the Standards and Hot Topics.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
CSL staff will be moving from the roll out of the Standards and Hot Topics to implementation in which more focus will be placed on training, use, and adoption of these vital resources.
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 NarrativeOther states have reached out to ask if they can use CSL standards to inform the revisions to their standards. The feedback received is that the combination of the format (Outcome, Overview, Checklists) and the topics (technology, evaluation, and access integrated throughout) are helpful in informing the updates and guidance developed by other states.

Project Tags: Public Library Consulting, Trustee Training, Standards