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G2S Project Code: 2023-CO-93701
State: Colorado
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
Colorado State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Kieran Hixon
Director Phone: 719-285-9173
Director Email: hixon_k@cde.state.co.us
General Information
Title: Rural and Small Library Support and Development
State Project Code: 163I-5204
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The Rural and Small Library Consultant (RSLC) provided targeted support to small and rural libraries, particularly those with service areas under 2,500. This included one-on-one coaching, training, and resource distribution, such as the Colorado Public Library Factbook. The RSLC, in collaboration with the Public Library Leadership Consultant, conducted a statewide tour, visiting 47 rural libraries to consult with directors, tour facilities, and lead regional workshops on the new Colorado Public Library Standards. The RSLC spearheaded a telehealth pilot project, identifying and recruiting libraries, securing funding, developing a website, and coordinating with various partners. They also provided webinars and created a marketing toolkit. The RSLC actively participated in national and statewide initiatives, offering expertise in rural library services. They contributed to the Research Institute for Public Libraries and the Collaborative Institute for Rural Communities and Librarianship (CIRCL).
State Goal: Services to Under-Served Populations
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$95,686.50
$19,646.22
$0.00
$115,332.72
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Personal/Family health & wellness
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Rural Roadshow
Narrative: State Library Staff embarked on a Rural Roadshow that consisted of seven 2-hour training sessions designed to empower library leaders (directors, managers, and board members) to embrace the core principles of the Public Library Standards and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility). Its objectives included: 1) Inspiring individual and organizational adoption of the Standards for planning and implementing change. 2) Leveraging benchmark data to support decision-making in small libraries. 3) Showcasing the valuable work of small libraries. 4) Fostering stronger connections between local/rural library leaders and the state library.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 15
Number of times program administered: 7


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: 109
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: 15
Agree: 7
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: 12
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 16
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 15
Agree: 7
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Implementation of Telehealth Services in Rural Public Libraries Webinar
Narrative: The Connect to Health@ Your Library pilot project is a partnership between the State Library and the Governor's Office of eHealth Innovation. State Library staff held two 60-minute informational sessions designed to further participation and implementation by libraries not involved in the pilot program. Content included equipment lists, methods of delivery, and outcomes of our project and partnerships with medical providers, the American Heart Association, and behavioral and mental health providers. These were presented nationally with the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) and within the state.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 120
Number of times program administered: 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: 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: 15
Agree: 4
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: 12
Agree: 5
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: 10
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 12
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Consultations
Narrative: In FY23, the Rural & Small Library consultant answered questions about legal issues, program development, job development, succession planning, standards, hiring and firing, along with coaching on a wide variety of other issues. These consultations were focused generally on libraries with rural designations, and/or serving populations under 25,000 people, and more specifically for the 28 libraries serving under 2,500 people all of which have a rural designation. They also include consultations with partners to help them work with rural and small public libraries.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 206
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 17


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: 112
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: The Library Factbook
Narrative: The Public Library Factbook is a comprehensive resource for small and rural libraries, offering a consistent template to document essential information. Given the high turnover in library leadership, this tool is invaluable for succession planning and emergency preparedness. The Library Factbook helps libraries inventory key assets and protocols, ensuring continuity of operations in unforeseen circumstances. As one library noted, "We used the Factbook during our staff training and it was a valuable resource for both new and experienced staff." To promote accessibility and usability, staff distributed 50 physical copies and made digital versions available for download.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 1
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 1
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
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: Connect to Health Website
Narrative: The Connect to Health telehealth pilot project website serves three communities: partner organizations, health providers, and libraries. It has a downloadable press kit in Spanish and English, along with graphics and templates for participating public libraries. Between October 2023 and June 2024, the website recorded over 2,000 views from 830 unique users. The downloadable press kit was accessed 240 times, the health providers page was viewed 120 times and the partnership page was viewed 99 times.
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: 1
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: 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: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ALAMOSA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 300 HUNT AVENUE
City: ALAMOSA
State: CO
Zip: 81101
Name: BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 321 14TH STREET
City: BURLINGTON
State: CO
Zip: 80807
Name: CONEJOS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 17703 HWY 285
City: LA JARA
State: CO
Zip: 81140
Name: DELTA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 149 E. MAIN
City: HOTCHKISS
State: CO
Zip: 81419
Name: DOLORES LIBRARY DISTRICT/MONTEZUMA COUNTY
Address: 1002 RAILROAD AVE
City: DOLORES
State: CO
Zip: 81323
Name: EAST MORGAN COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT/BRUSH
Address: 500 CLAYTON STREET
City: BRUSH
State: CO
Zip: 80723
Name: FORT MORGAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 414 MAIN STREET
City: FORT MORGAN
State: CO
Zip: 80701
Name: HUGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 522 SECOND AVENUE
City: HUGO
State: CO
Zip: 80821
Name: JULESBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 320 CEDAR STREET
City: JULESBURG
State: CO
Zip: 80737
Name: LAMAR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 EAST PARMENTER ST
City: LAMAR
State: CO
Zip: 81052
Name: LIMON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 205 E AVE
City: LIMON
State: CO
Zip: 80828
Name: Lincoln County Bookmobile
Address: N/A
City: N/A
State: CO
Zip: N/A
Name: NORTHERN CHAFFEE COUNTY LIB DIST/BUENA VISTA
Address: 131 LINDERMAN AVENUE
City: BUENA VISTA
State: CO
Zip: 81211
Name: NORTHERN SAGUACHE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 702 PITKIN STREET
City: SAGUACHE
State: CO
Zip: 81149
Name: PUEBLO CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 100 E ABRIENDO AVE
City: PUEBLO
State: CO
Zip: 81004
Name: WEST CUSTER COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 209 MAIN STREET
City: WESTCLIFFE
State: CO
Zip: 81252
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
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
On-site consultations have measurable impacts. Visiting a library and identifying a positive and unique service or program the library provides to their community created communication and trust between the small libraries and the State Library. The library directors were more willing to share their struggles during a visit and to follow up after the onsite consultation. This was shown by emails and comments by library directors, such as: “Thank you for taking the time to visit with me and listen to all my ramblings. You really encouraged me and had great ideas for me to incorporate - especially with some of my staffing struggles. Thank you, thank you!”
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Our State Library has prioritized serving small and rural communities, focusing on those with populations under 2,500. The Rural & Small Library Consultant provided tailored support to these libraries through in-person and virtual consultations, the Library Factbook, coaching, and training. This has led to better engagement with rural and small libraries in the state. It also played a key role in facilitating partnerships that function better for libraries with few staff, as noted by the Telehealth pilot project. This has also changed the approach of other consultants, internal services, and programs for public libraries initiated by the State Library. The State Library revamped the Public Library Standards prioritizing the input of small libraries. “Great Library Standards workshop today--and--I was really appreciative of how intentional you were around small and rural library needs (and limitations).” In collaboration with the Library Research Service, the consultant developed data visualization tools to inform decision-making and support state and regional projects. The Consultant's collaboration with other State Library Consultants in individualized and community-centered work has helped these consultants understand and better support those libraries' unique needs. As stated by another State Library Consultant, “The Rural and Small Libraries Consultant has been instrumental in helping me provide equitable and meaningful support to libraries around the state beyond the main urban and suburban areas. The needs and preferences of people living and working in communities outside of Colorado's Front Range and those working in libraries that are intimately connected to their communities are vastly different, thus working with and for them requires a different perspective and different methodologies. This is something I have learned as a direct result of the consultant's expertise and care in both their service to stakeholders and as a teammate."
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
One of the biggest lessons learned was the value of a strengths-based rather than a compliance-based approach. Developing confidence in directors of small libraries and valuing their successes leads to more success and more participation with statewide initiatives. Another lesson was taking action based on data and feedback from small libraries relating to partnerships and grant opportunities. Rather than having solutions, listening to the issues as stated by library staff on what is holding them back and what they see as solutions and then giving that information to partners and funders who can provide better solutions. For example, our grants have always been structured in such a way that the libraries front the money and are reimbursed with the grant funds. Because a few of the smallest libraries mentioned that they could not front the funds for telehealth booths, our Telehealth partner was able to arrange funding in advance.
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: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Rural Libraries, Small Libraries, Telehealth