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G2S Project Code: 2023-PA-93722
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
Pennsylvania Library Association

Project Director
Director Name: Christi Buker
Director Phone: 7177667663
Director Email: christi@palibraries.org
General Information
Title: College and Research Professional Development
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The LSTA Grant supports professional development opportunities administered by the College & Research Division (CRD) of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) for academic librarians – academic library focused sessions as well academic library presenters. Professional development is costly and funds available from individual libraries are limited. The PaLA Annual Conference, the CRD Annual Workshop, and CRD’s monthly Connect & Communicate Series features national and regionally known speakers that provide strategies librarians can implement to better serve the academic communities they serve. Using grant funding to bring in speakers allows academic librarians to participate in innovative learning experiences that they might be otherwise unable to afford. In addition to statewide events, grant funds are awarded to regional chapters to support local professional development events. Topics this year have included disability inclusion, gamification, intellectual freedom, outreach initiatives, textual analysis, information literacy instruction, student perception, and generative artificial intelligence.
State Goal: Libraries integral to the lifelong educational ecosystem
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$25,446.70
$0.00
$7,387.00
$32,833.70
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Connect & Communicate Speaker Series
Narrative: Having accessible, high-quality professional development programs is key to maintaining a robust academic library community in Pennsylvania. The Connect & Communicate Series provided semi-monthly one-hour sessions on a variety of topics related to librarianship and provided a forum for discussion as well. The following Connect & Communicate programs were held: Multiverse of One-Shots: Expanding First Year Information Literacy Instruction Across the Curriculum presented by Cecelia Lasley, Disability in Academic Libraries: Moving from Accessibility to Inclusion presented by Katie Quirin Manwiller, Engagement & Community Among Student Workers: A Library Success Story presented by Kim Karim, We Can Do It Ourselves: Exploring the Foundations of DIY Culture and Zines for Academic Libraries presented by Carmen Cole, An Overview of Federal Legal Research for General Academic Librarians presented by Peter Egler, and Advocating for Leisure Reading in Your Academic Collection presented by Monica Gingerich, Emily Rimland, and Katie O’Hara-Krebs.
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: 54
Number of times program administered: 6


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: 0
Academic Libraries: 65
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: 53
Agree: 33
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 9
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 37
Agree: 42
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 13
Disagree: 3
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 38
Agree: 39
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 18
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 43
Agree: 41
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 12
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Southeast Chapter Workshop
Narrative: Exploring Artificial Intelligence & PA Libraries" was an in-person workshop attended by 62 individuals including 10 from academic institutions. The program had two primary keynote speakers, Dr. Scott Hand, Director of Technology Innovation and Instructional Design at Radnor Township School District, and Jim Craner, Library Technologist at The Galecia Group. After these key presentations, a panel with PA libraries included a community college librarian, a high school librarian, and a public library system network technician to consider how each entity was using AI, considering policies and trainings around AI. In the afternoon, attendees could attend two of three concurrent round table options including an AI petting zoo. The final part of the day was a tour of the library and unconference style conversations for a total of 3.5 hours of continuing education for attendees.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 45
Number of sessions in program: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 60
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


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: 0
Academic Libraries: 10
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: 19
Agree: 5
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: 8
Agree: 14
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: 12
Agree: 11
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: 14
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Juniata Conemaugh Chapter Spring Workshop
Narrative: The College and Research Division supported the Juniata Conemaugh Chapter workshop that collaborated with the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Round Table. The workshop was held on May 14, 2024 at the Maker Commons inside the Penn State University Libraries. Attendees learned how to use free Adobe Software (Express, Firefly) including AI image assistance, select correct materials for dye-sublimation projects, and understand how maker spaces engage creativity across all learning stages. A tour of the full Maker Commons showed how an academic library uses maker spaces for students and lessons and best practices for using various technologies.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 15
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


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: 6
Academic Libraries: 8
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: 11
Agree: 1
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: 4
Agree: 8
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: 3
Agree: 9
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: 2
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Annual Conference: College & Research Division
Narrative: College & Research Division keynote session presenter: Dr. Abigail Phillips, Assistant Professor in the School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, presented, "Facing a Troubled Library Landscape: Seeking More Compassionate and Empathetic Library Work for All." 11 professional development breakout sessions with academic presenters and content were supported with grant funds for speaker fees and related facility and audio-visual expenses. Additionally, academic librarians volunteered as session moderators. Sessions presented: A Beginner’s Practical Guide to Textual Analysis Research: What It Is and How to Do It, A Heist in the Stacks: Tabletop Gaming Events with One-Page RPGs, Data Literacy for Information Professionals, Epistemic Vaccination: Inoculation Theory and Misinformation, Help! Inclusion is Important, But How Do I Actually Improve My Library?, Hidden Histories: Digitizing the Black History and Visual Culture Collection, Improving Town & Gown Relations through a Social Justice Book Club, Rising to the Challenge: Exposing Extremist Tactics to Defend Intellectual Freedom, Serving Those Who Served: Reaching Out and Engaging Veterans in Your Community, Understanding Student Perception of LibGuides and LibAnswers FAQ Design and Content, What does Outreach look like in Academic Libraries?
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 12
Average number in attendance per session: 42
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


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: 0
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 106
Agree: 59
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 17
Disagree: 8
Strongly Disagree: 6
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 77
Agree: 63
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 28
Disagree: 12
Strongly Disagree: 5
Non-Response: 11
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 84
Agree: 58
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 38
Disagree: 6
Strongly Disagree: 6
Non-Response: 4
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 97
Agree: 51
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 27
Disagree: 7
Strongly Disagree: 7
Non-Response: 7
Activity Details
Title: CRD Spring Workshop
Narrative: The CRD Spring Workshop was held May 1st and ran from 9:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. over Zoom. The theme was artificial intelligence in libraries with four different sessions. Three were presentations on different aspects of the ways that artificial intelligence is impacting libraries. One presenter looked at AI and financial literacy, another at AI research tools, and another showed how their library facilitated discussion about AI on their campus. The fourth session was a round table discussion that offered attendees a chance to offer their own thoughts on AI.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 45
Number of sessions in program: 4
Average number in attendance per session: 55
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


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: 5
Academic Libraries: 48
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: 5
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: 8
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 7
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 9
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The primary outcome of this project is to increase the opportunities for academic librarians to access high-quality, relevant professional development, as well as increasing their ability to access this development through reduced costs and increased accessibility. The College and Research Division (CRD) recognizes that both in-person and virtual programming have their benefits and strives to provide a balance in programming opportunities. In-person meetings allow for deeper collaboration and networking opportunities, while virtual programming affords librarians from across the state learning opportunities regardless of travel and time restrictions.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Virtual programming such as the CRD Annual Workshop and the Connect & Communicate series continue to be valued when well-planned and executed. In person professional development, such as sponsored breakout sessions at the PaLA Annual Conference and local events hosted by regional chapters have given librarians across the state opportunities to connect face-to-face. Support for PA academic librarians also enhances their individual professional development and work toward tenure, while strengthening PA libraries of all types through their presentations. There has been a trend of conference and workshop proposals by academic librarians for technology-based training (generative AI, outreach tools, textual analysis, data literacy) and inclusivity training, and outreach, that indicate continued interest in further education in these areas. The CRD will continue to research, plan, promote, and deliver professional development that meets the needs of the academic library community - both in terms of content and quality, and varying delivery methods to promote connection, affordability, and accessibility.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The use of grant funds to compensate PA academic librarian speakers for their presentations was well-received and allowed us to spotlight our own great work here in PA and how that can connect to other PA libraries. Using grant funds to bring in speakers from across the commonwealth and the country allowed participants to engage with concepts they may not have found otherwise. Virtual presentations reduce the travel expenses for both the presenters and the participants. However, many academic librarians are limited to engaging even in virtual events due to the normal expenses of workshop and conference registration requirements. Grant funds compensating speakers can be a way to help address these challenges.
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: Academic libraries, professional development