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G2S Project Code: 2023-PA-93721
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2023

Grantee
Pennsylvania Integrated Library System

Project Director
Director Name: Catherine Greenleaf Martin
Director Phone: 7178739461
Director Email: kgm@sparkpa.org

General Information
Title: Pennsylvania Integrated Library System (PaILS)
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The Pennsylvania Integrated Library System Consortium (PalLS) provides access to a low cost yet highly robust and customizable integrated library system (ILS). Member libraries are provided with a system giving staff and library patrons such operational and lending functions as cataloging, placing and checking out holds, processing interlibrary loans, and searching the SPARK catalog. SPARK is the open-source integrated library system built on the Evergreen platform. At the end of this program year, there are 185 library locations throughout the state using SPARK to provide library services to patrons.
State Goal: Statewide Infrastructure

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$507,128.00

$0.00

$113,087.00

$620,215.00

Intent(s)
Improve library operations.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Systems & Technologies

Activities

Activity Details
Title: SPARK Statewide Lending Activity
Narrative: During fiscal year October 2023-September 2024, SPARK libraries checked out 7,560,576 items to users. 324,522 new items were added to the catalog. 27,686 interlibrary loans (ILLs) were provided to SPARK patrons, with an additional 34,791 ILLs to non-affiliated libraries with resource-sharing agreements within SPARK. The system generated 1,316,790 transits between SPARK libraries. 29 new library locations migrated to the SPARK consortium, increasing both the population served and the number of items available in the catalog. The automatic renewal of checked out items is an optional feature for libraries. The total of these renewals exceeded 165,000 monthly by the end of the program year.
Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 7,560,576
Average number of items circulated / month: 630,048
Total number of ILL transactions: 62,477
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 5,206

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

Public Libraries: 180
Academic Libraries: 1
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 1
School Libraries: 3
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: Support Services
Narrative: PaILS procured annual membership to the Evergreen Community Development Initiative, annual hosting and support from Equinox Open Library Initiative, and migration services for libraries joining the consortium. PaILS developed software projects such as integration of the Quipu ecard registration product and a text messaging service with the ILS, and improvements to circulation, hold management, and database quality. PaILS secured access to high-quality catalog records, and catalog enrichment services. PaILS purchased subscriptions to manage password security and offer helpdesk service, staff cellular phone service, and costs of grant administration and payroll services.
Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:

Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 0
Number of acquired equipment used: 0
Number of hardware items acquired: 0
Number of acquired hardware items used: 0
Number of software items acquired: 13
Number of acquired software items used: 13
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 0
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 180
Academic Libraries: 1
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 1
School Libraries: 3
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: SPARK & Evergreen Instruction
Narrative: All 23 locations in the Berks County Library System joined SPARK and Mary S Biesecker Public Library in Somerset, PA. Training was provided both before and after the migration to teach library staff all Evergreen modules. Training was led by PaILS and Equinox Open Library Initiative staff. Attendees were asked to complete a survey afterward. Staff were given the knowledge and confidence required to succeed with this software which is used in their work everyday.
Intent: Improve library operations.

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

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 135
Number of sessions in program: 21
Average number in attendance per session: 12
Number of times program administered: 2

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: BERNVILLE AREA COMMUNITY LIB
Address: 6721 BERNVILLE RD.
City: BERNVILLE
State: PA
Zip: 19506
Name: BETHEL TULPEHOCKEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 8601 LANCASTER AVE
City: BETHEL
State: PA
Zip: 19507
Name: BOONE AREA LIBRARY
Address: 129 N. MILL ST.
City: BIRDSBORO
State: PA
Zip: 19508
Name: BOYERTOWN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 29 E PHILADELPHIA AVE
City: BOYERTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 19512
Name: BRANDYWINE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 60 TOWER DRIVE
City: TOPTON
State: PA
Zip: 19562
Name: EXETER COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 4569 PRESTWICK DRIVE
City: READING
State: PA
Zip: 19606
Name: FLEETWOOD AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 110 W ARCH ST
City: FLEETWOOD
State: PA
Zip: 19522
Name: HAMBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 35 NORTH 3RD ST
City: HAMBURG
State: PA
Zip: 19526
Name: KUTZTOWN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 70 BIEBER ALLEY
City: KUTZTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 19530
Name: MARY S BIESECKER PUB LIBRARY
Address: 230 S ROSINA AVE
City: SOMERSET
State: PA
Zip: 15501
Name: MIFFLIN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 6 PHILADELPHIA AVE.
City: SHILLINGTON
State: PA
Zip: 19607
Name: MUHLENBERG COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 3612 KUTZTOWN RD
City: LAURELDALE
State: PA
Zip: 19605
Name: Reading Area Community College
Address: 10 S Second St
City: Reading
State: PA
Zip: 19603-1706
Name: READING PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 100 S. 5TH STREET
City: READING
State: PA
Zip: 19602
Name: ROBESONIA COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 75-A SOUTH BROOKE ST
City: ROBESONIA
State: PA
Zip: 19551
Name: SCHUYLKILL VALLEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 1310 WASHINGTON RD
City: LEESPORT
State: PA
Zip: 19533
Name: SINKING SPRING PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 3940 PENN AVE
City: SINKING SPRING
State: PA
Zip: 19608
Name: SPRING TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
Address: 78-C COMMERCE DRIVE
City: WYOMISSING
State: PA
Zip: 19610
Name: VILLAGE LIBRARY OF MORGANTOWN
Address: 207 N. WALNUT STREET
City: MORGANTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 19543
Name: WERNERSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 100 NORTH REBER STREET
City: WERNERSVILLE
State: PA
Zip: 19565
Name: WOMELSDORF COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 203 W HIGH ST
City: WOMELSDORF
State: PA
Zip: 19567
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 7
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: 5
Agree: 7
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: 5
Agree: 8
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: 5
Agree: 8
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:
In this program year, PaILS supported libraries and their users through ILS infrastructure. PaILS continued to identify and implement improvements to enhance staff and user experience. Libraries were empowered to better serve users in their communities, supporting goals of equity, belonging, and inclusion through efficient technology as well as time saved through its use. PaILS saw an increase in help desk tickets and received positive satisfaction from users through their effective responsiveness. 29 new library locations joined the consortium this year. Roll out of an integration between the ILS and the statewide interlibrary loan (ILL) system (AccessPA) was undertaken. This significantly reduced staff time in the ILL process. Development work began for electronic card registration using the system.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Having a reliable, robust and well-supported ILS system allows member libraries to improve end user experience. The growth of the SPARK member base has led to increased availability of resource sharing, supported by the ILS. Both front end library users and library staff operations benefit from the technical functionality of the system, allowing increased communication with patrons.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Libraries require support and encouragement to implement best practices. Library efficiency and service to patrons are improved by helping members with negotiating resource sharing agreements and by providing support or training for system operations and new features. The need for libraries to assist populations beyond those who have access to the building has been identified.
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:
PaILS members provide local matching in the form of membership fees. These fees support the consortium, which continues to grow as new libraries join. Continued LSTA investment s crucial to providing excellent support and system development without prohibitive cost increases in membership fees.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
Yes
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:
Project Staff
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: open source software, integrated library system, resource sharing