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G2S Project Code: 2024-AL-94715
State: Alabama
Fiscal Year: 2024
Grantee
Alabama Public Library Service

Project Director
Director Name: Kelyn L. Ralya
Director Phone: (334) 213-3976
Director Email: kralya@apls.state.al.us
General Information
Title: Consulting Services
State Project Code: AL
Start Date: 10/01/2024
End Date: 09/30/2025
Abstract: The consulting project expanded the ability of librarians around the state, most of whom are located in rural areas, to better provide for their patrons. The APLS Consultant Division is comprised of six professional librarians with various library backgrounds (public, academic, special). Together they form a strong team with knowledge in different areas and are able to assist our public libraries with issues in their communities
State Goal: Professional Development
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$119,206.00
$575,505.00
$0.00
$694,711.00
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Library Skills
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Training
Narrative: Consultant staff assisted libraries in the areas of adult services, children’s services, policy development, trustee training, and others. Funds were used for training. Consultant staff made 4,367 contacts and site visits with public libraries around the state to provide assistance with various aspects of public library management.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 4,367
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 364


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: 225
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:
Providing training to public library staff and trustees strengthens their service opportunities to the communities they serve. As we learn about what's happening in library science as a whole, we disseminate the information to our libraries to make them aware of current trends.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Expanded service to communities results in improved access to library materials, programs, and public computer service. Most of the libraries are in located in low-income rural areas where the library is the main source of free materials and Internet access. Several areas have been hit hard by the closure of local businesses which has effectively cut off valuable funding resources. The libraries are essential for helping residents find employment to support their families.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
In some cases, we have seen libraries on the brink of closure remain open due in part to our provision of consulting service to the library as a whole and sometimes the local funding agencies. We also assist newly established libraries by providing guidance and information regarding compliance with state (Code of Alabama (regarding public libraries), Alabama Ethics Law, Alabama Open Meetings Act, State Bid Law, etc.) and federal laws (CIPA, LSTA, E-Rate, etc.).
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:
APLS consulting staff are responsible for libraries located in various districts around the state in order to offer more one-on-one service to our public libraries. With the large turnover of library directors, they are kept busy making sure that these new directors are informed on various library issues. We also try to push out nationwide initiatives when applicable (i.e. STEM, STEAM, MakerSpaces). As we learn about what's happening in library science as a whole, we disseminate the information to our libraries to make them aware of current trends.
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: Consulting, Training