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G2S Project Code: 2024-AL-94734
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: IT Support Services
State Project Code: AL
Start Date: 10/01/2024
End Date: 09/30/2025
Abstract: The IT support project expanded the ability of librarians all over the state, most of whom are located in rural areas, to provide better technology services for their patrons. The APLS IT Division is comprised of seven full-time professional technicians with certification and knowledge in various areas of technology. Together they form a strong team of specialized support for public libraries regarding hardware, software, open source products, Wi-Fi, web development, and other areas. Their main function is to provide no cost technical support to public libraries so that the libraries do not have to find and pay for tech support on their own.
State Goal: Information Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$2,639.00
$728,498.00
$0.00
$731,137.00
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: IT Help Desk Support
Narrative: APLS IT Technicians provided over 480 hours worth of support to our public libraries in the form of troubleshooting hardware, solving network problems, and installing hardware and software. If libraries had used private technicians for these services, they could have paid up to $150 per hour. APLS provided over $72,000 worth of assistance to libraries at no cost. A total of 405 service tickets were worked during the year.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

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


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 1
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 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: 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:
Most of Alabama's public libraries are located in low-income rural areas of the state. Many of these locations have been affected by the closure of local factories and businesses which has cut off critical local funding revenues. As the residents in these areas look for employment and recreation opportunities, they rely on the libraries to provide access to updated technology and Internet access.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Having the most up-to-date technology and access available is critical in Alabama's low-income areas. Due to a lack of local funding for IT services, they rely on APLS IT Technicians for help with troubleshooting, purchasing, and installation of hardware and software. We also provide free web hosting for many of these libraries as well as access to the Evergreen open source ILS.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
As advances and changes in technology occur, the public libraries rely on the expertise of our IT techs to provide them with the information they need to make the best choices in the technology needs for their communities.
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: Tech Support