View Project

G2S Project Code: 2024-MI-94898
State: Michigan
Fiscal Year: 2024
Grantee
Library of Michigan

Project Director
Director Name: Shauna Quick
Director Phone: 517-335-0126
Director Email: quicks1@michigan.gov
General Information
Title: Technology and Digital Access Support for Libraries
State Project Code: E-Rate/Ploud/Enfold/LocalHop
Start Date: 10/01/2024
End Date: 09/30/2025
Abstract: The Library of Michigan (LM) provided a variety of technology related support to the Michigan library community. These programs centered around website hosting for small and rural libraries and consulting and training on the Federal Communication Commission's E-rate technology reimbursement program. Ploud provides a web platform for small and rural public libraries who might not have the staff or funding to create a viable website. Also includes outward facing customizable calendars (LocalHop) for program and event scheduling. This software provides for the creation and hosting of a library website using templates, while the security and product updates are done by a vendor. E-Rate support ensures that Michigan public libraries have access to the same level of services currently available to public schools. Through a partnership with E-Rate Central, libraries can utilize a dedicated helpdesk for E-Rate-related questions. In addition, consulting services and online training sessions were made available to Library of Michigan (LM) staff and interested public libraries to assist with navigating the E-Rate application process.
State Goal: Goal 4: Opportunities to Increase Digital Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$47,216.00
$0.00
$0.00
$47,216.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Ploud & LocalHop - Website Support for Rural and Small Libraries
Narrative: Ploud provides a website platform for small and rural public libraries who lack the technology staff or funding to create and provide a library website and outward facing customizable calendars (LocalHop) for program and event scheduling. This software allows for the creation and hosting of a library website using templates, while the security and product updates are done by vendor Enfold Systems Inc.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 2
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 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: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 124
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: 19
Agree: 35
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 8
Disagree: 4
Strongly Disagree: 7
Non-Response: 1
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 26
Agree: 31
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 7
Disagree: 5
Strongly Disagree: 5
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: E-Rate Consultation services for Public Libraries
Narrative: E-Rate Central provided expert guidance to Michigan public library staff to help them understand and successfully apply for E-Rate discounts. They supported libraries throughout the process, including responding to questions from USAC's Program Integrity Assurance reviewers. They also helped libraries stay on track with key E-Rate deadlines, such as submitting the application (Form 471), confirming the service start date (Form 486), invoicing (Form 472), and ensuring service providers filed their certification (Form 473).
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 14
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 1


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: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 11
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 1
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: E-Rate training
Narrative: The Library of Michigan hosted three webinars for the library community focused on the E-Rate program, a federal initiative that helps make internet and technology services more affordable for libraries and schools. The sessions were led by E-Rate Central, the consulting firm that supports Michigan libraries with E-Rate compliance, applications, and forms. E-Rate Central staff provided clear guidance to help libraries better understand and navigate the E-Rate process through these presentations. Oct 28, 2024 - 22 attendees Charting Your Course for Funding Year 2025: Navigating E-rate Admin Updates, 470 bidding, & Hotspots Mar 6, 2025 - 18 attendees E-rate Filing for Libraries: Key Steps & Deadlines! Jun 6, 2025 - 15 attendees Planting the Seeds for E-Rate Success: Grow Your Library's E-Rate Knowledge!
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 18


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: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 55
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:
Program Participation: Ploud - 124 Libraries, LocalHop - 25 Libraries, E-Rate 397 libraries Ploud - Allows Michigan public libraries without technology staff and funding to provide functional websites, 31% of Michigan public libraries use this software. Evaluations by LM for the Ploud program show that 74% of the respondents strongly agree or agree that Ploud is helpful for their library. When asked if the service helps them improve services to the public, 77% strongly agreed or agreed. LocalHop- Allowed users to create an outward facing calendar on their web site for library events that facilitated registrations. E-Rate - Granted applicants access to E-Rate support while applying for E-Rate funding. 100% of the respondents strongly agreed that the services from the vendor E-rate Central improved library services to the public and the same responded that the vendor met their library's needs. However, the total responses were only 37 on these questions.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Small and rural libraries have few staff skilled in technology and often have a more difficult time managing technical programs on their own. The Ploud program allows them to work with a community of peers in the state that are all using the same program to deliver their online presence and also gain support from a vendor experienced with the level of knowledge found in the small and rural library environment. Customizable templates can be updated by both library, state library, and vendor staff making maintenance easier than managing a site on their own. Participation has been declining due to a lack of an LM staff coordinator and LM is looking at different ways of meeting this need for libraries.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Without direct support of projects at the state level, these programs are difficult for small and/or rural libraries to use or use effectively.
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:
LM has hired a new technology coordinator for libraries and is reevaluating the current needs and current technology solutions.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
LM will modify technology support in the coming year based on the reevaluation of needs and service options.
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: Technology Support, E-Rate