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G2S Project Code: 2024-NE-94967
State: Nebraska
Fiscal Year: 2024
Grantee
Nebraska Library Commission

Project Director
Director Name: Christa Porter
Director Phone: 402-471-3107
Director Email: christa.porter@nebraska.gov
General Information
Title: Statewide Library Improvement Services
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: Statewide Library Improvement Services provides assistance to libraries of all types and library-related organizations in planning, developing, implementing and managing library services. It encompasses partly the work of the continuing education coordinator and works closely with all directors of the state’s four regional library systems. The project also provides advice, information, and training related to the E-rate application process and weekly webinars provided for library personnel and others on library related issues and topics (NCompass Live).
State Goal: Sustainability of library programs and services
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$146,484.45
$409,310.10
$0.00
$555,794.55
Intent(s)
Improve library operations.
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Library Skills
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Statewide Library Improvement Services
Narrative: In order to foster library service improvements, Library Commission staff provides information, advice, training and assistance to library personnel, library trustees, community officials, and regional system staff. Staff also provided training and consultation for public library service improvements associated with the Public Library Accreditation; coordinated the Public Librarian and Public Library Board Certification Programs; provided ongoing consultation services; developed, taught, and coordinated a basic skills program for library staff without the MLS degree; and shared monthly information about online webinars related to library services. LSTA funds were used for a portion of salaries and benefits for library development staff. Statewide Library Improvement Services included continuing consultation with libraries involved in the Pioneer Consortium (a group of libraries collaborating on development of a shared automated system using open source software), meeting with the consortium’s governing Council and its officers to help with strategy. Training and advising were significant activities for the library development director and especially related to E-rate and community needs response planning training for library personnel.
Intent: Improve library operations.

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


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 765
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 85


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: Yes
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: 271
Academic Libraries: 51
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 4
Special Libraries: 95
School Libraries: 890
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The information, advice, and training provided by project staff improve Nebraska library services for Nebraskans by increasing the knowledge and confidence of library workers.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Library workers with a range of knowledge, skills, and abilities obtain training and education needed for effective library service delivery. Information, advice, and educational activities all contribute to competencies necessary to sustain the quality of library services.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
All library staff must be able and willing to adapt and adjust to rapidly evolving situations.Qualified staff with a range of skills are needed for leadership positions. Staff must have educational preparation to provide appropriate information, advice, and instruction. They must also have the motivation and commitment to perform their assigned responsibilities. And they must have the skills to share innovations for improving library services with others in collaborative efforts.
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:
Yes
Explain:
Change is necessary based on continuous assessment of trends and issues facing libraries, library workers, and library governing bodies. Project staff are engaged in executing ongoing assessment of the evolving needs for all facets of the project.
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: Consultation, Training