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G2S Project Code: 2024-GA-95210
State: Georgia
Fiscal Year: 2024

Grantee
Georgia Public Library Service

Project Director
Director Name: Kristin White
Director Phone: (404) 235-7155
Director Email: kwhite@georgialibraries.org

General Information
Title: GLS
State Project Code: GA98150-30
Start Date: 07/01/2024
End Date: 09/30/2025
Abstract: The Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, the network library for Georgia of the National Library Service (NLS), strived to provide literacy opportunities to all residents who present as print disabled. GLS provided crucial direct literacy services and outreach, circulating resources such as recorded books, magazines, and audio playback machines. The unit also coordinated patron usage of the online app BARD offering audio and electronic braille books. With over 10,000 registered users and an annual circulation nearing half a million titles, GLS provided an invaluable service, complemented by tailored reader advisory support. GLS actively worked to reach a higher percentage of qualified users across Georgia by streamlining operations and increasing virtual outreach will help promote services to those who may be unaware of their eligibility. Furthermore, national changes to eligibility criteria and newer technologies, including Duplication on Demand and refreshable braille compatibility, refined processes to ensure access for all readers. GLS consistently received positive feedback and will be poised for continued success.
State Goal: Equal Access

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$779,165.20

$521,937.67

$0.00

$1,301,102.87

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: GLS Distribution Center
Narrative: The The Georgia Distribution Center (GDC) of GLS made exceptional strides for yet another year utilizing the Duplication on Demand model. This process allowed the library to customize reading material cartridges based on each patron's individual requests, significantly improving the users’ ability to obtain and use information resources. The staff was further strengthened by the transition of a former GLS Reader Advisor into the role of GDC Inventory Specialist. The team also introduced new inventory control and machine servicing methods specifically for the new, state-of-the-art DA2 machine. GDC was among the first network libraries in the country to distribute this new equipment. Despite facing numerous challenges coordinating with changing dynamics at the US Postal Service, this dedicated division successfully met all order fulfillment deadlines and streamlined methods for communicating patron status changes to staff across other GLS divisions. Continuing to utilize the Gutenberg cartridge duplication method and mastering talking book machine inventory control within KLAS (Keystone Library Automated System), GDC demonstrated an exceptionally high level of precise and efficient inventory control, underscoring their commitment to high-quality service.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 486,165
Average number of items circulated / month: 32,411
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / 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: 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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 410
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1

Activity Details
Title: GLS Atlanta
Narrative: GLS-Atlanta, the sole walk-in location for the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, served the state's over 12,651 active patrons through a combination of in-person and virtual offerings. The facility's staff provided extensive remote support, engaging in a combined total of 24,186 incoming and outgoing phone calls to patrons statewide. The library sponsored 82 programs—including peer support, book clubs, and technology classes—for 565 attendees via virtual, in-person, or hybrid formats. Braille Bingo was a signature event held almost every month at GLS-Atlanta. Foot traffic was impressive, with 829 walk-ins and 200 computer users. To extend the walk-in library experience, staff hosted "Programs on the Go," like trivia and karaoke, in locations across Georgia, including Augusta and Savannah. These events were co-sponsored by the Friends of GLS and a number of other partner agencies. This collaboration helps mimic the GLS-Atlanta patron experience statewide.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

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

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 61,215
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 5,101

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 410
Academic Libraries: 6
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 2
School Libraries: 294
Other: 188

Activity Details
Title: GLS Outreach
Narrative: The GLS Outreach division achieved an exceptional project year, nearly doubling their activity rate despite the loss of their division manager. The two remaining Outreach Librarians, described as an exceptional duo, stewarded the year's success. The team participated in almost 100 activities, contacting an estimated 3,653 people through presentations and exhibits at various centers and conferences. For professional growth, staff attended the NLS National Conference, and one librarian served on the planning committee and presented at the NLS Southern/Midlands Conference. The division’s crowning achievement was executing its first GLS Road Trip, visiting nearly all library systems in the state by November. Strong engagement continued in the 2025 Summer Reading Program, which saw 72 registrations and a 55% completion rate. Participants read over 515,000 minutes, and 257 people attended the associated programs, affirming the division's commitment to excellence.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 90
Number of presentations/performances administered: 91
Average number in attendance per session: 40

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 410
Academic Libraries: 3
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 4
Other: 35

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The Georgia Library Service (GLS) delivered strong results this year through key service improvements and new technologies. GDC successfully launched the DA2 machine, updating inventory and service processes to support it. Local magazine delivery further improved efficiency and reliability. GLS Outreach nearly doubled its activity, completing the first GLS Road Trip and expanding the library’s statewide presence. Events such as the Braille Ball and Summer Reading Program reinforced GLS’s role in promoting literacy and community engagement. GLS earned the 2024 GLA Team Award and increased public visibility through the PBS Renegades screening, supported by the award winning Friends of GLS.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The GLS project outcomes are essential for federal compliance and demonstrate clear program value through increased outreach, patron engagement, and service efficiency. These efforts also advance the mission to support print disabled Georgians statewide. Continued investment is important, as recent initiatives—such as the GLA Team Award work, the GLS Road Trip, and the implementation of the DA2 and Duplication on Demand models—have expanded access and strengthened modern, efficient operations. These scalable, data driven processes, including the updated magazine delivery workflow, can be shared across the National Library Service network and reinforce GLS’s commitment to service excellence.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The key lesson learned is the power of maximizing existing resources for greater impact. The GLS Road Trip demonstrated that statewide expansion and strong data collection can be achieved with only two Outreach Librarians by leveraging their expertise and partnering with local library systems rather than building new infrastructure. Additionally, modernizing operational technology—such as integrating the DA2 machine and shifting magazine delivery locally—proved essential for maintaining reliable, high quality service despite external challenges like USPS delays. These experiences show that strategic collaboration and timely technology upgrades are critical for stabilizing core services and enabling effective future outreach.
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: braille, distribution, summer reading