Library systems

Comprehensive 5-year evaluation complete

reportcover2Another evaluation project successfully completed by AmaLat Consulting LLC!

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) distributes more than $150 million in federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds to 50 plus State Library Agencies each year. This is the largest source of federal funding for libraries in the United States.

In New York State, LSTA funds are used to support a wide variety of programming and services for libraries and library systems of all types, their staff…and of course, USERS! Some examples of LSTA-funded programs include NOVELNY (the statewide virtual library), Ready to Read at New York Libraries, and the Summer Reading Program.

Every five years, IMLS requires State Library Agencies to develop a new plan detailing their proposed use of LSTA funds, and this plan is based on a comprehensive, independent evaluation. I was hired by the New York State Library as an independent consultant to complete their 5-Year LSTA Evaluation for 2012-2017.

This report is now available on the IMLS website.

To learn more about LSTA and the IMLS Grants to States Program, click here.

ILEAD USA: A leadership and technology immersion program for librarians

ileadlogoI’m glad to be getting back to my blog! Where did the fall go?

It’s the cold/flu/stomach bug season here, and I have three young children. Enough said. Thankfully, we’re healthy for the moment!

I’m writing today to share a new and very exciting project (and one that AmaLat Consulting is helping to coordinate). The NY State Library has opened up registration for ILEAD USA, a FREE leadership immersion program for all types of librarians in NY. The deadline to put a team together and apply is January 25, 2015.

Here is some info from the website:

During 2015, the New York State Library, in partnership with the New York Library Association and the Mid-York Library System, is collaborating with state library agencies from Illinois, Delaware, Maine, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, and Wisconsin to implement ILEAD USA – a nationwide leadership immersion program utilizing web technologies, expanding library staff’s leadership skills and their ability to use participatory technology. Participants work in teams to address an identified community need and will be assisted by mentors/instructors in developing a successful project.

See http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/ilead/index.html for more details and the online application.

Also to note, we are looking for team mentors and instructors. See the above link for those applications as well, or feel free to contact me.

This is a truly unique opportunity for librarians to work together to meet community needs in new and innovative ways. It is also a program that has been well-received and very successful in other states.

I invite you to check it out!

Planning/evaluation training in Utica, NY

FreeTraining1Attention New York librarians:

When was the last time you had uninterrupted time (hours!) dedicated to planning a library program – from assessment through evaluation? Maybe…never, right?

Well, I’m pleased to announce that I will be conducting a Basic Outcome-Based Evaluation (OBE) Workshop at the Mid-York Library System in Utica on October 16th and 17th, sponsored by the NY State Library. Participants will learn how to write measurable, relevant outcomes (think IMPACT!) and develop complete logic models for selected projects. Discussion will include real-world application of OBE in many types of libraries. The training is also FREE with lunch provided.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/obe/workshop.htm