Outcomes

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.

A terrific group!

I just conducted a Basic Outcome-Based Evaluation Workshop at the Mid York Library System in Utica for library staff across the state. What a wonderful two days!

obe-workshop

The participants really make these workshops, as we do a great deal of team work/discussion. And this group did not disappoint. We covered a lot of ground and many topics facing libraries today.

I want to thank this group of terrific librarians for attending the workshop, and the Mid York Library System for hosting us! Happy planning and evaluating!

PLA’s Project Outcome

In preparation for the Outcome-Based Evaluation Workshop I am conducting next month, I’ve been researching the Public Library Association’s new, national evaluation initiative, Project Outcome. As this is really a unique program and one with great potential, I wanted to share it here.

project-outcome

Here’s more info from the Project Outcome website (shown above):

What is Project Outcome?

We help public libraries understand and share the true impact of their services and programs with simple surveys and an easy-to-use process to measure and analyze outcomes. Project Outcome is a free toolkit offering libraries access to training, data analytics, and standardized surveys that measure outcomes in seven key library service areas:

  • Civic/Community Engagement
  • Digital Literacy
  • Early Childhood Literacy
  • Economic Development
  • Education/Lifelong Learning
  • Job Skills
  • Summer Reading

Note that an account must be created to view the many resources put together by Project Outcome. There isn’t much available on the website unless you sign up and gain access. But it’s free! From there you can learn more about participating and collecting/analyzing evaluation data for your public library. Check it out!

Thank you!

As I mentioned earlier this month, I conducted a Basic Outcome-Based Evaluation (OBE) Workshop in Utica last week, sponsored by the NY State Library.  I want to thank the Mid York Library System for hosting and all of the participants.

We had a terrific group – all came ready to work and share! As a trainer, I love a talkative group. We learned so much from each other and many had great suggestions for others’ projects.

Nice job, everyone! Best wishes on your OBE endeavors. It was a pleasure!

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