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.

Check out DHPSNY!

dhpsny-logoIn late 2016, I was hired to work on an exciting, new project of the New York State Archives and New York State Library, titled Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services of New York (DHPSNY). Because the program offers a variety of training/services to collecting institutions including libraries, I thought I would share it here.

The following is a description from the DHPSNY website:

Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) is a statewide program that supports the vast network of non-government, unique library, and archival repositories that safeguard New York’s historical records. DHPSNY provides a range of free services to eligible cultural institutions throughout the state, including archives, libraries, historical societies, and museums which operate programs to preserve and make accessible records of enduring value.

Please take a moment to browse the site for information about upcoming workshops and webinars, as well as deadlines to apply for planning and assessment services. All are free of charge.

Registration for the Spring 2017 Workshop: Essential Policies and Procedures for Cultural Institutions is now open!

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!

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