State Library of Ohio
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an Evaluation of The 2013-2017 LSTA Five-Year Plan: State Library of Ohio Evaluated by The Bishoff Group LLC Liz Bishoff, The Bishoff Group LLC Nancy Bolt, Nancy Bolt & Associates, Tom Clareson, LYRASIS Principal Consultants Commissioned by the State Library of Ohio Beverly Cain, State Librarian Missy Lodge, Associate State Librarian for Library Development January 31, 2017 Table of Contents Evaluation Summary: ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction: ..........................................................................................................................................................2 Findings: .................................................................................................................................................................2 Retrospective and Process Questions: Summary of Key Findings: ........................................................................3 Retrospective Questions: ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Process Questions: .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Methodology: .........................................................................................................................................................6 IMLS Methodology Questions: .............................................................................................................................. 6 Study Background: .................................................................................................................................................7 Evaluation Findings/IMLS Evaluation Questions: ...................................................................................................7 IMLS Retrospective and Process Questions: ..........................................................................................................7 Description of the Methodology Employed: ....................................................................................................... 10 Analysis of Statewide Programs: ................................................................................................................................ 12 Competitive Grants: ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Digitization State Library of Ohio: ....................................................................................................................... 15 Digitization Centers: ............................................................................................................................................ 16 KnowItNow: ......................................................................................................................................................... 18 Library Programs and Development: .................................................................................................................. 19 Ohio Digital Library: ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Ohio Web Library/Libraries Connect Ohio (LCO): ............................................................................................... 23 Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) Center: .................................................................................................................... 26 Statewide Resource Sharing: OLS: MORE: .......................................................................................................... 27 Talking Book Program (TBP)/Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled (OLBPD): ................................... 29 Youth Services: .................................................................................................................................................... 30 Annexes: List of Annexes ............................................................................................................................................... 34 Annex A: List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................ 35 Annex B: Documents Reviewed ................................................................................................................................. 36 Annex C: Individuals Consulted and Interviewed ............................................................................................... 38 Annex D: A-1 Progress towards Goals: Analysis of Goals/Objective/Activities & Targets ................. 39 Annex E: Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................ 39 Annex F: Focus Group Discussion Guides ............................................................................................................... 44 Annex G: Focus Group Report ..................................................................................................................................... 48 Annex H: Survey Instrument ....................................................................................................................................... 48 Annex I: Survey Report .................................................................................................................................................. 48 pg. 1 State Library of Ohio 2016 LSTA Evaluation January 31, 2017 Evaluation Summary: Introduction: The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency responsible for implementing the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), requires state grant recipients to conduct an independent evaluation of programs funded with grant funds as delineated in the 2013-2017 LSTA Five-Year Plan (Plan). The State Library of Ohio (SLO), the state agency that manages Ohio’s LSTA Program, engaged The Bishoff Group LLC for the evaluation. The State Library of Ohio is a state agency. As noted on its website: The State Library of Ohio ensures a smarter Ohio by managing the delivery of services through three channels: • Directly, by building and managing quality collections and providing hands-on service to state government • Cooperatively, through collaborative efforts and information sharing networks within the library community • Virtually, through online and on-the-go access to expert assistance, digitized resources, and a vast selection of electronic materials.1 “The vision of the State Library is a Smarter Ohio where every Ohioan can access the necessary resources to be engaged citizens, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, and pursue their passions and interests.”2 A major resource assisting the Library in fulfilling its mission and reaching its vision is LSTA funding provided by IMLS. As part of the assessment, the evaluators, in conjunction with Library staff, identified LSTA-funded projects for in-depth review. The evaluation included a review of documents, a survey of library staff across the state, and focus groups and stakeholder interviews using a discussion guide (Annex F). Each of the following statewide programs and competitive grants were evaluated: • Competitive Grants Program • Digitization Centers • Digitization State Library of Ohio • KnowItNow • Library Programs and Development • Ohio Web Library/Libraries Connect Ohio • Ohio Digital Library (eBooks) • Serving Every Ohioan Center (SEO) • Statewide Resource Sharing (OLS:MORE) • Talking Book Program/Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled • Youth Services Findings: Data usage: SLO was a pilot site for the new IMLS State Program Report. As such not all of the Ohio grant awardees have collected the same amount of data. As a pilot state, SLO has implemented the IMLS standard evaluation form for all Continuing Education programs using IMLS recommended evaluative questions. Major 1 https://library.ohio.gov/about. Accessed November 10, 2016 2 Ibid. pg. 2 State Library of Ohio 2016 LSTA Evaluation January 31, 2017 programs such as Ohio Web Library collect data to facilitate traditional activities such as collection management and financial planning; however, the consultants did not receive outcome assessment from these programs beyond surveys asking about specific titles desired by the libraries. Excellence of staff: Across all research data, the Ohio library community expressed appreciation of the high level of work done by the State Library of Ohio staff. They particularly noted the work they do assisting with grant applications, strategic planning, and leadership on statewide initiatives. Leadership: The State Library provides quiet but consistent and broad-based leadership for both state and national initiatives. Over the years being reviewed, the State Library has utilized LSTA funds to support diversity, literacy, and economic and workforce development. Additionally, funds have supported nationally-recognized library initiatives including the IMLS Connecting to Collections program and the Digital Public Library for America. At the same time, long standing programs such as Summer Reading Program and Libraries Connect Ohio are actively supported by the SLO. Level