New York State Library

Division of Library Development

EqualAccess Libraries [tm] logo

Training and support in developing community-responsive programming
and services in public libraries

New York EqualAccess Libraries 2005-2008 Report

NYS Library logo
Libraries for the Future logo

Submitted August 5, 2008 by Amanda R. Latreille
State Program Manager and National Director


This report is also available in .pdf format

Contents

Appendices

Introduction

Transforming public libraries into community centers—that is the essence of EqualAccess Libraries. Since the national program came to New York in 2005, 99 staff members from 52 public libraries and 11 public library systems have completed a 4-day EqualAccess Libraries Institute. Three Institutes were offered from 2006 to 2008. The following report provides an overview of New York EqualAccess, as well as an exploration of the program’s successes and challenges over the past three years.

Background

Libraries for the Future (LFF), a national non-profit organization, launched EqualAccess Libraries in 2003 thanks to a $1.05 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and contributions from other partners. 

After working with a number of public libraries across the country, LFF realized that libraries needed training in how to be community-responsive—how to adapt and expand programming and services in new and innovative ways to meet community needs and interests—especially in this ever-changing digital age.  With this as the focus, LFF developed the 4-day EqualAccess Libraries Institute (see Institute Curriculum section).

Institutes were first held in Pennsylvania and Arizona.  Then in mid-2005, EqualAccess came to New York through a partnership with the New York State Library.  Program Manager Amanda R. Latreille was hired to work for a three-year period out of the Division of Library Development in Albany.  The New York Library Association (NYLA) and Public Library System Directors Organization (PULISDO) also became program partners, with NYLA providing continuing education units to Institute participants.

To date, Massachusetts and Connecticut have also joined the list of states offering EqualAccess Libraries Institutes.

Institute Curriculum

Based on feedback from the first EqualAccess Libraries Institutes held in Pennsylvania and Arizona, several curriculum changes were made before the training was held in other states.  The following outlines the basic curriculum that was used in New York (though some minor changes were made from year to year based on feedback and regional needs and resources).

Guiding Principles

An EqualAccess Library:

  • Goes beyond business as usual
  • Expands its service
  • Exploits the power of technology
  • Values physical and social space
  • Is a civic hub
  • Is adaptable and responsive
  • Promotes public awareness
2007 Institute participants

Workshop 1

During the first day of the Institute, participants received an overview of the EqualAccess approach, including an introduction to the Guiding Principles.  These seven principles define what it is to be a community-responsive library—the first being An EqualAccess Library goes beyond business as usual.  The principles serve as the foundation of the program.

The rest of day one’s curriculum focused on the Access Skills Framework.  Participants received training in all five skill areas: Assets & Needs Assessment, Work Plans & Evaluation, Outreach, Collaboration, and Public Awareness and Advocacy.  Each session included lecture and group work using tools that participants can use at their own libraries.

Workshop 2

Participants returned the next day ready to apply what they learned during Workshop 1.  For most of the day, participants worked through the Access Skills Framework in the Libratory.  This session provided participants with an opportunity to practice developing Work Plans for specific populations, presenting to potential partners, and creating effective commercials and other communication tools.

Access Skills Framework graphic

During the Libratory, participants focused on one of three Access Program target populations—Health Access (health consumers), Lifelong Access (Baby Boomers and older adults), or Youth Access (youth ages 10-18).  

The day ended with a demo of EA.WebJunction.org, the program’s website, as well as time for participants to start their homework—applying the Guiding Principles to their own library and starting an Assets & Needs Assessment for their target population. [NOTE: The program’s website moved to LFF.org in August 2008 and may be found here.]

EA.WebJunction.org web page screen capture

Workshop 3

The third day occurred about three weeks after Workshop 2.  Now that participants had begun to assess the needs and interests of their target population, they were ready to learn about how they can meet these needs. 

The workshop’s curriculum included an introduction to the Access Programs and Benchmarks for Success followed by several how-to sessions related to the benchmarks.  These sessions included establishing advisory councils, conducting community conversations and forums, enhancing a library’s physical and virtual space, and working with volunteers.  With this information, participants left ready to begin Work Plans for their target populations.

Workshop 4

The final day took place about three weeks after Workshop 3.  This day provided participants with more in-depth information about each of the Access Program areas. 

For Health Access, for instance, experts and local practitioners in the field of consumer health information presented on topics such as how to conduct a health reference interview, how to use the best online health resources, and how to set up health programming through partnerships with local health organizations.

The day concluded with a session on funding opportunities for libraries.  Participants learned tips in applying for grants to support their EqualAccess work.

See also Appendix A: New York EqualAccess Libraries: Sample Institute Agendas.

Ongoing Support

After Workshop 4, participants were not left to implement EqualAccess on their own.  They continued to receive support via EA.WebJunction.org with its many discussion forums, tools, and other resources.  The Program Manager also conducted follow up and evaluation throughout the year following the training and provided assistance to participants as needed.

Dates, Sites, and Participants

The following table provides a snapshot of the three New York EqualAccess Libraries Institutes.

Date and Site

Library Systems

Libraries

Participants

2006: February 6 and 7, March 28, and April 11

Albany Public Library, Albany,
New York

Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, Southern Adirondack, and Upper Hudson (4)

Albany Public, Ballston Spa Public, Bethlehem Public, Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery, Crandall Public, Dover Plains, Gloversville Public, Guilderland Public, Howland Public, Mahopac Public, North Chatham Free, Poughkeepsie Public Library, Saratoga Springs Public, Sharon Springs Free, and Voorheesville Public (15)

32**

2007: January 17 and 18, February 13, and March 6

Westchester Library System, Tarrytown, New York

Brooklyn, Ramapo Catskill, and Westchester (3)

Chappaqua, Goshen Public Library & Historical Society, Haverstraw King's Daughters Public, Hendrick Hudson Free, John C. Hart Memorial, Kingston, Middletown Thrall, New Rochelle Public, Nyack, Orangeburg, Yonkers Public (11)*

30**

2008: April 29 and 30, May 20, and June 10

Ramada Geneva Lakefront, Geneva, New York

Finger Lakes, Onondaga, Pioneer, Southern Tier (4)

Alfred Box of Books, Almond 20th Century Club, Baldwinsville Public, Cohocton Public, Cordelia A. Greene, Cortland Free, Cuba Circulating, Edith B. Ford Memorial, Geneva Public, Hornell Public, Lima Public, Liverpool Public, Marion Public, Modeste Bedient Memorial, Naples, Ontario Public, Perry Public, Phelps Community Memorial, Phillips Free, Pulteney Free, Red Creek Free, Salina Free, Seymour Public, Stewart B. Lang Memorial, Watkins Glen Public, Wimodaughsian (26)*

37**

Total

11

52*

99**

*The total number of libraries does not include the many branches of the Brooklyn Public Library, Onondaga County Public Library, and Yonkers Public Library that participated.

**The total number of participants is the number of participants who completed the training and received continuing education units.  This number does not include the many speakers and guests at the Institutes.

Each of the Institutes was held in a different region of the state.  Once partnerships were established with area library systems, the Program Manager worked with the system staff to promote and recruit participants from member libraries.  This involved mailings, presentations, and site visits.  

Interested librarians or library staff members were asked to complete an Institute application.  Ideally, two librarians from each library would attend.  However, smaller libraries were allowed to send only one staff member.  Selections were made by the Program Manager and systems based on need, interest, and the capability of the library to implement the program.  Each Institute had a mix of participants from urban, suburban, and rural libraries.

See also Appendix B: New York EqualAccess Libraries: Institute Participants.

2006 Institute participants 2006 Institute participants

Evaluation and Outcomes

Evaluation Procedure

The following table outlines the evaluation procedure for the New York EqualAccess Libraries Institutes.  The schedule has remained the same throughout the program’s three years.  However, after the 2006 Institute, the evaluation tools were revised and simplified so that all Institutes, in New York and other states, were being evaluated in a consistent manner.

Schedule

Tool

Post Workshop 1 and 2

Online training survey (using Zoomerang.com)

Post Workshop 4 (Institute)

Online training survey (using Zoomerang.com)

At 3 months post Institute

Email and/or phone call

At 6 months post Institute

Online implementation survey (using Zoomerang.com)

At 1 year post Institute

Online implementation survey (using Zoomerang.com) and/or site visit

2006 Institute

Of the 32 participants, 27 (or 84%) completed the Post Workshop 1 and 2 Survey and 20 (or 63%) completed the Post Institute Survey.  The following table provides result highlights.*

Question

Results and Outcomes

Overall Institute rating

5 (Excellent): 35%
4: 55%
3: 10%
2: 0%
1 (Poor): 0%

Confidence in ability to implement skills before and after the Institute

Increased confidence in every content area (Assessing assets and needs, Creating a Work Plan, Conducting outreach, Collaborating with community partners, Conducting advocacy and public awareness, Evaluating and documenting program success, Using EA.WebJunction.org, Creating and maintaining blogs, Creating and working with advisory councils, Holding community conversations and forums, Developing the collection, Creating community-responsive programming, Assessing and enhancing physical space, Assessing and enhancing virtual space, Working with volunteers, Developing services for health consumers, Developing services for older adults, Developing Services for tweens and teens, Using Bibliostat Connect: Census, and Finding and applying for grants)

For example:

Assessing assets and needs before the Institute      
5 (High): 0%        
4: 0%
3: 40%
2: 40%
1 (Low): 15%
NA: 5%

Assessing assets and needs after the Institute      
5 (High): 15%        
4: 70%
3: 10%
2: 0%
1 (Low): 0%
NA: 5%

Comments

  • Great workshops. The most productive workshops I have ever attended.
  • This was, overall, a great program. I feel like I came away with many new tools that will allow me to better meet the needs of my community. The workshop was also very well organized and prepared. Thank you!
  • [I valued] the new information on what librarians need to do to keep their libraries (and themselves) relevant in our ever changing information age.
  • I am grateful to the EqualAccess Institute for taking the initiative and putting libraries back in the business of serving their communities in a way no other person/place/thing can.
  • I will utilize what I learned in every aspect of my job—from the small/minor happenings right on up through the big picture items.
  • It has motivated me to do more and given me more of a framework to go on than I had before. I am thinking more creatively.
  • Thank you for selecting my library for one of the first slots in this awesome forward-thinking and far-reaching program.
  • The workshops were organized well. It made sense to present background info and then get into the hands-on teamwork. The hands-on segments very useful. Well done, and thank you!

*Evaluation tools were revised and simplified after the 2006 Institute.  Therefore, 2006 survey questions differ slightly from 2007 and 2008 questions.

2007 Institute

Of the 30 participants, 26 (or 87%) completed the Post Workshop 1 and 2 Survey and 21 (or 70%) completed the Post Institute Survey.  The following table provides evaluation highlights.*

Question

Results and Outcomes

Overall satisfaction with Institute

Excellent: 62%
Good: 33%
Average: 5%
Fair: 0%
Poor: 0%

Overall quality of training content

Excellent: 71%
Good: 19%
Average: 10%
Fair: 0%
Poor: 0%

Confidence in ability to implement skills and program components before and after the Institute

Increased confidence in every content area (Assets and Needs Assessment, Work Plans and Evaluation, Outreach, Collaboration, Public Awareness and Advocacy, Promotion, Advisory Councils, Physical Space, Virtual Space, Collection Development, Community Conversations and Forums, and Community-Responsive Programming)

For example:

Assets and Needs Assessment before the Institute      
Excellent: 0%        
Good: 19%
Average: 43%
Fair: 29%
Poor: 10%

Assets and Needs Assessment after the Institute      
Excellent: 29%        
Good: 62%
Average: 10%
Fair: 0%
Poor: 0%

Comments

Sample comments:

  • Excellent!
  • A totally enjoyable experience.
  • Very substantive—several excellent speakers.
  • Just about every idea that was introduced was new to me.
  • Using the knowledge that I gained, I will be able to reach other groups that are not using the library and create better programming for all.
  • [The Program Manager] was extremely organized, courteous, and receptive to all queries, and the Institute went like clockwork. I enjoyed it and learned a lot.
  • It gave me ideas on how to reach out to the community, find out their needs/wants, and how to use local resources to meet those needs/wants.
  • I will definitely share the process that I learned with colleagues at my library. I hope to use the process I learned to implement some new programs.
  • The presenters were very knowledgeable and offered a wealth of resources.
  • The group activities were the best part of the workshops—they really drove home the points of the presentations.
  • We were kept on task and moving forward and had something concrete to take back with us.
  • It was great. I was sorry to see the workshops end.

*Evaluation tools were revised and simplified after the 2006 Institute.  Therefore, 2006 survey questions differ slightly from 2007 and 2008 questions.

2008 Institute

Of the 37 participants, 30 (or 81%) completed the Post Workshop 1 and 2 Survey and 34 (or 92%) completed the Post Institute Survey.  The following table provides evaluation highlights.*

Question

Results and Outcomes

Overall satisfaction with Institute

Excellent: 71%
Good: 24%
Average: 3%
Fair: 3%
Poor: 0%

Overall quality of training content

Excellent: 62%
Good: 32%
Average: 3%
Fair: 3%
Poor: 0%

Confidence in ability to implement skills and program components before and after the Institute

Increased confidence in every content area (Assets and Needs Assessment, Work Plans and Evaluation, Outreach, Collaboration, Public Awareness and Advocacy, Promotion, Advisory Councils, Physical Space, Virtual Space, Collection Development, Community Conversations and Forums, and Community-Responsive Programming)

For example:

Assets and Needs Assessment before the Institute      
Excellent: 0%         
Good: 26%
Average: 35%
Fair: 24%
Poor: 15%

Assets and Needs Assessment after the Institute      
Excellent: 24%        
Good: 62%
Average: 12%
Fair: 3%
Poor: 0%

Comments

Sample comments:

  • It was a terrific experience.
  • Thank you for a valuable experience with direct application to my work.
  • This was an exceptional program. Thank you for selecting me. It was invaluable. Thanks to [the Program Manager] for her leadership and organizing of this event.
  • I loved hearing from librarians who have instituted programs at their libraries and how they did it. The opportunity to meet and chat with other librarians in the region was so valuable.
  • I plugged what I learned into tasks that I had already been given by my director. I was also having a feeling that I should be reaching out in my community more but did not know where or how to begin. This has given me confidence and concrete ideas to help me on my way.
  • I think I was aware of the ideas—but it gave me a practical, hands-on approach for doing programs. So I feel better equipped.
  • [The Program Manager] did a great job organizing and running the training and provided a wealth of information herself.
  • I'm looking forward to implementing what I learned and extending that knowledge to others involved with my library.
  • Overall GREAT JOB!

*Evaluation tools were revised and simplified after the 2006 Institute.  Therefore, 2006 survey questions differ slightly from 2007 and 2008 questions.

Implementation Examples

The following are examples to illustrate the variety of community-responsive programming and services that Institute participants have implemented as a result of EqualAccess.  The examples were submitted by 2006 and 2007 Institute participants. 2008 Institute participants are currently developing and implementing their Work Plans.

Teen Advisory Council:  Angela Krajcar of the Orangeburg Library enhanced the library’s teen services after participating in the Institute.  She created a Teen Advisory Council to help with collection development and programming.  Ms. Krajcar reviewed, weeded, and added to the teen collection and is now planning to purchase video games.  With the Council’s help, she also started a Teen Reading Club with its own wiki enabling members to share and comment online.

Medicare Information Classes and Legal Clinics:  In response to the community’s need for information about the new Medicare D plan, Institute participant Meg Maurer of the Albany Public Library partnered with the Albany County Department for Aging to offer Medicare Information Classes in the library’s computer lab.  Because this collaboration was such a success, she organized a partnership with the local Women’s Bar Association to offer free Legal Clinics at the library.  Ms. Maurer said: Thanks for EqualAccess.  It got me motivated and interested in programming.

Middle School Outreach: Beth Nagel, Institute participant and Young Adult Librarian at the Bethlehem Public Library, partnered with local middle school librarians to offer BookTalks.  The program involved Ms. Nagel talking up titles to middle school classes—reaching approximately 300 students.  The library saw an immediate surge in the number of visits from this age group, and Ms. Nagel created an after-school book group specifically for middle schoolers.

Music Industry Workshop: Institute participant Ginny Figlia of the Howland Public Library offered a workshop on careers in the music industry—with local musicians coming together to jam and speak candidly about their careers.  The program, intended for teens, was well attended by people of all ages, and the local paper did a feature story.  Ms. Figlia said: What surprised me is that not only teens showed up, but people of all ages.  We had standing room only! People said that it was great to see such a professional quality music program in the library and hoped that we might be able to expand it into a series.  We are looking into grants to do this.

Albany Public Library summer reading promotional posterSummer Reading for Adults and Teens:Patrice Hollman and Christina Stenson-Carey of the Albany Public Library worked with other staff members to add adult and teen components to the library’s Summer Reading Program after attending the Institute.   The adult program, called Read It & Rate It, encouraged adult readers to submit a short book review for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.  The teen component included a variety of programming—from book discussions to skateboarding workshops.  See Summer Reading flyer at right.

Photo of computer classOlder Americans Month Programming: Institute participant Vivien Maisey of the Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library worked with staff to offer a variety of new programming to celebrate Older Americans Month.  Programs included a new morning series of computer classes, a walk-in clinic for blood pressure and glucose checks through a partnership with the local hospital, and a senior reading club.  Ms. Maisey also added an easy-to-use Boomers & Beyond page to the library’s website with links to information and local services specifically for older adults.  See photo of computer classes at right.

Book Review Blog:  Frank Rees, Assistant Director of the Howland Public Library, created a Book Review Blog after participating in the Institute.  The blog contains reviews of current titles with links to the library’s catalog, where users can easily reserve these books.  His work led to other blogs, a MySpace library site for teens, and other major updates to the library’s virtual space making it more user-friendly and information rich.

Mental Health Fair:  The eight Institute participants from Brooklyn Public Library assessed the health information needs of their community’s older adults and teens by distributing surveys and talking with local health agencies.  They found mental health information to be a major need, and in response, they coordinated a system-wide Mental Health Fair.  More than 20 mental health organizations and providers exhibited, and 150 people attended.  Feedback was very positive with participants rating the fair highly on evaluations. Institute participant Susan Asis said: Planning and implementing this event was a rewarding experience for all of us.  Not only were we able to provide some very valuable and needed information to our community of patrons, we also felt it was a great opportunity to put into practice the principles that we learned at the EqualAccess training!

John C. Hart Memorial Library's TeenSpace web site screen capture TeenSpace:  After surveying teens in the community, Institute participant Patricia Hallinan of the John C. Hart Memorial Library worked with staff to create a website specifically for teens.  TeenSpace, with its colorful, youthful design, contains loads of information for young adults — including information about the library’s Teen Advisory Council, Summer Reading Club, and volunteer opportunities.  Teen users can also take part in polls, sign up for programs, and make suggestions via the website.

 Challenges

The success of New York EqualAccess Libraries did not come without some difficulties.  First, recruiting participants for the 2006 and 2007 Institutes was challenging.  Library systems and libraries could see the value of the program, but were concerned about the time commitment—four full days of training plus the work it took to implement what was learned. 

To recruit participants, the Program Manager did a great deal of promotion, including site visits to individual libraries.  Meeting one-on-one with potential participants to explain the program and talk up benefits proved to be effective.  The fact that the Institute was free, meals were included, and travel (of more than 35 miles one-way) was reimbursed helped to sell the program.  The goal of 30 participants at each Institute was met or exceeded.

By 2008, it seems that good word-of-mouth about the first two Institutes had spread, and the library systems were very on board.  The systems did more promotion with their member libraries than in previous years.  Many more applications (50) were received than could be accepted.

Evaluation beyond the training was also a significant challenge.  Post Institute surveys were completed by the majority of participants, but from that point on, it was difficult to reach and obtain feedback from some.  On average, the Program Manager heard back from roughly half of the participants at one year following the Institute.  In some cases, participants changed jobs or moved, but it is believed that for many it was due to reasons related to implementation challenges.

Such challenges, as reported by participants, included time and resource constraints.  Administrative support was also lacking in some cases (though directors were required to sign the Institute application with the understanding that they would support program implementation).

As a way to address these implementation challenges, a brainstorming session was added to the 2008 Institute using the World Café technique.  Participants rotated from table to table discussing challenges and obstacles that they might face once they return to their libraries.  Participants explored how they might overcome these challenges.  A lively and productive discussion ensued.  Hopefully, this has helped the 2008 Institute participants as they are now developing and implementing their Work Plans.

2008 Institute participants 

Other Activities

The following table outlines other New York EqualAccess Libraries events.*

Date

Site

Event

Participants

October 27-28, 2005

NYLA Conference, Buffalo, NY

New York EqualAccess Libraries Exhibit

250**

November 4, 2006

NYLA Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY

New York EqualAccess Libraries Poster Session featuring Albany Public Library’s implementation of the program

100**

December 4, 2006

Loudonville, NY

Lifelong Access Workshop through a partnership with the Albany Guardian Society

100**

October 19, 2007

NYLA Conference, Buffalo, NY

Health Access Program (Prescription for Success) through a partnership with Crandall Public Library and NYLA’s Public Library Section

30

*The table does not include the numerous presentations done for partners and potential Institute participants.

**These participant numbers are estimates.

Also, Program Manager Amanda R. Latreille was promoted to EqualAccess National Director.  In addition to coordinating New York’s Institutes, Ms. Latreille also oversaw EqualAccess work at the national level.  This involved developing and updating the curriculum and website, and training and supporting Program Managers in other states.

Conclusion

Despite some challenges, New York EqualAccess Libraries has had a positive impact on its participants and thus the communities that they serve.  Each of the three Institutes was highly rated, and evaluations consistently indicated that participants’ confidence in their ability to develop community-responsive programming and services increased. It is clear that participants—now empowered with new and innovative ideas, practical tools, and ongoing support—are addressing their communities’ needs and interests like never before.

Appendices

Appendix A: New York EqualAccess Libraries: Sample Institute Agendas

Workshop 1:  Wednesday, January 17, 2007, Westchester Library System

Time

Session

8:30 AM – 9 AM

Continental Breakfast and Sign In

9 AM – 9:30 AM

Welcome and Introductions
Amanda R. Latreille, EqualAccess Program Manager and National Director

9:30 AM – 10 AM

The Big Picture
Pam Berger, Consultant and Trainer

10 AM – 10:45 AM

The Guiding Principles
Activity: Guiding Principles Evaluator
Amanda R. Latreille

10:45 AM – 11 AM

Break

11 AM – 12 PM

Assets and Needs Assessment
Activity: Assets and Needs Mapping Guide
Pam Berger

12 PM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 2 PM

Work Plans and Evaluation
Activity: Work Plan and Evaluation Developer
Amanda R. Latreille

2 PM – 2:30 PM

Outreach
Activity: Outreach Challenges
Pam Berger

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM

Collaboration
Activity: Collaboration Planner
Pam Berger

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM

Public Awareness and Advocacy
Activity: Matching Actions to Agendas
Pam Berger

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Wrap Up
Amanda R. Latreille

Workshop 2:  Thursday, January 18, 2007, Westchester Library System

Time

Session

8:30 AM – 9 AM

Continental Breakfast and Sign In

9 AM – 9:15 AM

The Libratory
Pam Berger, Consultant and Trainer

9:15 AM – 10 AM

Developing Your Work Plan
Activity: Work Plan and Evaluation Developer
Pam Berger

10 AM – 10:15 AM

Break

10:15 AM – 11 AM

Developing Your Outreach and Collaboration Plan
Activity: Outreach Network Builder and Collaboration Planner
Pam Berger

11 AM – 12 PM

Presenting to the Library Board
Pam Berger

12 PM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM

Refining Your Plan Based on Feedback
Pam Berger

1:15 PM – 2 PM

Developing a Communication Plan
Activity: Communication Planner
Pam Berger

2 PM – 2:30 PM

Your 60 Seconds of Fame
Pam Berger

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 PM – 4:30 PM

What’s Next? Returning to Your Community
Activity: Assets and Needs Assessment
Pam Berger

Activity: Staying Connected with EA.WebJunction.org
Amanda R. Latreille, EqualAccess Program Manager and National Director

Workshop 3:  Tuesday, February 13, 2007, Westchester Library System

Time

Session

8:30 AM – 9 AM

Continental Breakfast and Sign In

9 AM – 9:45 AM

Welcome Back
Amanda R. Latreille, EqualAccess Program Manager and National Director

9:45 AM – 10 AM

The Big Picture
Amanda R. Latreille

10 AM – 10:45 AM

Access Programs 101
Activity: Needs and Opportunities in Your Community
Abby Long, Health Access Program Manager
Gloria Coles, Lifelong Access National Director
Amanda R. Latreille

10:45 AM – 11 AM

Break

11 AM – 12 PM

Advisory Councils
Activity: Making the Ask
Abby Long

12 PM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 2:30 PM

Virtual Space
Geeks Bearing Gifts
Gregg Headrick, Technology Coordinator, Middle Atlantic Region,
National Network of Libraries of Medicine

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Involving the Community
Working with Volunteers
Gloria Coles

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

Community Conversations and Forums
Activity: World Café
Amanda R. Latreille

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM

What’s Next? Workshop 4 and Beyond
Amanda R. Latreille

Workshop 4:  Tuesday, March 6, 2007, Westchester Library System

Time

Session

8:30 AM – 9 AM

Continental Breakfast and Sign In

9 AM – 9:15 AM

Welcome Back
Amanda R. Latreille, EqualAccess Program Manager and National Director

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

The Big Picture
Amanda R. Latreille

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Advice from the Experts
Health Access
Sue Hunter, Planning and Education Coordinator,
Middle Atlantic Region, National Network of Libraries of Medicine

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Break

10:45 AM – 12 PM

Advice from the Experts
Lifelong Access
Mae Carpenter, Commissioner,
Westchester County Department of Senior Services and Programs
Youth Access
Renee McGrath, Youth Services Manager,
Nassau Library System

12 PM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 2 PM

Tales from the Field
Health Access
Sue Hunter
Lifelong Access
Lois Gordon, Outreach/Adult Services Specialist,
Mohawk Valley Library System
Michele Giuffre, Technology Assistant
Bethlehem Public Library
Youth Access
Trevor Oakley, Young Adult Services Librarian,
Guilderland Public Library

2 PM – 2:15 PM

Break

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Where’s the Money?
Mary Linda Todd, Library Development Specialist,
New York State Library

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Our Vision of Libraries for the Future
Mary Linda Todd

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Celebration and Closing
Amanda R. Latreille

Appendix B: New York EqualAccess Libraries: Institute Participants

2006, 2007, and 2008 Institutes

Last Name

First Name

Title

Library

Advocate

Merribeth

Outreach and Education Coordinator

Mid-Hudson Library System

Aiello

Kira

Librarian Support Services Supervisor

New Rochelle Public Library

Allen

Cathy

Manager

Lima Public Library

Aperto

Sharon

Head of Reference

Nyack Library

Arlequeeun

Beverly

Head of Youth Services

Goshen Public Library & Historical Society

Asis

Susan

Principal Librarian III, Cluster Leader

Brooklyn Public Library

Basham Robson

Amber

Librarian I

Liverpool Public Library

Benedetti

Jo-Ann

Manager, Information and Outreach Services

Upper Hudson Library System

Berggren-Thomas

Priscilla

Director

Phillips Free Library

Berman

Tom

Reference,
Webmaster

Nyack Library

Birch

Carol

Head of Services to Children

Chappaqua Library

Birdsall

Annette

Youth Services Consultant

Finger Lakes Library System

Bobbish

Greg

Librarian

Voorheesville Public Library

Browman

Gwyneth

Assistant Manager, Library Services

Brooklyn Public Library

Brown

Lorie

Youth Services, Interlibrary Loan Consultant

Southern Tier Library System

Brueckel

Stephanie

Supervising Librarian, Children's Cluster Specialist

Brooklyn Public Library

Carr

Lisa

Adult Services Librarian

Seymour Public Library District

Chansky

Katherine

Librarian I

Crandall Public Library

Chubon

Jeannine

Director

Salina Free Library

Correia

Melissa

Head of Reference

Geneva Public Library

Cruz

Aurora

Head of Reference and Young Adult Services

Yonkers Public Library

Decker

Hope

Director

Cohocton Public Library

Dempsey

Jan

Assistant Director

Cortland Free Library

Dutton

Cynthia

Director

Cuba Circulating Library

Edwards

Pernida

Library Assistant

Yonkers Public Library

Eller

Sally

Trustee

Edith B. Ford Memorial Library

Figlia

Ginny

Youth Services Librarian

Howland Public Library

Furber

Louise

Director

Phelps Community Memorial Library

Gady

Donna

Head of Circulation Dept.

Middletown Thrall Library

Gardner

Quinn

Librarian I

Onondaga County Public Library

Gennett

Sherry

Head of Children's Services

Gloversville Public Library

Getman

Risa

Head of Reference and Adult Services

Hendrick Hudson Free Library

Gilbert

Becky

Librarian I

Onondaga County Public Library

Goswami

Sukrit

Librarian I

Crandall Public Library

Hall

Shirley

Cluster Leader

Brooklyn Public Library

Hallinan

Patricia

Librarian II, Head of Adult Reference Dept.

John C. Hart Memorial Library

Harrison

Frances

Librarian

Mahopac Public Library

Headd

Denise

Public Information Specialist

Onondaga County Public Library

Hermans

Suzanne

Head of Reference Services

Poughkeepsie Public Library District

Hewel

Lisa

Head of Support Services

Goshen Public Library & Historical Society

Hill

Mary

Young Adult Librarian

Saratoga Springs Public Library

Hojnacki

Jean

Head of Branch and Outreach Services

Poughkeepsie Public Library District

Hollman

Patrice

Outreach Librarian

Albany Public Library

Hoyt

Jacqueline

Director

Cordelia A. Greene Library

Hylen

Sandra

Director

Ontario Public Library

Iacobucci

Marisa

Adult Services Coordinator

Finger Lakes Library System

Iraci

Kim

Communications, Advocacy, and Outreach Librarian

Pioneer Library System

Johanson

Christine

Children's Librarian

Hendrick Hudson Free Library

Kaufman

Patricia

Director

Mahopac Public Library

King

Helen

Assistant Librarian

Ballston Spa Public Library

Kokot

Tammy

Director

Almond 20th Century Club Library

Koretzky

Rhona

Outreach Librarian

Saratoga Springs Public Library

Krajcar

Angela

Head of Youth Services

Orangeburg Library

Kuhner

Donna

Principal Library Clerk

Gloversville Public Library

Kurashige

Vicki

Assistant

North Chatham Free Library

LaFever

Carol

Children's Librarian

Watkins Glen Public Library

Laiosa

Joyce

Head of Youth Services

Voorheesville Public Library

LaJuene

Ginny

Adult Services Librarian

Bethlehem Public Library

Lasher-Sommers

Clai

Director

North Chatham Free Library

Lindsay

Kim

Director

Wimodaughsian Library

Maisey

Vivien

Librarian II

Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library

Manigo

Bridget

Head of Youth Services

Middletown Thrall Library

Maurer

Meg

Reference Librarian

Albany Public Library

McKerlie

Karen

Director

Modeste Bedient Memorial Library

Meissner

Lana

Director

Alfred Box of Books Library

Messina

Elizabeth

Director

Stewart B. Lang Memorial Library

Moeri

Eilene

Director

Edith B. Ford Memorial Library

Morris

Tara

Head of Youth Services

Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library

Munger

Kari

Head of Library Collections and Circulation

Canajoharie Library & Art Gallery

Nagel

Beth

Youth Services Librarian

Bethlehem Public Library

Nichols

Holly

Librarian I

Onondaga County Public Library

O'Brien

Sharon

Member Services Coordinator

Mohawk Valley Library System

Ogrodowski

Jennifer

Librarian

Guilderland Public Library

Ogyiri

Daniel

Librarian, Supervisor II

New Rochelle Public Library

Parker

Margaret

Director

Perry Public Library

Piattelli

Christine

Librarian II, head of Juvenile Dept.

John C. Hart Memorial Library

Radigan

Barbara

Director

Pulteney Free Library

Rees

Frank

Assistant Director

Howland Public Library

Reznick

Carolyn

Interim Director

Chappaqua Library

Riley

Leslie

Public Services Consultant

Ramapo Catskill Library System

Sareen

Hardeep

Assistant Manager, Library Services

Brooklyn Public Library

Sarlati

Farin

Librarian

Yonkers Public Library

Simmons

Andrea

Director

Ballston Spa Public Library

Skrodelis

Uldis

Manager, Adult Library Services

Brooklyn Public Library

Somersall

Tara

Librarian II, Children's Dept.

Yonkers Public Library

Sorensen

Angela

Librarian

Cortland Free Library

Stenson-Carey

Christina

Youth Services Librarian

Albany Public Library

Stewart

Dennis

Cluster Leader

Brooklyn Public Library

Tannenbaum

Ellen

Director

Dover Plains Library

Taychert

Alice

Director

Hornell Public Library

Tompkins

Allen

Library Clerk

Red Creek Free Library

Trahan

Eric

Director

Canajoharie Library & Art Gallery

Travis

Amanda

Librarian I

Onondaga County Public Library

Van Patten

Margaret 

Reference, Adult Services Librarian

Baldwinsville Public Library

VanHorn

Adrienne

Clerk

Marion Public Library

Warner

Blanche

Manager

Naples Library

Williams

Eileen

Librarian

Guilderland Public Library

Wolfe

Mary Ellen

Director

Sharon Springs Free Library

Woronowicz

Cynthia

Cluster Leader

Brooklyn Public Library


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