Total # Planned

# Complete to Date

% Complete to Date

Notes

• Training Sessions Offered (if online, report online course registrations)

583

602

102%

• Library Staff Trained

3167

3424

106%

• Library Buildings Represented in Training Sessions

913

815

87%

Outcome #1

Library staff members were trained in emerging technologies, such as Web 2.0, a variety of Microsoft software applications, web page design, wireless networks, Adobe Photoshop, security software, gaming in libraries, RSS, chat reference, and social networking sites, to better enable them to teach and assist patrons.

Indicators

• 2086 public library staff (105% of planned staff trained) completed 280 training sessions (1-5% of planned sessions)
• Individual library administered  surveys indicated that 50-88% of the participants felt at least 50% more confident and capable in using the computer applications and software offered in the training sessions

Data Sources

• Evaluation forms and questionnaires generated by individual library systems from training sessions
• Follow-up surveys by the library systems of participants in the training sessions
• Participant comments
• Direct observation by trainers
• Technology training needs assessment done by library systems

Results Summary

Based on technology training needs assessments done by many of the library systems, training was offered in emerging technologies including, but not limited to Web 2.0, Microsoft software applications, RSS, gaming in libraries, web page design, wireless networking, MySpace, XML, chat reference, blogs, web conferencing, Adobe Photoshop, and instant messaging. Participants responded that they will use the information and skills gained for their work and professional growth. They either have trained or will be training other staff. Attendees felt that the workshops empowered them to help their patrons with their technology related needs and they no longer felt intimidated by the new technologies. Some libraries have begun to offer workshops for their patrons utilizing some of the new technologies, and communicating with their patrons through blogs.

Outcome #2

NOVELNY; the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library—is an online library of literally hundreds of magazines, newspapers, maps, charts, research and reference books that are available to every New Yorker, free of charge. A total of 561library staff (100% of the number planned) were trained (total of 186 workshops) in the use of the NOVELNY databases to encourage increased usage by library staff and patrons. As staff felt more comfortable and confident in their knowledge of the databases, they in turn were able to teach library patrons how to access and use the databases.

Indicators

• A pre-test was given to determine participants’ current skill-level and familiarity with the NOVELNY databases.
• A post-test was given to determine participants’ ease in handling patron queries and conducting successful searches while utilizing newly learned skills.
• Usage of NOVELNY databases increased from 11% for some libraries to 67% for other libraries over a year’s time.

Data Sources

• Evaluation forms generated by individual libraries were completed by participants
• Follow-up forms from the individual libraries
• Each library system gathered usage statistics for databases taught in the workshops. Statistics in 2005/2006 were compared to 2006/2007 statistics.

Results Summary

Training of library staff in the use of the NOVELNY databases increased patron awareness resulting in an overall increase in usage statistics for the online resources. Participants felt their proficiency in searching improved by at least 50% to 76%. Statistics from the post-test also showed more efficient use of the databases through an increase in connect time for searching, but less pages searched to achieve results.

Outcome #3

Workshop participants were better able to troubleshoot basic computer hardware problems, perform routine maintenance, to recognize when to update hardware, and became well-versed in technology terminology.

Indicators

• 188 staff (88% of those planned) were trained in 120 sessions or workshops
• Of those participants responding to the systems’ surveys, 69% to 100% of participants reported feeling more confident in understanding basic troubleshooting commands and instructions

Data Sources

• Pre-test and post workshop evaluations
• Telephone surveys
• Survey and needs assessment

Results Summary

All participants benefited in some way from the workshops. Participants gained confidence in many crucial areas including a greater understanding of what is involved in maintaining public access computers. Surveys showed that anti-virus software on computers was updated and kept current on a more regular basis than before the workshops. Schedules for updating and upgrading computers and software were developed. Participants reported less down-time of computers as a result of improved maintenance.

Outcome #4

Participants in training sessions at the Queens Borough Public Library and the New York Public Library gained a basic knowledge of out-come based evaluation techniques and were able to apply them to the planning of their technology training sessions and other programs to ensure reportable, measurable results. Participants who write competitive grant applications for funding will use the OBE in their applications.

Indicators

• 126 classroom participants and 105 on-line registrants, 100% of planned participation
• 100% of participants scored over 70% (standard being 70%) on the classroom test, with 87% being the average score
• Dollar value of successful funding grants increased 10-fold from 2005 to 2007

Data Sources

• Test taken during training sessions
• Evaluation reports for public programs
• Successful grant  applications

Results Summary

Training session participants from the Queens Borough Public Library who organize and coordinate programs used the Outcome Based Evaluation scientific approach to plan, design, and evaluate their programs for quality and impact. Three Community Libraries used the OBS approach in planning and developing their programs and six Adult Learning Centers started to use OBE in their programs. The number and value of successful funding grant applications increased from 2005 through mid-year 2007. The New York Public Library Director of the Office of Staff Development and the Specialist in the Office of Children’s Services trained in Outcome Based Evaluation in alignment with the suggestion of the Staying Connected grant program.

Outcome #5

Three public library systems trained individual library staff in aspects of Integrated Library Systems, including but not limited to the reports module.

Indicators

For those libraries that reported training in ILS, 88% of participants reported feeling more confident in using the reports module of the Integrated Library System.

Data Sources

• Pre-test and post evaluations by individual library systems
• Direct observation by trainers
• Follow-up surveys

Results Summary

85% of participating staff members can successfully download data from their Integrated Library System and utilize data for collection development decisions. Participants gained confidence in many crucial areas including, but not limited to, overall use of reporting services, finding and printing the right report, and showing a marked increase in confidence exporting a report into several formats. Training ensured accurate statistical reporting, enhanced collection development, and circulation information needed for funding requests.