Sample Documents

Successful:

A 1999 report from the New York State Department of Health showed that the Town of Libraryfield ranked among the worst in the state over a 3-year average for infant mortality, low birth weight and premature births, late entry into prenatal care, unmarried parents, teen pregnancies and poverty. An Everywhere County Prenatal Focus Group report revealed that communication by families and doctors is generally poor. There is a need for information on: childbirth education opportunities, support services, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, sibling preparation for new baby, and post-partum depression. The focus group indicated that the public library could be helpful in directing new parents to resources and materials. In order to meet this need, the library proposes a grant program to expand collections and programs by linking for the first time with family practitioners and the Libraryfield Memorial Hospital to reach expectant and post-partum mothers and their children.

This is a good example of a needs statement. The author first references the community problem through a report by a state organization and then mentions findings from a local committee. A focus group in the planning stages is providing information regarding the target population and their needs. It is important to note where you get the information - a documented problem has more weight than a general observation by one person. There is a clear definition of the problem: there is not a dissemination of information about pregnancy into the community, and there is a clear role for the library. This project naturally fulfills a library's mission statement of providing information to the community. There is mention of appropriate partners that work directly with the target population.

Problematic:

Libraryfield is an economically depressed community with many people out of work. In the past, this community has been a thriving little town but with many industries moving out there is a large segment of the population who need help. Libraryfield has a population of teen mothers living in poverty. The library can help this population by providing services. The library will expand their family services collection by 1,500 titles dealing with pregnancy needs. The library and its partners will also offer eight programs over the grant year dealing with such pregnancy topics as: breastfeeding, prenatal care, post-partum depression and more. The addition of a grant-funded staff member to coordinate efforts with the local medical field will make the project a success.

This needs statement can be improved. The author should cite how the community problem of teen pregnancy was discovered. Is this from a report or survey? The needs statement should focus on the target population and why they need services. Be brief in the description of the project - the bulk of the information will go in the project description section of the narrative.

Successful:

The target groups for this project are the parents and children in the community. There are approximately 8,000 students enrolled in the 10 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools and approximately 500 students enrolled in St. Peter's School (Gr. K-8) and St. Mary's School (Gr. K-8) during the past year. Working with various PTAs, a sizable audience is anticipated for each Internet training program. Both parents and students are interested in developing Internet research skills in order to be competitive in today's world. There are very few computers available within the school district and no comprehensive instructional program is in place. In addition, press releases in local newspapers and flyers available at the library will invite any parent (whether a child is enrolled in a participating school or not) or educator in the community to attend the training programs, especially the general program held at the library.

This target audience statement clearly defines an audience that is within the population guidelines for this category. By giving the enrollments of the school community, reviewers have an idea of the size of the expected target audience. There is a clear indication that the library will be collaborating with the PTAs, a natural partner when working with the schools. There is a statement about why this particular population needs this program. Finally, an example of how publicity will be conducted is included in this statement.

Problematic:

The target groups for this project are the parents and children in the community. We will publicize to the local elementary and secondary schools. Working with various PTAs, a sizable audience is anticipated for each Internet training program. A potential enrollment of 4,000 students is anticipated for our programs. In addition, press releases in local newspapers and flyers available at the library will invite any parent (whether a child is enrolled in a participating school or not) or educator in the community to attend the training programs, especially the general program to be held at the library.

This target audience statement needs some work. By giving the potential enrollment at 4,000 the reviewers are left wondering where this number is derived from? How did the grant writers come up with this number? There is no explanation of why this population of parents and children can benefit from this program.

Pre- and post-provider training surveys

Project librarian conversations with providers

Project librarian observation

Individual child care provider logs of kit usage

Surveys from library-sponsored early childhood programs in addition to those offered through the grant project

Pre- and post- project provider surveys

Sharing of project tip sheets with parents as documented in provider logs