The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that four projects have been selected as Exemplary Programs for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) 2009 Program Report to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The State Library of Ohio staff selected Instructional Technology Services of Central Ohio (ITSCO) for the Literature Lounge Phase II; Ohio Wesleyan University Library to create the digital story of the interrelated 19th century history of the city of Delaware, the Methodist Episcopal Church and Ohio Wesleyan University; Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County for the Early Learning Express project; and Salem Public Library for the use of satellite library branches in two city parks during the summer of 2009.
During Federal fiscal year 2009 (October 2008 through September 2009), the State Library of Ohio awarded 40 LSTA grants. A total of 55 libraries submitted 71 applications. Forty grants were awarded to 30 institutions.
LSTA was enacted on September 30, 1996 and enables public, school, academic, and special libraries to apply for federal library funds. IMLS, the agency which oversees the LSTA, provides LSTA funds each year to the State Library of Ohio. IMLS is a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning through the support of museum and library programs.
As part of the Report to IMLS, the State Library of Ohio must identify three to six exemplary projects. State Library staff selects these projects based on their relation to LSTA goals, impact of the project on the target population and the ability to be replicated in other parts of the state.
LSTA 2009 Exemplary Programs in Ohio
Ohio Instructional Technology Services of Central Ohio (ITSCO) for the Literature Lounge Phase II. This project broadened a pilot project originally undertaken between ITSCO, Worthington Libraries and Worthington School District. Library staff created and broadcast content to teachers who wanted more age-appropriate language arts content. Phase II expanded the project by creating a professional development model to provide outreach to additional schools and public libraries. Book Talks introduce and review noteworthy books for students and provide teachers with the skills to incorporate emerging technologies into the creation of fun and interesting book studies. The project is now reaching additional areas of the state and is being further expanded.
Ohio Wesleyan University Library to create the digital story of the interrelated 19th century history of the city of Delaware, the Methodist Episcopal Church and Ohio Wesleyan University. Digitized materials include photographs, manuscripts, postcards, published histories, maps, pamphlets, and newspaper articles. This was a collaborative project between the University Library, the Delaware County Historical Society Research Library and the Archives of the Ohio United Methodism. Additionally, the project staff received assistance and support from churches in town, the local school system, the Delaware Gazette and local businesses. This project not only increases accessibility to local historical resources, but it also exemplifies the concepts of cooperation and collaboration.
Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County for the Early Learning Express project. This project provides educational and literacy support to Type-B in-home care providers, with an emphasis on early childhood literacy intervention for ages 2-5. For the project, 50 certified Type-B in-home care providers were identified and received three visits by library staff. As part of the visits, providers received suggestions on incorporating the six pre-reading skills into their daily activities with children. The Hamilton County Dept. of Job and Family Services and 4C for Children were key partners in the project. An independent evaluation indicated that the project is having an impact on the practices Type-B in-home caregivers use when working with children on literacy development.
Salem Public Library for the use of satellite library branches in two city parks during the summer of 2009. A portable on demand storage container was set up in each park to become the branch structure with each being open two evenings a week. Story times held throughout the summer focused on Every Child Ready to Read principles. Programs were so successful that all registrants could not be accommodated. This project was highly successful—it served the community in a new, meaningful way, brought quality early literacy and school preparedness instruction to area families, enhanced the visibility of the library and introduced library resources to a number of new users. The project also allowed the library to establish a strong partnership with the Salem Parks Department and reinforce its partnership with the Salem City School District.
Additional information about the Ohio LSTA grants program is available at WebJunction Ohio.
