[OPLINLIST] State Library of Ohio receives a $25, 000 Sparks! Ignition Grant for Libraries from IMLS

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

Please excuse multiple postings...

The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a federal Sparks! Ignition Grant for Libraries in the amount of $25,000 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The funding will be used to develop and pilot Libraries by the Numbers, a web-based data visualization tool for Ohio's public libraries.  Public libraries are required to submit data to IMLS every year through the Public Library Survey. Libraries by the Numbers will enable Ohio public libraries to use their own statistical data from the survey to create and share easy to understand infographics. Public libraries may then use these customized infographics to communicate their value and aid their staff, boards and the public in developing stronger library services.

"The State Library of Ohio is very pleased to have received the Sparks! Ignition Grant for Libraries from IMLS to develop and pilot Libraries by the Numbers" expressed State Librarian Beverly Cain.  "Project Manager Kirstin Krumsee has spent the past year working with State Library staff to develop this project in response to an expressed need for a tool to help libraries use data to demonstrate the library's relevance and value to the community.  Libraries collect data regarding almost everything they do, but it can be challenging to present that data in a meaningful way.  This project will help change that."

The federal IMLS Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries provide opportunities to expand and test the boundaries of library and archive services and practices. Sparks! grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. The FFY2017 Sparks! program received 54 applications and awarded 16 grants, totaling $342,450.

"These recipients represent the best of the best," said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. "The grantees' projects were selected from a competitive pool of proposals and rose to the top of our rigorous peer-review process. Their leading-edge work will provide fresh ideas for the museum and library fields and will lead to better programs and services for all served by these valued institutions."

The one-year grant period for Libraries by the Numbers began October 1, 2016. Information about the project, from development through post completion, will be shared with libraries across the state through the statewide listserv, presentations at Ohio library conferences and as it progresses, at national library conferences. Within the State Library, this project will enable the library consultant staff to better provide libraries with data resources to aid in the strategic planning process.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov<https://www.imls.gov/>.
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