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IMLS Competitive Grant
ABSTRACT The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL), Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is currently providing three IMLS funded outreach programs including, computer classes for Manamko seniors, a library automation initiative for the Public School System (PSS) and a homework center for PSS students. Children and the elderly compose the largest number of native speakers with limited English abilities. This proposal continues services to the targeted groups through technology, improved library access, and a homework center program for after school assistance of PSS students. Computer instruction and access at the Manamko Aging Center will continue, but at a reduced number of hours. The focus will be the maintenance of this program by using Manamko staff and volunteers. This program has been well received and attended, bringing services to a patron group unable to commute to JKPL. The IMLS funded instructor will make weekly trips to the Manamko Center. Several Manamko and staff have already acquired computer skills as a result of these classes and now use computers daily for Internet and email. One Manamko is very capable and is actively managing computer use by other seniors. The grant services will continue to maintain the small Manamko Library collection, which allows seniors to read in the Center. The grant will continue automating PSS libraries through the guidance of the "State Library." Four libraries are now fully automated and use the LibrarySoft system daily, enjoying the benefits of the online system. Nine more are undergoing conversion and most should finish before the start of the 2006-2007 school year. All other PSS libraries are functioning poorly without professional expertise or automation. None has a computer dedicated to maintenance of the library collection. JKPL will assist PSS staff until every library has a functioning LibrarySoft system. This requires installing software on a stand-alone system and instructing the PSS staff and student users. The system allows each library to catalog in MARC format, keep patron circulations records, and generate statistics, reports, barcodes and labels. Staff at the completed libraries will use LibrarySoft for daily operation and help JKPL automate and convert remaining PSS libraries. PSS library staff is now attending regular workshops for this automation project, receiving professional direction for the first time. Activities of the homework center will continue to correspond with the development of services in the new Children's Library Cultural Center (COHL) at JKPL. Children's librarians and outreach assistant will concentrate on the new homework center collaborating with PSS teachers, volunteers, and students- JKPL's largest patron group. One of the COHL project's goal is to offer curriculum based library services for after school students. COHL funds will be used to purchase materials for this project. JKPL is in walking distance of some PSS schools. Cooperation between PSS and JKPL will serve the students' curricular needs and improve library and information skills and performance on research assignments. JKPL is often filled with students that have limited research skills and struggle to complete homework and other assignments. The homework center will offer library services anticipating the after school activities of students though support materials, expansion of collections, reference assistance, homework help, and Internet and bibliographic instruction. This will strengthen ties between JKPL and PSS by using teachers and student volunteers to develop and staff the homework center. This IMLS project will help shape the development of COHL collections and services, which are funded by an Administration for Native Americans grant received by the Library Friends, a non-profit group supporting JKPL. The homework assistance and automation projects partner PSS, JKPL and COHL to increase and strengthen interlibrary cooperation and expand services for this target group. |