Insiders Librarians’ Toolkit made possible by EUREKA! Leadership Institute; Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), a federal grant program that is managed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered in California by the State Librarian, and Contra Costa County Library.
Presented by Kathy Middleton
Contra Costa County Library
Contra Costa County Library’s
“Insiders Toolkit” provides
staff in California libraries
with the Training and Plans to
Build Inclusive Library programs for
Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Librarians’ Toolkit
Part I: VideoTo inspire people working in public libraries to recognize opportunities for serving people with disabilities
Part II: The PlanA how-to booklet for librarians to plan and implement one year of library programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Project!
Why the title ?Based on quote from Eva, Library Insider:
Thank you for inviting us inside.
Some people fear doing something unacceptable or “wrong” and feel on the outside of others’ library experiences.
Why have library programs for adults with developmental disabilities?
• Community-based groups growing—meeting in libraries
• Traditionally underserved population
• Libraries are mandated to eliminate barriers to access (even attitudinal)
• Part of Strategic Plan and Mission
Who benefits?
Adult Services Staff
Professional growth
Relevant adult programs with measurable results
New opportunities to partner
Fun, easy, rewarding
All Library Staff
Library forefront of library accessibility
Fulfill library’s mission
Accessibility training
Build support for library
Who else benefits?
Community of Library Users
When people with disabilities are served, every library visitor benefits:
Library servicesStaff trainingInclusive library programsThe collection
Speakers/presenters invited by staff to lead Insider programs
Community-based organizations, statewide and national agencies; families, and others who support independent living and integration into
society for people with disabilities
What Insiders are saying:
Thank you for our happiness. Love you.
Thank you, also thank you for the reading program.
I like you a lot for inviting us to the library. You are special. You are so nice.
We learn a lot.
What community program providers are saying:
These special days have become not only fun but have enriched the lives of our consumers in a wonderful and positive way.
I cannot put into words how much this special program has meant not only to the consumers, but to the staff as well. We look forward to each and every month at the library.
Momentum
• Library ColleaguesPoster Session, ALA ConferenceALA/ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award
• ParticipantsARC Inroads--a community group for people with DD—staffand participants
• Program PartnersThose who lead library programs
• Library leaders/administrationEncouragement, support, advice
Insiders Main Logo
12 Sub-Logos for Headings in Book and on Web
The Process: Logo Development Approx. $1300
Clean, denotes action; recognized as library-related; similar in toCCCL library logo
LibraryMain Logo
Book Contents:
Background and History
Gaining support for your Insiders Program
Sample programs; insights
Funding
The Library Collection
Insiders Video $3,500
Purpose of film: Inspire and Train
• Interviews with Insider Program presentersPark Naturalist, Reading Therapy Dog and Handler
• Interview with community-based program Executive director
• Interview with Librarian
• Participants engaged in various programs
• Persuasive narrative
PROJECT OUTPUTS
September 2010-September 2011
Video: 100 views
Instruction Booklet: 50 Downloads
Five California libraries will pilot an Insiders library program for adults with developmental disabilities as a result of training provided in the Insiders Toolkit.
PROJECT OUTCOME
September 2010-September 2011
85% of library staff accessing the Toolkit will
report that they learned at least three new
techniques for building library programs for
adults with developmental disabilities; measured
by online survey.
Online SurveyDevelop online survey to determine if visitors are learning new things, and to gather data for future of project.
Next steps
Publicize/Present:25 Contra Costa County LibrariesCLA, November 2010WebinarPresent to Bay Area Disability Services Librarians (BADSL) Agencies that support people with disabilitiesProfessional, social and community networks
Respond to feedback on page: Develop online Q & A through online comments
Expand: Message to more California libraries
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Toolkit positions
Contra Costa County Library
as leader in serving people with disabilities.