[Libs-Or] Statewide public library needs assessment

[Penny Hummel]

In response to the interests of a consortium of funders, The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is supporting a needs and opportunities assessment of Oregon’s public libraries. The goal of the project is to assist funders in identifying how best to support public libraries of all sizes as they provide 21stcentury library services to a diverse public. 
The needs assessment will be conducted by Penny Hummel of Penny Hummel Consulting with support from Portland State University’s Survey Research Lab. Data for this qualitative analysis will be gathered from January – March 2015 in four ways:
 
·      Eight focus groups with public library directors around the state:
o   February 17:  Wilsonville Public Library (10 - 11:30 am)

o   February 18:  OCF Portland office (2 – 3:30 pm)

o   Feb. 23:  OCF Medford office (2 – 3:30 pm)  

o   Feb. 25:  OCF Eugene office (10 – 11:30 pm)

o   Feb. 27:  Coos Bay Public Library (10 – 11:30 am)

o   March 3:  OCF Bend office (2 – 3:30 pm)

o   March 5:  Newport Public Library (1 – 2:30 pm)

o   March 11:  Pendleton Public Library:  (1 – 2:30 pm)

·      An online survey for public library directors, library board members, Friends and Foundation trustees and staff and other interested stakeholders (available in late February- early March) 
·      Interviews with regional and national library leaders and other service providers
·      A literature review of best practices 
 
This needs assessment offers a once-in-a generation opportunity for Oregon’s public libraries to provide comprehensive input about their current and future needs to the philanthropic community. Public library directors are therefore strongly encouraged to make their voices known through participating in the survey and/or focus groups.
A report documenting the outcomes of the needs assessment will be presented to The Oregon Community Foundation in June, 2015 and subsequently shared with the public. 
 
In the weeks to come, additional details about the survey and focus groups will be provided to public library directors.  
 
If you have any questions, or are a public library director and would like to reserve a space in one of focus groups listed above, contact Penny Hummel at  penny at pennyhummel.com or 503.890.0494. 
 

Penny Hummel
Penny Hummel Consulting
www.pennyhummel.com 

503.890.0494
penny at pennyhummel.com


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