Help for Tough Times Barbara Reading, Library Development Director Ann Roberts, Adult Services Consultant Debbie Musselman, LSTA Coordinator, Maria Hines, Library Administration Consultant Project Compass Summit June 2010

LSTA Goals Goal #2 – Enable residents to locate and easily use electronic content by providing databases and content in various formats… Goal #5– Strengthen and expand…library services… to meet educational…needs of Missourians, particularly…underserved.

Provided statewide license for Learning Express Libraries – Online tests – ACT, SAT – Study materials – elementary, High School, career, GED, college level – Job search and workplace skills – Spanish language – Available to all members of MOREnet – public library, schools, higher ed.

Provided statewide license for Learning Express Libraries – Online tests – ACT, SAT – Study materials – elementary, High School, career, GED, college level – Job search and workplace skills – Spanish language – Available to all members of MOREnet – public library, schools, higher ed.

Why Learning Express Libraries? – Many patrons requesting help in these areas – Public libraries identified LEL as easy to use, good feedback from users – Statewide license provides access across state-

Outcomes: LEL Usage statistics – FY08 – Oct. through June – – FY0953,312 – FY10 July through March – 58,431 – Increase in usage due to marketing; tough times creates more interest

Gale Small Business Resource Center – – Statewide license through MOREnet; state appropriation – Information on starting and growing a business, – Writing business plans

GED Connection – – Partnership with Mo Dept. of Elem & 2ndary Ed. – License for broadcast of video series by public cable TV stations – Provide workbooks and master set of materials to public libraries; adult education centers. Literacy support – LIFT (state appropriation) – Literacy training; library staff trainings

Statewide courier service for public libarries provides 2 day access to materials borrowed from any library in the state – – Used by distance ed students for course support

Programs in place for several years: Statewide network for internet access – Broadband capacity for public library, K-12, college – Supported with state appropriation LSTA and Gates Foundation grants for public access computers – meet need for increased user demand.