City Council permission is requested to apply for a federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant administered by the California State Library. The purpose of the grant is to expand the Sunnyvale Public Library’s repertoire of programs to include a voluntary course of instruction in the use of the library, evaluation of information sources, research techniques, effective use of information systems and to expand programming designed to encourage a love of reading.

The California State Library invited LSTA grant proposals in January 1999. The major provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act cover two broad areas:

Technology, Networking, and Resource Sharing: Qualified projects involve linkages among libraries, linkages with other services, access to information, consortia and multitype library networking to increase sharing of resources and information, and acquisition of information technology and telecommunications.

Targeted Library and Information Services: Qualified projects involve library services to people who are underserved – those who are disadvantaged, geographically isolated, illiterate, disabled, or who are having difficulty using a library.

One of the Act’s stated goals is: "By 2002, at least 10 technologically-based library services/tools will have been developed and tested using LSTA funds to improve access to learning and information resources through libraries of all types."

In May 1999 notification was received which encouraged the Sunnyvale Public Library to submit a complete application based on its proposal. As evidenced in many other parts of society, people are increasingly challenged to find enough time to do everything required of them. The Library’s recent space project had as one of its goals encouraging the library user to become increasingly self sufficient by making the library more logical and user friendly. Users knowledgeable about the library, its systems and holdings will be able to make good use of their time as well as that of staff. If people are trained to embark upon a library project unassisted, staff time is freed up to assist those with complex needs or those who lack some basic skills.

The goals of the project are to:

1. Broadly educate the public regarding the scope and use of the resources available at the Library and through the Library’s electronic resources.
2. Enhance lifelong learning opportunities by offering presentations about many subjects and special areas of the collection.
3. Provide access to experts speaking on various topics reflected in the library’s collection.
4. Provide an environment for continuous learning.

A combination of several required core classes in the use of the library and its materials along with enrichment programs reflecting individual interests will lead to a Certified Library User Certificate.

Goal 6.2C Services and Programs: Provide library services to help all community residents find and use the information they need to pursue their individual interests and goals.

Increasingly, library users take advantage of alternative means of acquiring needed information or a good book to read. Libraries continue to provide new tools and technologies to enable this behavior. Unlike academic libraries, however, most public libraries do not offer a curriculum of programs designed to provide information-seeking skills to users. While many valuable programs are offered which might build these skills, that is not the focus of the program design. The proposed grant project would enable Sunnyvale Public Library to plan specific curricula to address information literacy needs of children, teens and adults. The public would directly participate in and benefit from the classes.

The Certified Library User program will build knowledgeable, self-sufficient library users with the skills to access information independently and to seek professional assistance when appropriate. The program will also develop the ability to analyze information for quality, accuracy, relevance and timeliness.

The grant will fund staff time for the development of the curricula and program content, publicity materials, honoraria for expert speakers and for videotaping of presentations for future broadcast or circulation.

The Board of Library trustees heard a presentation about the grant proposal and encouraged its submission in January. Library users were surveyed in January and June to ascertain areas of interest for program content.

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

Prepared by:

Victoria L. Johnson
Director of Libraries

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager