Justification
For
Address Deficits
Use assessment of deficits to justify resources that can make improvements.
Data Story Format
"We are assessing our library's deficits in __[programs or services related to needs]__ to justify resources that improve __[related programs or services]__."
Possible Use
We are assessing our library's deficits in services to rural areas following the recent closure of our mobile services. We will use what we learn to justify resources that improve access for remote users at existing library building locations.
Real Story Examples
"It Was With a Heavy Heart That We Closed Our Mobile Library Service.": Out of 815,000 people in Devon County, less than 3,000 people use the mobile libraries. Instead of using the limited library budget to continue this service, funding will instead be used to expand the Home Library Service and to collaborate with local organizations to continue providing services to homebound patrons.
Beyond Self-Care for Library Staffers: Having to constantly express positivity, especially while dealing with one's own emotions, when working with patrons can be mentally taxing for library staff. Professional guidelines and training to acknowledge librarians emotional labor can make libraries more inclusive and supportive while raising awareness and understanding of emotional labor in library work.
Breaking Down Barriers to Family Literacy: Offering digital literacy classes in English and Somali, pop-up libraries showcasing the library's services ,and various other community outreach events were ways the library was able to foster relationships with families living in poverty. Stepping outside the physical library space proved crucial to the success of the program since transportation to the library was listed as a reason people were not utilizing the resources.
Improved Children’s Literacy Programs and Services to Children Under the Age of Five Years: LSTA funds allowed the Guam Public Library system to sustain patron services and literacy outreach programs to underserved individuals, diverse families, individuals with disabilities and Guam's elderly population. The funds also helped to develop new literacy programs to target special populations, including those under the age of five (5) years, increase library profile, and continue the improvement of literacy programs. As a result GPLS increased patron usage and the usage of library services and materials by the community.
Data Visualization Recommendations
General Guidance
Justification: Consider using a mix of line and bar charts to depict the inherent challenges or complexities associated with the aspect being addressed.
