Justification
For
Serving Real Needs
Design or maintain services based on evidence of needs.
Data Story Format
"We have gathered and analyzed data from ___[our community]___ showing real needs that we can meet. We are ready develop new services, and we ask for ____[resources]____ to accomplish ___[goal]_____."
Possible Use
We have gathered data from our community and analyzed US federal data showing real literacy needs that we can meet. We are developing new services, and we need staff time and publicity funds to accomplish expanding our literacy programming for children and families.
Real Story Examples
Among Many U.S. children, Reading for Fun has Become Less Common, Federal Data Shows: This study shows that the percentage of children ages 9-13 who read for fun every day or almost every day is at its lowest point since the mid-1980’s. Disparities in reading are prominent across gender and race, with girls reporting more reading than boys and Asian American, White, and Hispanic children generally reporting more reading than their Black peers. The author of the study found a positive correlation between children who report reading for fun every day and higher performance on reading sections of standardized tests.
ARPA: Broadband: Montana ranked lowest in the nation of citizens with basic broadband Internet access, which was further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, libraries which served as the only Internet available to some had out-of-date wiring and cabling. Using ARPA funds, a hot-spot lending program was established throughout Montana and equipment was updated in dozens of libraries. This upgrade allowed patrons to access information and allow some sense of stability during an unprecedented time.
Programs and Services for Transitioned Aged Youth and Non-Minor Dependents: LA County creates a series of programs that will help young adults who are transitioning out of foster care develop the skills they will need for everyday life. The program focuses on helping young adults develop the skills to learn how to navigate topics such as mental health, workplace readiness, and relationships.
Read to Me Outreach: Data shows that roughly half of Idaho kindergartners enter school without the necessary skills needed to learn to read. Many children who would benefit from no-cost access to early learning experiences remain “underserved” by Idaho libraries. The Idaho Commission for Libraries’ (ICfL) Read to Me team supports libraries’ efforts to reach these children, families, and care providers by offering several outreach program options.
Data Visualization Recommendations
General Guidance
Justification: Consider using bar or line charts to show how the previous need and how that need has been served. An arrow can draw the audience's attention to the magnitude of the change.
