SOUTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY
FIVE YEAR PLAN
2002-2007

Adopted in fulfillment of the requirements of the
LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT
by the
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY BOARD

30 July 2002

Warren Wilson, Chair
Joe VanDeRostyne
Richard Van Beek
Kraig Keck

Suzanne Miller, State Librarian

Overview -- Mission
Need 1 -- Need 2 -- Need 3 -- Need 4 -- Need 5
Summary -- Appendix A -- Appendix C
Appendix C Part 1 -- Appendix C Part 2 -- Appendix C Part 3
Overview of Needs Assessment, Goals, Evaluation Plan and Programs --back to top

The South Dakota State Library conducted several surveys and a statewide series of focus forums to gather input from both library directors and staff and from the end users - the citizens of South Dakota. Based on the results of the surveys and focus forums, the South Dakota State Library Board and the staff of the State Library identified five (5) service needs that will be the focus for the next five years. The five service needs are consistent with the purposes of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), and are all included within the following LSTA State Programs Five-year Plan. These service needs are:
  1. Serve as a Library for Libraries,
  2. Increase Visibility and Demand for Quality Library Service,
  3. Facilitate Access to Resources,
  4. Advance Literacy, and
  5. Promote Lifelong Learning.
Each of these service needs and their associated goals, LSTA purposes, output and outcome targets and programs is described in the body of this document. Working documents that support these needs are attached in Appendix A.

Mission Statement --back to top

The mission of the South Dakota State Library is:
To lead the State in access to resources, advance literacy, and promote lifelong learning in the information age.

The South Dakota State Library
  • supports state government objectives by providing research and information resources and services;
  • supports development of local library services through one-on-one consulting, workshops, programs, institutes;
  • facilitates access to information resources which support education, information and entertainment needs regardless of format;
  • coordinates access to resources through participation and leadership in consortia including SDLN, courier services, interlibrary loan agreements;
  • develops online content in the form of vetted web resources, digitizing of state documents, statistical report forms, and publications;
  • provides direct service to citizens in rural communities which have no library service or under-developed library services and to citizens with visual impairments or other physical challenges which do not allow them to use standard print; and
  • supports library programs through grants which promote creative programs, encourage experimental ideas with targeted audiences and insure connectivity.
  • Services are designed to support South Dakota citizens in order to improve their quality of life whether directly or through other state/local organizations. Services are delivered in the manner appropriate to the program and include online delivery, formal programming, and individual consulting.

Federal LSTA purposes set forth in Sec. 9141. Grants to States are:
  1. Establishing or enhancing electronic linkages among or between libraries;
  2. Electronically linking libraries with educational, social or information services;
  3. Assisting libraries in accessing information through electronic networks;
  4. Encouraging libraries in different areas, and encouraging different types of libraries to establish consortia and shared resources; or
  5. Paying costs for libraries to acquire or share computer systems and telecommunications technologies; and
  6. Targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by Office Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2)) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (Title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved.
NOTE: Throughout the remainder of this document, LSTA Purpose will include the above goals by reference to their number only.

Need #1 To Serve as a Library for Libraries --back to top
Summary Needs Assessment:
  • South Dakota is a sparsely populated, predominantly rural, economically depressed state with few professionally trained library personnel. Most public library directors serve communities of fewer than 5,000 population. The rural nature of the state has a significant impact on the ability of library staff to readily obtain the training needed to efficiently manage the local library.
  • Focus groups consistently identified the importance of libraries working together toward common goals (consortial relationships) as a high priority.
  • Focus groups and the evaluation of the Library Training Institute identified the need for an on-going and increasing number of continuing education opportunities (group, one-on-one, self-directed, and distance).
Goal: Strengthen the ability of local libraries to meet the needs of their local communities by providing resources and technical expertise to assist their endeavors.

LSTA Purpose: LSTA goals 2, 4 & 6

Key Output Targets:
  • Increase statewide collaborative electronic resources available to local communities.
  • Continue to improve service to local communities through continuing education programs such as the Summer Training Institute, administrative skills for directors and advocacy skills for library boards.
  • Develop and expand the library profession in the State by supporting and encouraging those interested in the Masters of Library Science (MLS).
  • Develop the ability of local libraries to meet more local needs both through technology and coordinated services.
Key Outcome Targets:
  • By June 2006 at least 60% of state employees (management level) on the Pierre campus will be familiar with and use at least one electronic resource provided to their desktop.
  • At least 90% of the attendees of the 2002-2006 Library Training Institutes will report implementing a minimum of one new/changed library practice/skill annually as a result of attending the Institute.
  • Insure 100% of public libraries are visited at least once every two (2) years for consultation by State Library staff.
  • Increase the number of workshops which focus on the use of technology to meet patron reference needs. Two or more full day workshop series per year will be offered to address technology applications and databases.
  • Graduate 20 library staff from Training Institute in the next five years
  • Provide an internship in librarianship for at least three (3) persons interested in earning a MLS degree.
Program:
  1. Collaborate with all types of libraries and organizations to facilitate library services
    • SDLN/ILL-Minitex/Courier will be continued and evaluated annually to determine if additional libraries should be added
    • Collaborate with state agencies to assist with the management of their library materials (example, DOT Library). Service provided on request

  2. Provide consultation, workshops, programs, and materials which improve the ability of local libraries to meet the needs of their constituents (such as Library Training Institute, School Library Aides Training, statewide workshops for trustees, etc.)
  3. Offer scholarship opportunities for graduate study.
  4. Support SDLA activities that promote professional development
  5. Serve government agency information needs by providing access to information at their desktop as well as through traditional library research.
  6. Develop reference services and resources to support the needs of state agencies for the purposes of serving their clientele, the citizens of the state.
  7. Define resources to be available through the State Library.
  8. Provide appropriate online databases to meet educational and research needs as well as those which improve the quality of life.
  9. Provide resources in appropriate format which meet stakeholder needs including digital, large print, regular print, and talking book.
Need #2 Increase Visibility and Demand for Quality Library Services --back to top
Summary Needs Assessment:
There is a recognized need to expand people's understanding of the resources available in our libraries in order to maximize their usage. Focus groups unanimously support this need. Aesoph report noted, "The need for promoting and marketing Libraries at every level was expressed in every focus group..When citizens in the groups heard some of the basic services provided by the State Library, and the numbers of patrons who access those services, citizens were both fascinated and appalled at their lack of awareness.. Promoting a general understanding of these services is a key to the future, they reasoned." It should become evident that the Library offers something of interest and value for people of all ages, in all walks of life, and across cultures.

Goal: To increase the visibility and demand for quality library service.

LSTA Purpose: LSTA goals 2, 4 & 6

Key Output Targets:
  • The business community should be aware of the business services available in libraries which support their economic development and success.
  • Communities and businesses should understand the role quality library services have in recruitment of personnel.
  • Expand knowledge of health databases available to local communities and citizens.
  • Parents should know what services are available for children including pre-school programming, children's programming, homework programs, teen programs, as well as information on children's health issues and parenting.
  • Insure people unable to use standard print are aware of State Library services for the visually impaired and how to take advantage of these service
  • Develop awareness in new immigrant communities and Native Americans of the opportunities available at local libraries.
Key Outcome Targets:
  • Pre/post surveys will show a 20% increase in the awareness of the business community of library services.
  • Increased usage of library sponsored Web pages.
  • Increased number of children's programs being offered especially teen/young adult programs.
  • Increase usage of library sponsored health databases and services.
Program:
  1. Marketing - promote the local library as the first source for information (press releases, focused marketing, etc.). Develop a marketing campaign that will brand libraries as the first stop for information.
  2. Train local library personnel in marketing their services.
  3. Develop templates and programs that local libraries can adapt and distribute.
  4. Develop an aggressive, upbeat marketing plan which illustrates the value of the library in the community. Any campaign should emphasize the wealth of resources available and how they support the economic and social goals of the community. Any project or program should reflect this plan and must embody a vision for the future.
  5. Provide a virtual library to support education and lifelong learning.
  6. Expand South Dakota State Library web page content.
  7. Expand statewide licensed database availability, which support education, government, health, and cultural resources.
Need # 3 Facilitate Access to Resources --back to top
Summary Needs Assessment:
  • South Dakota is a rural state with many areas of intense poverty. Even areas of only moderate poverty have increased difficulty keeping schools open with minimal staff. Library resources and personnel are among the first services considered peripheral and targeted for budget reduction and/or discontinuation.
  • It is important to insure that all children have equal access to quality resources in order to secure the quality of their education. Resources need to be available to support expanding distance education programs and lifelong learning and to address quality of life issues regardless of location or economic status.
  • Fledgling businesses are slowly taking hold in South Dakota. They need resources to support their efforts.
  • Vast distances separate people from quality health care. Online access to health resources will enable citizens to develop an understanding of their health issues without leaving their local community.
  • State government employees require specialized resources which will help them develop better statutes and regulations and provide more informed services to their constituents.
Goal: Facilitate access to resources.

LSTA Purpose: LSTA goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Key Output Targets:
  • Support and provide access to quality licensed databases for schools, teachers, and students.
  • Promote development of quality web pages and content for targeted audiences (K-12, academic, special needs.).
  • Support and provide access to quality, licensed databases for the business community to insure access to information they need for basic development and successful enterprise.
  • Support and provide access to quality health databases and services for citizens.
  • Support and provide access to quality databases which support the missions of state government agencies.
Key Outcome Targets:
  • Strengthen the databases available for use in K-12 education including expanding resources and providing workshops and training to insure best usage.
  • Strengthen the databases available for the business community and provide workshops and training to insure skilled usage.
  • Provide health databases for remote areas and provide necessary training for maximum usage.
  • Strengthen and support databases for government employees and provide aggressive training for agencies and require basic information skills training for all new employees as part of the Bureau of Personnel introductory courses. Training will address library resources, licensed databases, internet search skills, basic services, etc.
Program:
  1. Facilitate equal access to resources regardless of location or financial situation
    • Facilitate access to required resources regardless of format in the most efficient, expedient manner possible wherever the user is at the time of need. This may include development of services such as chat reference to assist patrons remotely.
    • Insure provision is made for rural, Americans with disabilities, and non-English speakers
    • Statewide access to online databases
    • Government complex access to targeted information
    • Develop web content on South Dakota State Library web site

  2. Support development of local libraries and personnel to insure delivery of quality services at the local level and the ability to develop local training programs. Development to include:
    • Basic library services and policy development
    • Installation and use of appropriate technology and efficient use of licensed databases and the internet
    • One-on-one consulting
    • Training workshops
    • Programs/institutes
    • Grant programs for local program development

  3. Coordinate equal access to resources:
    • Purchase of appropriate databases statewide access by South Dakota State Library
    • Purchase of appropriate databases to meet the needs of the government complex by South Dakota State Library
    • Coordinate joint purchase of resources by multiple libraries in state
    • Coordinate with by South Dakota Library Network for shared resources and remote access
    • Support efforts to improve Internet service access at higher speeds.

  4. Provide resources to state employees necessary to operate quality, efficient government agencies.
    • print resources
    • online resources
    • information literacy
    • workshops and training
Need # 4 Advance Literacy --back to top
Summary Needs Assessment:
There are several types of literacy needs that require attention in South Dakota. In addition to the basic reading and writing skills required for daily survival, there are new areas that require attention. With the increase in technology available, citizens need to develop specific competencies in technological literacy (the ability to use computers) and information literacy (the ability to understand the information presented and its value and authority). With an increasing immigrant population in some areas of the state, these populations also need assistance in the areas of English as a Second Language (ESL) and survival or coping literacy (the ability to meet basic needs such as parenting, understanding American culture, or navigating basic government paperwork for legal or health needs).

Goal: Advance literacy.

LSTA Purpose: LSTA goal 6

Key Output Targets:
  • Assist and support the development of literacy programs for all state citizens.
  • Promote development of information literacy programs throughout the state.
Key Outcome Targets:
  • Have one web-based training module in place by 2005.
  • 75% of South Dakota public libraries which meet the minimum state definition for public libraries will have information literacy programs in place.
  • At least one (1) staff member at 80% of the public libraries and 50% of the school libraries is trained in information literacy skills.
Program:
  1. Assist the Citizens of South Dakota to become more information literate
    • Develop information literacy skills
      • educate school administrators and teachers in the importance of information literacy.
      • develop sample programs at different grade levels which develop critical thinking skills
      • develop sample programs for adults which develop critical thinking skills
      • develop tip sheets on improving search capabilities
    • Computer training for library personnel
    • Create a laptop training lab to be used to teach library staff as well as the general public, school administrators, board members and teachers, and students
    • Develop web training modules.
    • Develop critical thinking skills in students. For example, seek a partnership for the production of an instructional video and develop learning packages which could be distributed to school and public libraries.
    • Define criteria for critical evaluation of online and print resources
    • Target additional FTE to expand focus on information literacy
    • Develop a "Best of Information Literacy" certificate program.
  2. Work with libraries and other agencies to identify reading disorders at a young age
    • Support literacy web page coordination with appropriate agencies
    • Support local literacy programs
    • Connect people to agencies that can help with reading disorders such as the local literacy council and testing agencies.
  3. Services for the eyesight/hearing impaired
    • Compile bibliographies of support materials, groups and informational books
    • Define services available through the State Library and partner programs
    • Develop brochures for distribution.
Need # 5 Promote Lifelong Learning --back to top
Summary Needs Assessment:
It has always been and will continue to be the role of libraries to support inquiry and democracy, discovery, and the exchange of ideas. The library should be an information commons for all citizens.

Goal: Promote lifelong learning

LSTA Purpose: LSTA goal 2, 3 & 6

Key Output Targets:
  • Develop thirst for learning in children.
  • Develop programs that expand an adult's ability to learn, participate in the democratic process, and enjoy a high quality of life.
Key Outcome Targets:
  • Increase percentage of young and middle age adults using libraries.
  • Cultivate the attitude that the library is the first and best provider of quality information.
  • At least one (1) staff person at 100% of South Dakota state defined public libraries is trained in the basic use of computer software including e-mail and Microsoft Word.
  • Increase the number of adult programs offered by public libraries.
Program:
  1. Encourage love of reading
    • Develop reading skills and interest in children
      • Summer reading programs
      • Family reading
      • Cultivate reading in young adults
      • Reading clubs - adult and teen
      • Insure value of library services is known by citizens to assist in education, business, improvement of quality of life
      • Advertise the advantages of reading/literacy
  2. Create a desire to read for knowledge and curiosity
    • develop users
    • children's programming and development, including support for innovative projects for extending/improving children's services
    • Young Adult (YA) programming, including support for innovative projects for extending and improving YA services
    • Adult programming, including support for innovative projects for extending/improving adult services
  3. Establish minimum competencies for local library staff for provision of electronic access to resources
    • Develop recommendations for minimum resources that should be available in all public libraries, school libraries
    • Provide training/support to library personnel for resources to insure minimum level of service to constituents.
  4. Explore appropriate resources and programs for citizens and make accessible booklists and web pages which expand inquiry, stimulate discovery, and encourage reading.
Summary of Planning and Implementation Procedures --back to top

Stakeholder Involvement Procedures
The primary focus of state library services has always been and will continue to be to meet the needs of the end users, the citizens of the state of South Dakota. The needs and interests of the citizen are primary. State government agencies and their employees share in this mission and the South Dakota State Library (SDSL) supports their information needs in order to insure that the highest quality government services are available to citizens. Also imperative, the personnel in local libraries are key to delivery of information services at the community level. All libraries, regardless of type, are considered customers of the State Library. The SDSL also works in coordination with statewide library organizations such as the South Dakota Library Network (SDLN) and the South Dakota Library Association (SDLA) and state agencies and services whose mission meshes with the goals of the SDSL.

In preparation for writing the five year plan, many steps were taken to identify the interests and needs of our diverse constituency.
  1. The results of the focus groups conducted by the South Dakota Library Association in Fall 2000 were reviewed. These focus groups were conducted at the SD Library Association conference and involved librarians from all across the state and from all types of libraries.
  2. The State Library contracted with Aesoph and Associates to conduct seven focus groups across the state in the fall of 2001 and winter 2002. Focus groups were conducted by the Aesoph moderator with the State Librarian or the Deputy State Librarian present to observe and respond to questions. Participants were invited from lists suggested by the local library and included a cross section of the community including librarians, elected officials, clergy, seniors, teachers, parents, and non-users. An attempt was made to reach a broad range of citizens which represented the diversity of our clientele. Meetings were advertised in the local media and to all libraries across the state.
  3. Satisfaction surveys were conducted with walk-in patrons, Interlibrary loan patrons and reference patrons. The primary purpose of this study was to support the five year evaluation, however they were also scrutinized for service gaps and future needs.
  4. Satisfaction surveys were conducted by the Braille and Talking Book Program.
  5. A longitudinal evaluation of the Summer Library Training Institute was conducted and included recommendations for change.
The South Dakota State Library Board has been actively involved in the development of this plan and must adopt the plan before it can become final. Upon completion of the draft plan, copies are made available throughout the state for comment and modification based on input received. The final plan is then reviewed by the Library Board and activated upon adoption.

Communication Procedures
Stakeholders should understand that specific goals have been set which should be compatible with and supportive of their efforts. It should be perceived as responsive to their needs. Local library personnel have a responsibility to identify local needs, participate in plan development, and develop programs which meet their needs. The State Library is responsible for supporting their efforts.

The stakeholders are the employees of state government and the citizens of South Dakota. Library personnel are especially important as the State Library works to develop their abilities to serve their local communities.

The plan will be posted on the SDSL web page, distributed to all libraries in print, and a press release will be issued inviting ongoing comment on the plan. All press releases are duplicated to the library listservs via email to insure libraries have advance warning that something may come up in the local news. A two week comment period will be allocated.

Comments and feedback received from stakeholders about the plan will be addressed by the Library Board, with modifications made as required. Where the plan is unable to accommodate a request, an appropriate response will be formulated and shared with stakeholders.

On-going feedback from stakeholders is welcome and modifications to planned activities will be made based on input received whenever it is reasonable and possible.

Monitoring Procedures
The South Dakota State Librarian and the SDSL Board are responsible for monitoring the plan with the assistance of the Deputy State Librarian.

It is the established policy of the State Library to evaluate all programs including site visits immediately after activities. Grant programs include evaluation components which monitor outcomes based on pre-evaluation, evaluation upon completion of the project and evaluation one year after completion. Satisfaction surveys of direct patrons are done on a regular basis. Written comments are solicited and encouraged from patrons. Feedback and comments are solicited from library personnel in the planning process as well as post program analysis for follow up needs.

The State Library Board reviews grant guidelines and discusses the focus that grants should take the following year. Their part includes insuring consistency and fairness when awarding grants while modifying allowable expenses as needs change. This process allows us the greatest flexibility and responsiveness to our stakeholders.

APPENDIX A --back to top

Needs Assessment

Demographics of South Dakota
South Dakota is a sparsely populated, predominately rural state with a total population of 754,844 (2000 Census). Across the state, the average population density is 9.9 persons per square mile. The extremely rural nature of the state has a significant impact on the ability of local libraries to provide services and on the ability of citizens to access local services.

In 1999, 95,900 South Dakotans, 13.2%, lived in poverty. The per capita income was $17,562. 30% of single parent families with a female head of household fall below the poverty line. 73% of SD households involved two wage earners. Between poverty and the race to stay ahead of it, families have little time or energy to devote to child development and enrichment activities.

Almost one half of the population resides in the eastern half of the state. Approximately 19.6% of the population resides in Minnehaha County which is part of the Sioux Falls metropolitan area. This area is one of increasing diversity, demanding services previously unnecessary.

In the 2000 Census, the South Dakota registered 108,131 people age 65 and over, representing 14.3% of the total population. With special needs for services such as large print books, talking books, and programs tailored to seniors. Many of these elderly reside on farms and ranches that are long distances from library services and/or are no longer able to drive themselves to services.

There are over 127,950 school children in K-12 and over 42,000 in colleges across the state. An increasing number of children are being home schooled due to the extreme distance between home and the nearest school (2,723 in 2001-02). And, distance education is becoming a standard in high schools and colleges.

South Dakota has nine recognized tribes, six of which have formally organized reservations. A recent publication highlighted the problem of children under 18 living in poverty. Nationwide, the first (Buffalo), second (Ziebach), third (Shannon) and fifth (Todd) counties with the highest percentage of children living in poverty are found here. All of these counties are on or bordering Native American reservation lands. In total, South Dakota has eight of the top 38 counties with children living in poverty with no less than 46% of children living in poverty. (Reported by the Children's Defense Fund based on the 2000 census, Press Release, 4 June 2002). The Pine Ridge Reservation, Shannon County, has a median household money income of $20,916. The average persons per household was 4.36 which equals an average per person income of $4,797. Library resources are as scarce as personal resources. Resource allocation for public library service varies from zero to minimal. Most people living on reservations have no access to public library services except by mail.

Adult literacy statistics from the National Institute for Literacy, based on a 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey identified 40,684 people with less than a ninth grade education. This is based on people age 16 and older in SD counties with populations over 5,000 and is considered their target population. The 2000 census identified 35,421 people with less than a ninth grade education, statewide, age 25 and older. Adjusting for the nine years difference in measurement, it appears this is currently not a decreasing issue.

South Dakota ranks third in the estimated prevalence rates of vision impairment and blindness reported in the National Eye Institute publication, Vision Problems in the U.S. (2002) South Dakota's rating of 0.0370 is surpassed only by North Dakota (0.0374) and Iowa (0.0373). This same publication included statistics on the prevalence of blindness and vision impairment as well as the four leading eye diseases affecting older Americans: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Those statistics are as follows:
Libraries
The South Dakota State Library sees one of its roles as the "Library for Libraries" supporting the efforts of all South Dakota libraries to serve the people of South Dakota. Collaborative Affiliations
APPENDIX C --back to top

FOCUS GROUP REPORT
THE AESOPH GROUP

Part 1: Focus group and survey summary report

Part 2: Focus Group Compilation January 2002

Part 3: Questionnaire Compilation January 2002
Overview -- Mission
Need 1 -- Need 2 -- Need 3 -- Need 4 -- Need 5
Summary -- Appendix A -- Appendix C
Appendix C Part 1 -- Appendix C Part 2 -- Appendix C Part 3