On-Demand Webinars

Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends is the latest evolution in PLA’s data-driven initiatives and tools for libraries. It features a range of interactive data visualizations that allow libraries to easily make peer comparisons across a wide range of metrics related to library programs, services, and operations. Learn how Benchmark can support your library in everyday decision making, such as establishing baselines and identifying opportunities to improve.

A complete count in the 2020 Census is essential to make sure that libraries and their communities don’t miss out on billions of dollars in needed funding, as well as political representation. However, nearly 40% of households have not responded yet, and the count is even lower among populations that have been undercounted historically. Learn how the Census Bureau, libraries, and community partners have adapted their operations and outreach in response to COVID-19, and how libraries can support a complete count before the Census ends in October.

As libraries are expanding their online efforts in response to COVID-19, library and program outcomes should also shift in order to build the strongest and most impactful instruction. In-person opportunities often bring with them advantages of seeing patrons reactions to learning and subsequent micro-improvements that can be made to improve a program. Without “seeing” a full room, presenters are more limited in their ability to understand how participants are responding.

You’ve surveyed your patrons. You’ve collected great data. You’ve learned more about what your patrons value. Now, how can you begin implementing changes based on the outcomes you’ve gathered? In this on-demand webinar, learn how your peers have taken action—and how you can, too—using results you’ve gathered from Project Outcome surveys. Use your survey results to guide programming changes, strategic planning, communication, advocacy, or new funding requests.

Public libraries need more data and evidence to demonstrate their value to their communities, but collecting the data is only half the battle. How do you communicate it? How do you use it to make strategic decisions? Data visualization can help libraries better understand their data and feel confident communicating their impact back to their communities. In this on-demand webinar, attendees learn best practices for how and when to use data visualization, helpful tools for creating visualizations, and how to apply these tips using Project Outcome.

Public libraries are critical to their community’s health, serving as a go-to resource for individuals to access current and reliable health information. Public library staff have a deep understanding of the unique needs of their communities and the value of serving their patrons’ health needs. Now all they need is the data to prove just how valuable those services are. In this on-demand webinar, participants learn how Project Outcome’s new health survey help public libraries measure the success of health programs and services.

As part of its ongoing work to support the public library’s role in creating healthy communities, PLA is taking steps to increase consumer education around health insurance and information. How can your library help? This free on-demand webinar helps public library staff better understand the importance of health literacy, how to promote accurate health information and resources, and how to develop community partnerships to broaden the scope of a healthy community.

Improve the quality of out-of-school time or after school programs at the point of service—the place where the youth and staff come together. Through a series of trainings and assessment tools from the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, Houston Public Library made changes to create engaging programs where youth want to be instead of have to be. Houston Public Library addresses how the library's first year participation in the Youth Program Quality Intervention program has shown distinct improvements in the program using assessments.

Libraries may feel too overwhelmed with limited staff and resources to take on something new like measuring outcomes, which is why starting small and scaling up is the best method for success. Starting small helps libraries increase their staff’s comfort with and expertise in outcomes measurement; capitalize on trial-and-error learnings; and build a structure for peer support of data collection and use. Hear from a veteran Project Outcome user on their experience starting small by evaluating the library’s Small Business series and scaling up to library-wide programming.

The 2018 class of ALA Emerging Leaders was charged with identifying data competency training resources for the Public Library Association. It has become increasingly important for library professionals to be able to gather, analyze and communicate data in order to navigate a data-rich world and make data-driven decisions related to funding, policies and other resources needed to support the communities you serve. Learn how the website created by the Emerging Leaders serves as a professional development guide that can help move library staff toward becoming more data competent.