Pioneer Library System

PROJECT PURPOSE

The objective is to combine federal funds with local dollars to invest in modern infrastructure that will serve the needs of the communities of Moore, Purcell, and Tecumseh; ensuring that these communities can access critical services including broadband, telehealth, workforce, and education in a healthy sustainable environment that is supportive of school choice. With sites located in Title 1 neighborhoods an emphasis on mixed-use space will allow for maximization of resources by traditionally schooled children as well as support those seeking space for homeschool and charter school activities. As we battle to address learning loss and employment pipeline challenges, our citizens are faced with antiquated buildings that cannot accommodate mobile trends in access. The buildings have not kept pace with the trends in population growth (a 218% increase in Moore) or the rise in remote work requirements. They don?t allow for healthy choices such as touchless entries, larger meetings rooms and outdoor spaces designed for enhanced Wi-Fi access, curbside services, and program delivery. As responsible stewards of public dollars, the public library of today and the future is focused on removing barriers, identifying, and addressing needs through community partnerships and increasing equitable access to the quality-of-life services that all deserve.

EVIDENCE

The library is critical in bridging the digital divide. 35% of Oklahoma students lack full access to broadband and devices for school, and only 56% of Hispanic students and 46% of Indigenous students have access to broadband or device [September-2020 NEA?s Digital Equity report]. Customer evaluations for these locations highlight comments pertaining to the limitations of the facility [PLS?s NPS survey responses]. When PLS opens a new facility, however, new, and active library cardholders increase. Research shows that for every dollar invested in public libraries, the average return to citizens is 4-5 times more [Returns to Public Library Investment July-2021].

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Access to the Internet and basic technology was a critical need for many Oklahoma citizens during the Covid-19 health crisis as the number of services and assistance available only online grew exponentially. Library professionals helped customers, many with limited technology skills, in navigating crucial websites. With the rapid growth of remote work, online education, and virtual health monitoring, our current buildings' infrastructure hindered the ability to adequately accommodate the needs of small businesses, educators, and health care providers to use for in-person and virtual meetings. The library serves not only its immediate community, but also surrounding communities, providing Internet access, devices, and meeting space to numerous community members who have been historically disadvantaged, including citizens of tribal nations, those for whom English is not the primary language, and those living in poverty. Those without transportation or who do not have adequate connectivity rely on community libraries to provide services that exist in larger communities. As the NEA?s Digital Equity research from September 2020 shows, 35% of students in Oklahoma lack full access to broadband and devices for school, and only 56% of Hispanic students and 46% of Indigenous students in Oklahoma have access to broadband and a device.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Using analytical accounting software to manage the funds, a project oversite team will monitor and recommend the following to the PLS Board of Trustees: execution of construction contracts in accordance with the Oklahoma Competitive Bidding Act, change orders, construction changes, and any other documents or certificates necessary to successfully complete the projects. After opening the new facilities, PLS has several analytical tools to measure physical and digital use, cardholder numbers, engagement levels and behavior changes related to preferred location. PLS has used these processes to effectively measure project performance and programmatic data on four other library construction projects with success.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma