Davis Public Library, a branch of the Southern Oklahoma Library System

PROJECT PURPOSE

The ability to engage in work, study and health monitoring and awareness has been greatly impacted by the pandemic, especially to those residing in rural areas of Oklahoma. The lack of free public meeting space with broadband access in Davis, Oklahoma has been heightened by the public health emergency as well. The city of Davis has only one library to accommodate the demands of students, teachers, remote workers, and others requesting private space. Because the meeting room is oftentimes unavailable, visitors are forced to use open public spaces on the Library floor to attend virtual classes, take tests, interview for jobs or to conduct personal business. Davis Public Library provides Internet access, devices and meeting space to numerous community members who rely heavily on these services. According to Census Report, 28% of children in Davis live in poverty, and 12% of senior citizens are in poverty. The library is their only place to access free internet to engage in remote learning, conduct remote work or access medical information portals.

EVIDENCE

Davis Oklahoma has no regular public transportation available which contributes to a hardship to those wanting to visit the Library Additionally, the Davis Public Library serves several smaller surrounding rural communities. The greatest technology issue facing school-aged children and families is equitable access to high-speed broadband Internet. The NEA?s Digital Equity research shows that only 65% of students in Oklahoma have full access to broadband and devices for school. The divide is worse among underserved populations and those living in rural areas such as those in Davis, Oklahoma.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Work: The Davis Public Library provides its visitors with help creating resumés, completing online applications or searching for jobs. The Library?s space is often utilized for job interviews and office space for those working from home because of the fast and reliable broadband Internet connection (100 Mbps upload and download) that the library provides. This number of remote workers has greatly increased due to the Coronavirus health emergency. Education: Remote learning has assumed a more prominent role as parents are facilitating the education of their children and working from home. The Library?s public computers are regularly used by elementary through secondary students to work on school assignments as well as college prep resources and serves as a designated meeting and testing location for many students and teachers who are doing their schoolwork remotely. Health Monitoring: Library staff helps visitors set up access to schedule medical appointments including Telehealth and assists with access to medical information portals. Users can quickly retrieve their medical records, obtain lab results, view upcoming appointments, and send private messages to health care providers. Many rely on Davis Public Library to assist with these critical needs.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

To measure project performance, statistics will be collected on library door count, meeting room use, Internet connections and program attendance. Because the libraries? Wi-Fi is available 24/7 these statistics can be gathered even after hours as many people continue to use the Internet from the parking lot when the library is closed. Additionally, digital resource use will be collected and documented monthly. Community surveys will be conducted to get input as well. The library ILS system, SirsiDynix will also contribute to performance measurements.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding