Evaluation of the Monroe County Public Library’s Learn and Play Space

1. Evaluation of the Monroe County Public Library’s Learn and Play Space By Indiana University Consulting Group: Gary Arave, Megan Harris, Ryan Hinshaw, Kipp Rice

2. Introduction Agenda Introduction Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Questions How and to what extent is the LAPS being utilized? To what extent are caregivers and children satisfied with the facilities? To what extent do interactions linked to early childhood literacy development occur? Evaluation Recommendations

3. Process Agenda Introduction Process Start Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

4. Data Collection Methods Agenda Introduction Literature Reviews • 14 articles • Early childhood literacy, development and activity spaces Process Data Collection Methods Semi-Structured Interviews • Four interviews • Two interviewers present Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Observations • 12.75 hours of observation • 342 interactions recorded • One observer present Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations Surveys • Paper-based and online questionnaires • 34 paper responses, 10 online

5. Results: Demographics Agenda Introduction Who is using the space? Process • Average reported age of children was 3.5 • 72% of children were between the ages of 1 and 4 Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Ages Child Ages Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

6. Results: Demographics (cont) Agenda Introduction Who is using the space? Process • 81% of respondents were female • 55% reported bringing 1 child • 39% reported bringing 2 children Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

7. Results: Usage Agenda Introduction How and to what extentis LAPS being utilized? Process • General Usage • About 20 people per hour, on average • 60% use the space at least 3 times per month • 30% report visiting 5 or more times per month • 45% report the LAPS as being their primary reason for visiting the library Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results { { Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

8. Caregiver Satisfaction Agenda Introduction To what extent are caregivers and children satisfied with the facilities? Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

9. Caregiver Satisfaction (cont.) Agenda Introduction • Supervisor Roles • 39% unsure if difference is noticeable when supervisor present • Only one supervisor to child interaction observed (out of 342) • Comments indicate lack of awareness of staff member presence Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Perceived Difference when Staff is Present Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

10. Caregiver Satisfaction (cont.) Agenda Introduction • Signs • 62% felt signs were helpful and informative • 32% felt neutral about the signs • 5% disagreed that the signs were helpful and informative • 2 respondents never noticed signs (out of 44) Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

11. Caregiver Recommendations Agenda Introduction • Infant Area • Caregivers report frustration in regards to older children and infant area • “Magnet for non-babies” • “Babies seem to use it less often” • Hard to keep older siblings and other children out • Caregivers do not enforce signage in area Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results • Writing Area • Several respondents commented that the markers were often out of ink and that sometimes the area was short on supplies. • “I know it is difficult, but please make sure pencils are sharpened and the markers are working” Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Books At least three people commented that the books seemed mostly geared toward very young children (two specifically referred to them as 'baby books') and that more books for older preschoolers would be appreciated Evaluation Recommendations

12. Results: Early Literacy Support Agenda Introduction To what extent do interactions linked to early literacy development occur? Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

13. Results: Early Literacy Support Agenda Introduction What is the tone of the interactions? Process Data Collection Methods Classification of Interactions Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

14. Recommendations Agenda Introduction Reprogram the infant area Increase toddler appropriate books and activities Assess supervisor roles and responsibilities Increase patron awareness of signs within LAPS Process Data Collection Methods Evaluation Question Results Caregiver Feedback Early Childhood Literacy Results Evaluation Recommendations

15. Questions Agenda Introduction Process Data Collection Results: Ages Results: Usage Results: Satisfaction Satisfaction (cont.) Results: Linkage Recommendations Image retrieved from http://ifihadablogpart2.blogspot.com/2011/02/whats-in-word.html