[PL-Directors] OCF Needs assessment: sign up for a focus group!

[MaryKay Dahlgreen]

I am forwarding this on behalf of Penny Hummel who is conducting a needs assessment of public libraries for Oregon Community Foundation. Please consider participating, I think this needs assessment by OCF will prove very valuable for all of us.
MaryKay

MaryKay Dahlgreen
Oregon State Librarian
503-378-4367
marykay.dahlgreen at state.or.us
http://oregon.gov/osl
[02_inch_2_color_cmyk]

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Dear public library directors-
As some of you know, I've been hired by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) to conduct a needs assessment of Oregon's public libraries. The goal of the project is to assist funders in identifying how best to support public libraries of all sizes as they provide 21st century library services to a diverse public.
In designing the research methodology for this project, I have placed a high emphasis on gathering information from public library directors because more than anyone else, you maintain the big picture about community needs and library services.  Because you are all experts in this arena, I want to make sure that your many voices are heard.  There are two ways that you can help make this happen:

1.  Attend a focus group. These have been scheduled in late February and early March at eight locations around the state:

*      February 17:  Wilsonville Public Library (10 - 11:30 am)     8200 SW Wilsonville Road

*      February 18:  OCF Portland office (2 - 3:30 pm)       1221 SW Yamhill St., Suite 100

*      Feb. 23:  OCF Medford office (2 - 3:30 pm)        818 W. 8TH Street

*      Feb. 25:  OCF Eugene office (10 - 11:30 am)        440 E. Broadway, Suite 160

*      Feb. 27:  Coos Bay Public Library (10 - 11:30 am)     525 Anderson Avenue

*      March 3:  OCF Bend office (2 - 3:30 pm)       15 W. Colorado Avenue

*      March 5:  Newport Public Library (1 - 2:30 pm)         35 NW Nye Street

*      March 11:  Pendleton Public Library:  (1 - 2:30 pm)     502 SW Dorion Avenue
As you can see, four of these focus groups will be held at Oregon Community Foundation offices around the state and after these focus groups, there will be an informal opportunity to meet local OCF staff.  (This is also true of the Coos Bay focus group, which will be held at the Coos Bay library.)  My thanks to Pat Duke, Sami Pierson, Ted Smith and Mary Finney for hosting focus groups at their libraries.
If you like to reserve your space in a focus group, e-mail me at penny at pennyhummel.com<mailto:penny at pennyhummel.com> specifying which one you prefer. (A call is OK too; you'll find me at 503.890.0494)
2.  Fill out an online survey.  In a few weeks, you'll receive a link to an online survey that I'd like to you to fill out (even if you are attending a focus group). This survey is designed so that it can be shared with library board members, Friends and Foundation staff and board members.
This needs assessment offers a once-in-a generation opportunity for Oregon's public libraries to provide comprehensive input about their current and future needs to the philanthropic community. A report documenting the outcomes of the needs assessment will be presented to The Oregon Community Foundation in June, 2015 and subsequently shared with the public.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at penny at pennyhummel.com<mailto:penny at pennyhummel.com> or 503.890.0494.  Thank you and I look forward to seeing many of you soon at the focus groups!



Penny Hummel
Penny Hummel Consulting
www.pennyhummel.com<http://www.pennyhummel.com>

503.890.0494
penny at pennyhummel.com<mailto:penny at pennyhummel.com>



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