CE Project Agreement for III-B-4 (001)

Design adult programming

Purpose: Learn how to create a schedule of programs for the education and/or entertainment of adults in the community.

Name of library:

Today’s date:

Proposed completion date:

Core skill: III-B-4: design, implement and sponsor library programs for all ages that offer information, special skills, or entertainment

Eligible participants: Librarians and trustees

Repeatable?: No

Learning component: Attend a CE event or reading the following essays.

• Read "Not Just for Kids: Cultivating Adult Programs" by Jennifer Johnston.
  
• Read "Adult Programming for Vermont Public Libraries"
• Listen to 56 minute online lecture of "Developing Community Programming" by Jennifer Mahnken from Johnson County (Kansas) Library on July 21, 2006. (Windows Media Player)(Wayback) (MP3) (Slides may not work) (Text chat during program)
• Alternative - Listen to 68 minute online panel discussion about "Libraries Building Community Through Citizen Dialogue" presented on September 15, 2006 by Taylor Willingham, Donna Lauffer, and Therese Bigelow. Sponsored by the Johnson County Library. (Windows Media Player)(MP3) (Slides may not work)
  
• Alternative - Listen to 67 minute online panel discussion about "Libraries Build Community Through Deliberative Forums" presented by Taylor Willingham, Donna Lauffer, and Melinda Ludwiczak on June 7, 2006. (Windows Media Player)(Wayback)(MP3) (Slides may not work)
• Read "5.0 Programs," page 15, in New Hanover County Public Library Policy Manual 2007
• Read three chapters of your choice in "Adult Programs In the Library" by Brett W. Lear. Available through CKLS CE Project Collection III-B-4 (001)
  
• Look over adult programming ideas


• Examples from CKLS members


• Belleville's Brown Bag University


• Overview at http://tinyurl.com/3pfzm9


• Flyer 1 at http://tinyurl.com/4n98xg


• Flyer 2 at http://tinyurl.com/4cbgls

Do you want help from CKLS consultant?
___ No help needed.
___ Yes, modify project agreement
___ Yes, suggest other readings or learning
___ Yes, early preparation visit
___ Yes, one-on-one coaching through activity
___ Yes, other: _______________________________

Library work component:

1. Participants read learning materials.
2. The librarian and library board should select up to four purposes for adult programming in the library. Here are examples.
   
• Attract new patrons
• Promote collection
• Provide community entertainment
• Showcase local talent
• Educate adults related to their work, health, finances, retirement, local issues, etc?
• Involve library in the community
• Enhance library’s image as a fun place




3. The librarian and board should write a policy stating the purposes for adult programming and answwering the following questions.


• Will library programs cover topics covered by other agencies? Can a local doctor talk about high blood pressure or diabetes? Or a local banker talk about saving money or investing money?
• Will the library sponsor presenters charging for attendance?



• Who selects programs?



• How are programs selected?



• When presenters are connected to non-profit agencies can they mention or describe services related to the topic of the talk?
• When presenters are connected to for-profit businesses can they mention, describe or sell products and services related to the topic of the talk during or after the talk?



• Will you ensure that the content of the talk is accurate? Will you evaluate performer’s handouts before the talk?
• Will you ask for references from performers before the presentation? Will you interview these references before the presentation?




4. After the policy is written, the library board should adopt this policy.


5. The librarian will create a list of 10 possible adult programs.
   


• Look through the adult programming ideas.


• Make a list of 10 possible programs. At least four of the programs should be programs found on the Internet.
• Turn this list into a survey asking whether people would attend these programs.
• Hand the survey out to patrons, people at the senior center, and one other place where people hang out.
• Compile the results and choose at least 4 programs.
  
6. Fill out a "Program Sheet" for at least four programs. These programs must be done within one year of starting this CE Project.
   
7. At the end of each program, ask participants to fill out the "Program Evaluation".
8. To obtain full credit for this CE Project, send CKLS' Head of Continuing Education the following documentation.


• The adult programming policy adopted by the library board
• The filled out Program Sheets for at least four of the adult programs sponsored by your library.
• Compiled results of the survey.
• The evaluation summaries of at least four of the adult programs. (The evaluation results will have no effect on receiving the CE portion of the system grant or recognition for completion of this CE Project.)
• After CKLS' Head of Continuing Education approves the submitted work, send a filled out evaluation form of the CE Project Agreement. Then the library will receive credit for the project.