Evaluating Oklahoma’s 2023 to 2027 LSTA Plan
Nearly 75% of Oklahoma’s public library jurisdictions serve fewer than 10,000 people, according to the state’s 2023 to 2027 Library Services and Technology Act Five Year Plan. Many of these small and rural libraries face challenges related to funding, staffing, technology, professional development, and access to books and digital resources.
The plan focuses on three main goals: enabling access to information, strengthening libraries, and helping build thriving communities. Oklahoma identifies “Help Build Thriving Communities” as its highest priority, with an emphasis on helping residents achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals while becoming more involved in their communities.
Programs included in the plan support literacy, lifelong learning, workforce development, health information, citizenship, summer reading, and early childhood education. Other efforts focus on statewide databases, electronic resources, interlibrary loan services, staff training, technology, and professional certification for public library employees.
The evaluation will examine the progress and impact of these efforts, including whether Oklahoma residents have greater access to information and whether libraries are better equipped to meet the needs of their communities. It will also look at program participation, the use of digital resources, professional development, and feedback from libraries and the people they serve.
The findings will help show how LSTA funding has supported library services across Oklahoma and provide direction for the state’s future goals and priorities.
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