Focus group discussion

Improving library services:

Can adding Ardmore Public Library to Southern
Oklahoma Library System benefit both entities?
Focus Group Assignment
Gail Currier
Dr. Susan Burke-Research Methods
9/30/2018
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Planning Document for Focus Group:

Topic: Improving Library Services by Adding Ardmore Public Library to the

Southern Oklahoma Library System (SOLS)

The following research questions will be addressed through a voluntary focus group process:

 How will the citizens of Ardmore, Oklahoma support the idea of having Ardmore

Public Library become a part of the Southern Oklahoma Library System (SOLS)?

 What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of having Ardmore Public Library join

the SOLS?

The Southern Oklahoma Library System (SOLS) along with the Ardmore Public Library

is conducting research to seek information and explore the effects of having Ardmore Public

Library become a part of the SOLS. The city of Ardmore, Oklahoma serves a population of

approximately 25,000 and currently offers two separate libraries; Ardmore Public Library, a city

library, and Champion Public Library, a branch of the Southern Oklahoma Library System. An

original Carnegie Library, Ardmore Public Library opened its doors on October 1, 1906, whereas

the Southern Oklahoma Library System was originally known as the Chickasaw Regional

Library System, and began in 1960 with federal funds to serve rural counties. The system grew

from bookmobile service to stand alone facilities and continues to serve patrons in its eight

branch libraries across five counties.

Today, Ardmore Public Library and SOLS’ Champion Public Library provide

programming and library services to citizens, many of which have registered cards at both

libraries. Collaboration between the two libraries is common with programming and collection

exchange through ILL requests. However, funding is separate as is administration and bylaws.

Ardmore Public Library is managed by the City of Ardmore and supported by city tax dollars.
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Because this revenue is divided among other city departments, oftentimes critical budget

requests, such as infrastructure and the current building fund for a new fire station must take

precedence over library needs. In addition, the library director has stated that technology needs

have suffered because the IT manager for the city is overloaded with continuous updates and

changes in other city departments. Moreover, the financial support for Ardmore Public Library

has been affected by budget cuts over the past two years. Although it may seem to be a unique

advantage for this community to have two libraries available for services, many citizens are not

aware that the libraries are separate organizations with independent budgets and distinct

collections and services.

A proposal has been made to host in-person focus group discussions in the community to

gather opinions and data on the idea of Ardmore Public Library joining the SOLS. The round

table discussions will be facilitated by an expert consultant from an external firm. Information

will be collected and documented by a research assistant who will take notes along with

monitoring audio equipment during the meeting. This focus group is necessary in gathering

public opinions of the strengths and weaknesses of each library and providing views on the

possibility of having the libraries operate under the same system.

Combining library revenue and expenses may assist with collection development,

enhanced technology, and programming for existing patrons while attracting new members to the

library. Confusion of the two entities can dissolve as well. Support by one administration office

and one processing center will reduce expenses and aid in maintenance, including technology. In

order to consider what is best for the community of Ardmore and each library, two focus group

discussions will take place to seek ample opinions of library card holders and citizens residing in

Ardmore.
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Population details:

The idea of two focus group discussions will offer participants a choice of date options

and allocate for more people to be included and contribute to the conversations. Keeping the

groups small will ensure that the process is intimate and manageable.

Participants will be recruited to represent one of the two focus groups. They will include

leaders and representatives from the community such as a city councilman, a local legislator,

local business owners and financial supporters of both libraries, community advocates and

volunteers; members representing the Friends of the Library groups, a bank president, and

educators (superintendent, administrator, teachers) retired or currently employed. Additionally, a

pastor/preacher from a local church will be recruited and a few long time patrons from both

library branches.

The mix of participants and smaller group size will allow coordination of various

individuals of authority while offering comfortable settings during both of the discussions.

Individuals have been selected based on support and knowledge of the community, including

active participation in local jobs and community leadership. All are local tax payers and have

resided in Ardmore for at least 20 years. A few of the recruits have served on past library boards

and would have input and understanding of the financial situations and structure of libraries.

Participants will be invited and recruited via a mailed letter with detailed information and

a follow-up phone call from the Focus Group facilitator to answer additional questions and fill

the spots of the discussion group, including dates. The goal is to secure six to eight participants

as representatives on each round table discussion by October 12, 2018. Members of the groups

may choose one of the convenient dates in which to participate. During the meetings, each round
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table group will listen to questions read by the facilitator followed by the opportunity to express

opinions and ideas.

Details:

A boxed lunch prepared by Rhonda’s Catering will be offered to guests and include:

pasta salad, green salad, croissant with chicken salad, small fruit cup and a brownie. Iced tea and

water will also be available. The Ladies of the Leaf organization has agreed to finance the cost of

the lunches.

Location for the focus group meetings has been secured at the Garden Club of Ardmore, 234

Main Street, Ardmore, OK 73401 which is convenient to downtown and neutral to participants. Two

dates have been scheduled including, Group 1: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from noon to 1:30 p.m. and

Group 2: Thursday, November 8, 2018 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The meetings will be recorded with audio

equipment by the Pointer Consulting and Research Group. All participants will be presented with

documentation to explain the procedures and grant permission to participate as well as being recorded. In

addition, an assistant will take notes. For this type of discussion, video will not be necessary and cultivate

comfort and ease among group members. Blank note pads and pens will be provided by the libraries for

guests to jot down ideas, document questions or make notes.

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ARDMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Focus Group Agenda

Focus Group: Idea and discussion: Improving library services by adding Ardmore Public

Library to the Southern Oklahoma Library System

Facilitator: Jane Pointer, Pointer Consulting and Research Firm

Location: Ardmore Garden Club Meeting Room, 234 Main Street, Ardmore, OK 73401

Time and Date: Group 1-Tuesday, October 30, 2018; 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Group 2-Thursday, November 8, 2018; 12:00-1:30 p.m.

1. Box lunch and beverage: Please enjoy lunch provided by Ladies of the Leaf , Ardmore

2. Welcome and introductions

3. Review of the agenda and purpose of the meeting

4. Goal of Focus Group Discussion

5. Ground Rules, Guidelines, and Housekeeping: Please silence cell phones

Questions for Discussion:

Please feel free to express opinion regarding the following ideas as led by the facilitator

a. What was the purpose of your most recent visit to Ardmore Public Library and/or

Champion Public Library?

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b. Are there any library services you receive at one library that you cannot get at the

other? Please explain these services and where you obtain them.

c. Which library do you use most often and why?

d. What type of services do you feel should be available at the library?

e. If Ardmore Public Library joined the SOLS, what affect would it have on the

community?

6. Wrap up

Thank you for your participation!

Your opinions are very important and valued for the purpose of this topic

discussion. If you desire more information or have additional questions and comments,

please contact the research facilitator, jpointer@pointerconsult.com.

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ARDMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Informed Consent

Project Title: Improving Library Services by Adding Ardmore Public Library to SOLS

Project Leader: Jane Pointer, Pointer Research and Consulting

Organization: Southern Oklahoma Library System

1. You have been selected to participate in a voluntary focus group because you are a
resident and taxpayer of the city of Ardmore, Oklahoma.
2. Please read the content explaining the purpose of the focus group and feel free to ask any
questions prior to your consent to take part in this study.
3. Purpose and Intent: The objective of this focus group is to collect information from
residents of Ardmore, Oklahoma regarding their knowledge and use of two community
libraries: Ardmore Public Library, a city institution; and Champion Public Library, a
branch of the Southern Oklahoma Library System.
4. Number of focus group participants: Approximately 16 volunteers will be divided into
two group discussions.
5. Course of Action: Upon agreement to participate in the study, you will be asked to
engage in a round table discussion along with other members of the community.
6. Length of participation: Approximately 1 ½ hours (including lunch)
7. Risks involved of participation: No known safety risks are associated with participation.
8. Benefit of participation: No benefits or financial gains are granted for participation in
the study.
9. Compensation: No payment or compensation will be authorized for partaking in the
study.
10. Confidentiality: Any information collected during the focus group discussion will be
used for the purpose of the study only and will not include names, demographics, or other
personal identification. Only approved personnel and SOLS board members will have
access to reported information collected by Jane Pointer of Pointer Research and
Consulting Firm. All collected information is for the purpose of analysis only. In the
event of an audit, research records will maintain anonymity.
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11. Voluntary description of the study: Participation in this focus group is voluntary. You
may decline to partake and/or withdraw at any time during the process.
12. Contact Information: Questions and concerns may be addressed to the research
facilitator by calling 405-555-1212 or through email: jpointer@pointerconsult.com.
13. If you require more information regarding your rights as a volunteer participant or wish
to speak with an individual outside of the research group, please contact the National
Community Research Bureau at 800-497-1010 or by email: helpdesk@ncb.org.
14. A copy of this information is made available for your personal records by contacting the
research facilitator, Jane Pointer, jpointer@pointerresearch.com.

This focus group discussion will be recorded using audio equipment. In order to
participate, you must provide consent in this matter. Again, all recordings will be kept
confidential and will be used for research purposes only.

Do you agree to participate in the library focus group study? Kindly respond by
October 12, 2018 so that we can coordinate groups. Please initial response and sign
below.
_____ Yes, I volunteer to participate as a focus group member

_____ No, I decline to participate as a focus group member

Signature and Date:

_________________________________________________________________