Kim_LIS725_Grant proposal

Statement of need Langston Hughes High School has over 500 students of whom 65% have seen a drop of at least 10 points in their reading scores. Of those students, another 40% are in danger of failing at least one of their classes. In an effort to improve students reading habits and their scores, the Langston Hughes High School Media Center is seeking an alternative to traditional texts in order to engage students. Impact The Langston Hughes High School Media Center (LHHSMC) will purchase five Barnes and Noble Nooks and add them to the circulating collection. By implementing e-readers into the library program, students will have the opportunity to engage with alternative forms of information transmission. By gaining familiarity with the e-readers, students will become more comfortable with digital tools. Program design The purpose of this program is to meet the Illinois State Standards, 1.B.4c and 1.B.5d, Read age-appropriate material with fluency and accuracy. Circulation data will be evaluated in order to assess the success of the e-reader program. Students who check out the e-readers will be given satisfaction surveys in order to identify their feelings regarding this technology. Other objectives include: Improve circulation of materials. Provide reading materials that match student interest. Supplement existing curriculum.

Management Plan Activities Submit grant proposal Expected grant notification Obtain e-readers and e-texts Publicity Begin circulation Assess circulation data

June 8, 2011 August, 2011 August, 2011 September, 2011 September, 2011 Weekly

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Personnel Mr. Jonathon Smith, Head Librarian, holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Mr. Smith has over ten years of experience as a media specialist. He will be overseeing the e-reader program and acting as a liaison between the library and the school/students. Ms. Lydia Graham, the Technology Librarian, holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Ms. Graham has three years of experience as a media specialist. She will be responsible for troubleshooting the devices, recording the circulation data, and serving as the direct liaison between the library and the vendor. Promotion The library staff will promote e-readers during their book talks and describe the variety of titles available. Student-led announcements will be made daily for two months with a press release in the local paper. Parents will be notified via newsletter and during Back to School Night when they visit the media center. E-reader cutouts will also be displayed prominently in the media centers display cases in the hallway where student traffic is the heaviest. Students who use the Nooks will also be asked to be interviewed on video about their experience. These videos will be played during announcements and will also be available for viewing on the media centers website and other social network sites.

Sustainability In the event of a successful program, the LHHSMC will set aside 15% of its annual budget to be used solely for the purchase of e-texts. It will also set up a wish list on the site for donors to contribute to the collection. The PTA has also agreed to contribute by purchasing a new e-reader or ten new e-books every other year until there are twenty e-readers or the e-texts equal the number of printed texts.

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Press release Langston Hughes High School is one of the first high schools in the area to implement an e-reader program into its curriculum. According to the Head Librarian, Mr. Smith, the purpose of this program is to expose students to alternate modes of accessing text in order to improve their reading comprehension and reading habits. We want our students to develop the skills to become lifelong readers. The e-readers are expected to supplement the current curriculum by allowing students to experiment with different types of technology. The Nooks and e-books are being circulated with generous support from the GSLIS Education Foundation-Helping Hand Grant. Project budget The project will cost just under $1000. We are requesting $808.25. Item Nook 25 Favorite Novels 100 Classic Short Stories 50 Classic Mythologies The Hunger Games Catching Fire Mockingjay Romiette and Julio Tears of a Tiger If I Was Your Girl Autobiography of my Dead Brother Scorpions The Contender Whale Talk The Last Summer of the Death Warriors You Dont Even Know Me Bronx Masquerade Cost $139 $0.99 $2.99 $2.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $5.99 $5.99 $6.40 $6.99 $6.99 $6.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $6.99 Number 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total cost Total cost $695 $0.99 $2.99 $2.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $5.99 $5.99 $6.40 $6.99 $6.99 $6.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $6.99 808.25

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Local contributions

Contributor PTA Barnes and Noble

Contribution Number Cost Nook 1 $139 Store gift 1 $50 card Total cost

Total cost $139 $50 $189

Total cost of the program: $997.25