IMLS Community Memory Tools and Resources
In Fall 2019, WiLS began a cooperative agreement with the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to mentor a group of ten libraries around the country that received Accelerating Promising Practices (APP) grants from IMLS. This funding opportunity was designed to help small, rural, and tribal libraries build capacity in several areas including community memory. A second cohort of seven libraries kicked off their APP grants in Fall 2020.
Over a three-year period, WiLS facilitated virtual and in-person learning opportunities for project leaders at these seventeen libraries as they took on oral history initiatives and other projects to document and share the unique stories of their communities. Below, you’ll find links to many of the slide decks, handouts, worksheets, and other materials created by WiLS and by an array of guest experts to support the cohort as they launched, promoted, and evaluated their community memory projects. These materials were created in response to cohort needs and are shared here with the intention of helping other organizations doing similar work.
Because both cohorts wrote their grant proposals before the COVID19 pandemic turned things upside down, they were faced with rethinking and redesigning their projects on the fly. Read more about the cohort experience and how it evolved in response to the pandemic.
Glossary for Shared Understanding
This document contains words and concepts that were frequently addressed during the IMLS Accelerating Promising Practices: Community Memory program, with definitions discussed and agreed upon by the cohort members in order to facilitate conversations about these important topics.
Topics: Capacity building; Accelerating practices, Developing community
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Glossary_For_Shared_Understanding.pdf
Process Design: A strategic approach to project decision-making
Process design is an approach to making decisions that keeps community members and stakeholders at the center of your project. Presented by Bruce Smith, WiLS, November 2019 and by Emily Pfotenhauer, WiLS, November 2020.
Topics: Project management
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Glossary-for-Shared-Understanding_IMLSAPP_Cohort2.pdf
Major Decision Worksheet
A template to outline the process design stages for each major decision to be made in a project.
Topics: Project management
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Major_Decision_Worksheet.pdf
Logic Models for Community Memory Work
A logic model visualizes the inputs, activities, outputs, and impacts of a project. It provides a common language and a common point of reference for all participants. Presented February 2020.
Topics: Project management; Assessment
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Logic_Models.pdf
Digital Preservation Basics
A brief overview of key issues to consider when planning for how to preserve and manage digital content into the future. Presented July 2020 and February 2022.
Topics: Project management; Tools/Technology
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Digital_Preservation.pdf
Sample Digital Preservation Plan
This preservation plan is a set of priorities and actions to work against possible threats to the digital objects collected as part of the All of Belfast Climate Dialogues. Created by Sharon Pietryka, Special Collections Librarian, Belfast Free Library, Belfast, Maine.
Topics: Tools/Technology
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMLSAPP_Sample_Digital_Preservation_Plan.pdf
Exploring Audiences Worksheet
Answering the questions in this worksheet will help you begin to understand the best strategies to engage a specific audience or community.
Topics: Community engagement
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Exploring_Audiences_Worksheet.pdf
Building Community Engagement
Tips and techniques for building participation in community memory projects, compiled from IMLS APP cohort members and guest experts. Adapted in part from presentations by Meral Agish, Queens Public Library and Dino Robinson, Shorefront Legacy Center.
Topics: Community engagement
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Building_Community_Engagement.pdf
Virtual Programming and Engagement
Tips and questions to consider before, during, and after virtual events. This includes suggestions for logistics and technology, as well as how to foster connections in a virtual space.
Topics: Tools/Technology; Community engagement
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Virtual_Programming_and_Engagement.pdf
Working with Volunteers
These practical tips concerning attracting, onboarding, engaging, and recognizing volunteers were contributed by Wisconsin library staff. This document also includes reflections on experiences working with volunteers and resources for further reading.
Topics: Volunteers; Community engagement
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Working_With_Volunteers.pdf
Audiovisual and Oral History Resources
A list of online resources that are generally useful for projects or collections involving a/v materials, oral history, and/or a/v recording. This is in addition to other resources provided in other areas of the IMLS Accelerating Promising Practices Community Memory Tools and Resources.
Topics: Tools/Technology; Podcasting; Storytelling; Content management; Access
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_General_AV_Oral_History_and_Recording_Resources.pdf
Rapid Response Collecting
A list of resources, tools, and examples related to Rapid Response Collecting. Presented in May 2020, in collaboration with Monique Sugimoto, Archivist and Local History Librarian, Palos Verdes Library District and Andy Kolovos, Assistant Director and Archivist, Vermont Folklife Center.
Topics: Community engagement; Equity; Tools/Technology
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Rapid_Response_Collecting.pdf
Remote Dialogues and Recording
These tips and resources compiled by WiLS staff with input from IMLS APP cohort members as well as outside experts are meant as an introduction to remote digital recording as well as to offer some guidance and tool options for best practice. WiLS, IMLS, and any affiliates are not officially endorsing any products mentioned herein. Presented December 2020.
Topics: Tools/Technology; Accessibility
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Recording_Remote_Dialogues.pdf
TheirStory Tool Tryout
An introduction to the TheirStory tool (a purpose-built application and dedicated online space specifically for facilitating, archiving, and making accessible meaningful conversations now, and for future generations). Provided and presented by TheirStory creator Zack Ellis in November 2021.
Topics: Tools/Technology; Access
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_TheirStory_Tool.pdf
Transcription Tips
Tips and resources for transcribing (and/or indexing) oral histories and other audio, video and film recordings, compiled from field experts in July 2021.
Topics: Tools/Technology; Access
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Transcription_Tips.pdf
Google Analytics Tool Tryout
In March 2022, consultant Bronwen Masemann of Masemann Research Services presented an overview of Google Analytics as a tool for understanding a project’s web presence.
Topics: Tools/Technology, Assessment
Slides: https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_GoogleAnalyticsToolTryoutSlides.pdf
Video: https://youtu.be/w7HRbIBRrrg
Surveys and Evaluation
Steps, tools, and logistics for surveying your community. Adapted from Public Library Association’s Project Outcome: Measuring the True Impact of Libraries and Colorado State Library’s Library Research Service. Presented March 2022 in collaboration with Katie Fox, Management Analyst & Evaluator, Denver Public Library.
Topics: Tools/Technology; Assessment
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Surveys_and_Evaluation.pdf
Grant Administration FAQs
Answers to common questions about managing a federal grant, including requesting funds and making changes.
Topics: Grant management; Project management; Budgets
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Grant_Administration_FAQs.pdf
Performance Reports
Guidance for writing and submitting interim and final performance reports required by IMLS; some tips can be applied to reporting for other federal granting agencies.
Topics: Grant management
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Performance_Reports.pdf
Financial Reports
A guide to preparing and submitting interim and final financial reports required for IMLS grants; some tips can be applied to reporting for other federal granting agencies.
Topics: Grant management; Budgets
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Financial_Reports.pdf
Budget Tracking Template
A spreadsheet template for tracking grant expenses and reimbursements. Adapted from a spreadsheet created by heather diaz for the Forbes Library, Northampton, Massachusetts.
Topics: Grant management; Project management; Budgets
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Budget_Tracking_Template.xlsx
Project Wrap-up Checklist
Practical steps to take at the end of a project, including supporting grant-funded staff, wrapping up finances, and compiling project documentation.
Topics: Project management
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMLSAPP_Project_Wrap-up_Checklist.pdf
Project Products
A slide deck of project outcomes from both cohorts, including websites, event summaries and pictures.
https://www.wils.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMLS-APP-Outputs-Brag-Deck.pdf
© 2022 WiLS (Wisconsin Library Services, Inc.)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. WiLS provides these resources for free use, sharing, copying, adaptation and distribution with attribution.
Suggested citation:
Brooks, Ellen, Emily Pfotenhauer, Vicki Tobias and Kristen Whitson, eds. 2022. IMLS Accelerating Promising Practices Community Memory Cohort: Tools and Resources. [document name]. Madison, WI: WiLS. [web link to document]
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant LG-19-0292-19. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.