In addition to school library studies and America’s Star Libraries (aka the LJ Index of Public Library Service), Keith regularly undertakes other projects related to library research and statistics.
PRISM: PRISon libraries as Motivators of pro-social behavior and successful re-entry (2018-19)
In September 2018, Keith and RSL Research Group colleagues Marcia J. Rodney and Bill Schwarz began working with the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) and the Colorado State Library on the PRISM planning project. CLiC received a one-year National Leadership planning grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to plan and assess the viability of a study of the outcomes of prison library use.
Community College Libraries & Librarians and Student Success (2013-17)
As part of the RSL Research Group, Keith conducted a three-year study of the contributions of community college libraries and librarians to student success in North Carolina. The project web page includes links to the full study report, a four-page infographic summarizing the study’s findings, and the PowerPoint presentation about the study used for the June 28, 2017, webinar coinciding with the study report’s public release. There is also a link to that archived webinar.
Evaluation of Colorado’s State Program Plans for Library Services and Technology Act Funding (October 2016-March 2017, October 2011-March 2012)
All state library agencies must commission independent evaluations of their five-year State Program Plans for spending Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds. Keith conducted these evaluations for Colorado for the two most recent five-year plans, FY 2008-2012 and FY 2013-2017.
Research Institute for Public Libraries (2015 & 2016)
Launched in 2015 by the Colorado State Library (CSL) and the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC), the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) is a singular event for public library leaders and others interested in public library data and evaluation. In this immersive, bootcamp-style event, participants learn practical, strategic methods of gathering, analyzing, and using data for planning, management, and communicating impact.
At the 2015 and 2016 RIPL events, Keith was a highly-rated speaker about research design and statistical benchmarking.
Limitless Libraries Project, Nashville Public Library & Metropolitan Nashville School District (2012-14)
From 2012 to 2014, Keith and the RSL Research Group studied the impact of the Limitless Libraries project on students and other beneficiaries. This study involved what we believe to be an unprecedented level of data sharing between Nashville Public Library and Metro Nashville Public Schools. A survey of student participants in Limitless Libraries was also conducted.
Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (FY 2011-14)
The Nebraska Library Commission received a grant from the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program to provide scholarships and internships to cultivate rural librarians’ 21st Century skills. Keith conducted an independent evaluation of this project.
Bridging Colorado’s Digital Divide: Public Computer Centers in Libraries Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (FY 2011-13)
The Colorado State Library received federal stimulus funds to establish public computing centers in 83 Colorado public libraries. Keith assisted the Library Research Service in evaluating this project and authored the evaluation report.