Consultants

Library Development helps North Carolina libraries build and maintain services to their communities by providing statewide programs and consulting services. Library Development sponsors continuing education opportunities for library staff, as well as administers grant programs to qualifying libraries. In addition to managing statewide program initiatives, Library Development staff provide consulting services in the following areas: adult services & digital literacy; continuing education; data analysis and communications; federal grants; public library management; and youth services.  

Please see below for additional information about our areas of expertise, the consulting services we offer, and how we can help you. Email us to schedule a consultation or use our Book a Consultant page to make a virtual appointment. 

• Designing new services for adults, including Spanish language programming and outreach initiatives
   
• Identifying service needs in local programming, space design, resources, and collections for adults and digital literacy
   
• Providing feedback on grant proposals, including LSTA grants, related to adult services and digital literacy 
   
• Answering questions about E-rate
   
• Facilitating conversations related to adult services and digital literacy
   
• Identifying training gaps in staff knowledge related to adult services and digital literacy 

• Identifying training gaps and growth opportunities for staff

• Creating engaging learning activities for staff

• Planning staff conversations based on identified needs

• Providing information about NC Public Librarian Certification

• Answering questions related to the SLNC Scholarship Program

• Managing SLNC Academy access and content 

• Designing data gathering tools including surveys, focus groups, and interview guides

• Benchmarking including finding data about your library or other libraries

• Designing community needs assessments

• Communicating impact and creating data-informed materials

• Developing evaluation plans including LSTA grant evaluation plans

• Facilitating evaluation and data discussions with staff and stakeholders

• Answering questions related to Public Library Survey reporting or data 

• Brainstorming and developing LSTA grant proposal ideas

• Reviewing draft LSTA applications

• Answering questions related to managing an active LSTA grant; including reporting, payments, and changes to budgets and timelines

• Providing guidance and technical support on federal and state grant regulations 

• Sharing additional information about LSTA awards across the state and about LSTA in general 

• Answering questions relating to management of State Aid grants, including eligibility, applications, payments, and compliance

• Providing State Library orientation for new public library directors

• Training for Library Boards of Trustees members and Friends of Library groups

• Consulting services related to public library management, including public library standards, hiring a director, advocacy, Intellectual Freedom, and working with Trustees and Friends