NEW RIVER VALLEY MOBILE LIBRARY

Prepared by Nick Britten, Mary McConaughy, Lyndsey Royek, Megan Stolp, & Meggie Summers Business Writing Students

Report Distributed December 11, 2012

Prepared for Serena Frost Business Writing Professor

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................. 4 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 5 ILLITERACY RATES ...................................................................................................................................................5 STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES ...............................................................................................................................6 NRV MOBILE LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................... 7 PUBLIC INTEREST/SUPPORT..................................................................................................................................7 VT INTEREST ............................................................................................................................................................8 MOBILE LIBRARY DETAILS ............................................................................................................... 10 BUS STOP LOCATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 10 GROUP READING ..............................................................................................................................................................12 FUNDING .................................................................................................................................................. 13 BUDGETING ............................................................................................................................................................ 13 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 14 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. WORKS CITED ........................................................................................................................................ 15

ABSTRACT
This report examines the illiteracy rates throughout the New River Valley. The purpose of this report is to provide a solution to the increasing rate of illiteracy in Floyd and Montgomery County. A mobile library would be an effective combatant in fighting these high rates by targeting children and providing them with a convenient and focused outlet to learn about literature and improve literacy skills. The idea that sparked this report was the high illiteracy rates in the New River Valley in comparison to the national average. Additionally, many of the schools in the New River Valley are not meeting state accreditation on the Standards of Learning Tests. Our solution is to develop a book mobile for the New River Valley that will be funded by the government and work as an extension of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library. The mobile library will be staffed with volunteers from the community. In a survey we conducted of Virginia Tech students, a majority of participants said they would be interested in joining a Literacy Club and volunteering time every week to help staff the mobile library. The mobile library will have bi-weekly stops and provide services such as checking out books, tutoring, and group literacy activities. There will be a literacy activity offered for all reading levels. These activities will involve reading a book and then doing an activity that compliments the book. Our solution of a book mobile will hopefully reach out to those that currently do not have the resources to improve literacy rates. With increased access to service and materials to increase literacy, it is our hope that the literacy rates of the New River Valley will increase due to this program.

INTRODUCTION
This report examines the illiteracy rates in Montgomery County and Floyd County, VA. The purpose of this report is to analyze the implementation of a mobile library throughout those two counties in order to lower the illiteracy rate. Recommendations are given as to when and how the mobile library will be implemented, as well as the appropriate resources needed prior to implementation.

Illiteracy Rates
The most recent census taken to measure the illiteracy rate throughout the United States was in 2003 (State and County Effects of Low Literacy). Within the parameters of this investigation, illiteracy by definition means, lacking basic prose skills. The national illiteracy rate was found to be 14% and the illiteracy rate for the state of Virginia was found to be at 12% (State and County). Floyd County was measured at 14% while the illiteracy rate of Montgomery County was measured at 10% (State and County). Additionally, those lacking basic prose literacy skills include those who scored below basic in prose and those who could not be tested due to language barriers (National Assessment of Adult Literacy). Below, Figure 1 illustrates the projected illiteracy rate of Montgomery County for 2010. Of the entire population in Montgomery County, 10% are illiterate. Figure 1: Illiteracy Rate in 2010 in Montgomery County

Population = 62,997
at or above basic level

0%

lacking basic prose skills

10%

0%

90%

Calculations made for projected illiteracy rates locally for 2010 showed a steady increase. The illiteracy rate in Floyd County rose from 14% to 18%. The illiteracy rate in Montgomery County rose from 10% to 14%. With a similar increase rate for both counties, illiteracy stands as a prominent issue to all generations.

Standardized Test Scores

One of the programs Virginia currently uses to measure academic achievement is the Standards of Learning (SOL) test. The Standards of Learning (SOL) describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, and history/social science (Standards of Learning (SOL) and Testing). Results of the SOL are compiled at full completion and submitted to the states Department of Education to be analyzed and held to state and national standards. After such a process, every public school in the state of Virginia receives a performance rating. Schools receive one of the following ratings: Fully Accredited Provisionally Accredited Graduation Rate (elementary and middle schools excluded) Accredited with Warning Accreditation Denied Conditionally Accredited (New/Reconstituted)

The accreditation pass rates vary in level (elementary, middle, and high school) and in subject (English, Mathematics, Science, and History/Social Science)(School Accreditation Ratings). The Virginia Accreditation pass rates listed by grade level and subject are listed below in Table 1. Table 1: Accreditation Benchmarks (Adjusted Pass Rates) 2011 Subject Grade 3 Grade 4-5 English Mathematics Science History/Social Science 75% 70% 50% 50% 75% 70% 70% 70%

Grade 6-12 70% 70% 70% 70%

Source: Virginia Department of Education The Virginia Accreditation Status for 2012-2013 is based on achievement results from 2011-2012. The state of Virginia performed well collectively, with 93% of public schools receiving Full Accreditation status. Floyd County was among the 93% of schools receiving Full Accreditation status. Montgomery County, however, received a rating of Accredited with Warning. There are two schools in Montgomery County that were responsible for this rating: Eastern Montgomery High School and Christiansburg High School (School Accreditation Ratings).

NRV MOBILE LIBRARY

Public Interest/Support
In order to gauge interest and potential support, two elementary school teachers from Margaret Beeks Elementary were interviewed: Mandy Mach (5th grade teacher) and Betsy Alden (kindergarten teacher). They were both asked the same series of questions (Appendix A: Teacher Questions). Both teachers agreed a mobile library would be an efficient and engaging project that would ultimately benefit lower income families the most. Mach and Alden addressed transportation and lack of time and resources as outstanding problems associated with being able to visit a library. Alden suggested a potential stop location for the mobile library at Cedar Run apartments. The families and residents of that neighborhood are among lower socioeconomic status and she stated they could benefit greatly from a mobile library. Mach suggested stops in downtown Blacksburg for convenience and in the Shawsville neighborhood for lower income families. Mach and Alden stated a large part of the mobile library would be press and informing the citizens of Floyd and Montgomery County of the public services offered by a mobile library. Additionally, both teachers said they would be willing to send out flyers or advertisements of some kind in a weekly newsletter. Overall, both teachers admitted to problems with literacy in each of their classrooms ranging from inadequate literacy level to not even knowing how to hold a book. Mach and Alden advised that teacher participation in public schools throughout Floyd and Montgomery County would be imperative to the success of a mobile library. A problem that may arise is adequate participation in and volunteerism for the mobile library. The mobile services will require full time employees and volunteers in order to train part time employees and/or volunteers. Additionally, resources will be needed to train such volunteers to provide the proper experience families of Floyd and Montgomery County deserve while on board the mobile library. Full time employees would first be hired through the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library. Their knowledge and access to resources will be invaluable to the success and functioning of the mobile library. A Literacy Club will be implemented at Virginia Tech in order to supply the mobile library with volunteers. The Literacy Club will meet once a week to discuss and share experiences from the mobile library to improve efficiency. During this meeting, new member s wishing to volunteer will be trained as well.

VT Interest
A survey was conducted among 100 undergraduate students at Virginia tech to gauge an interest in participation for a mobile library/ membership to a Literacy Club (Appendix E: Survey Results). The results from the survey are listed below in Figure 2. Figure 2: Interest in Joining a Literacy Club

Interest in Joining Literacy Club

NO YES

48% 52%

Source: McConaughy Out of 100 responses, 48 students said they would be willing to join a Literacy Club (VT Student Survey). This kind of participation would be more than sufficient to start a Literacy Club. Such a high interest would be incredibly beneficial to not only the start up, but also the longevity/spreading interest of a Literacy Club. In addition to the 48 respondents that agreed to volunteer with the Literacy Club, an additional 16 respondents agreed to volunteer for the mobile library independently (Summers, Survey). Out of those 64 respondents, 29 said they would volunteer one hour per week and 30 said they would volunteer 2 hours per week (Summers, Survey). At almost 60 active volunteers per week averaging one to two hours of volunteering, the functioning of the mobile library would be sufficiently ensured.

9 When asked if students would being willing to volunteer, students that answered yes were then asked how many hours would they be willing to volunteer. The majority of the students said they would be willing to volunteer 2 hours per week. The results of this portion of the survey are shown in Figure 3. Figure 3: Hours per Week Willing to Volunteer

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 hour
Source: McConaughy

2 hours

3 hours

4 hours

5 or more hours

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Mobile Library Details

A mobile library for Montgomery and Floyd Counties would be implemented in two phases. Phase One would begin during the summer of 2013 and would entail resource collection, permit approval, grant submissions/approval, implementation of the Literacy Club at Virginia Tech, and community press. Phase One would last a little over a full calendar year in order for adequate resources, funding, and participation to be met. Phase Two would begin the fall of 2014 and would entail the official implementation of a mobile library complete with stops and additional services on board. The mobile library would operate on a biweekly basis, servicing 10 stops total Monday through Friday. The mobile library would be an extension of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library and would thus have all technology/programs/systems in effect on board that are used by the regional branches. Hours of operation will be 7:00am to 9:00pm.

Bus Stop Locations

The mobile library will stop at the following locations during Week A: Table 2: Week A Bus Stops Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Stop Draper Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Cambridge Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Cedar Run Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Grissom Ln, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Fairfax Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060

11 A detailed map of the Week A bus stops is provided below in Figure 4. Figure 4: Week A Bus Stop Locations

The mobile library will stop at the following locations during Week B: Table 3: Week B Bus Stop Locations Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Stop Simpson Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Republic Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Penn Ave NW, Floyd, VA 24091 Crosier Rd, Ellison, VA 24087 Riner Rd, Riner, VA 24149

12 A detailed map of the Week B: bus stops are provided below in Figure 5. Figure 5: Week B Bus Stop Locations

The stops for the book mobile were determined based off of two factors. We wanted the stops to be near neighborhoods that were highly populated by low income families. The stops were also placed in central locations that were easily accessible. Some of our stops were high recommended areas from the teachers we interviewed. Our hope is with the stops strategically placed the book mobile can help the maximum amount of people in need. Group Reading Of the additional services on board, the most important will be a daily group reading activity led by volunteers from the Literacy Club. There will be three levels for the group reading activity ranging from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced. Each level will have a separate time scheduled for their activity to accommodate larger groups and focused attention. The reading activities will be engaging and incorporate various teaching mediums. There will also be computers on board available to the communitys residents. Citizens will be able to use the Internet, Microsoft Applications, and other resources from the computer as needed. Additionally, volunteers on board the mobile library will be available during open hours for individual help and tutoring for children and adults.

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FUNDING
Budgeting
Considering the expensive nature of implementing a mobile library, adequate funding is naturally a potential issue. The projected cost to get the mobile library started is currently $400,000, with an additional annual cost of $175,000 to keep the library in effect. Additionally, resources such as books, office supplies, computers (with proper technology), etc. will need to be accounted for. Below is the budget that reflects any costs that we will encounter throughout the process of implementing the book mobile. Table 4: Budget Expenditures Vehicle Meridan MSV2 Fuel Repairs Insurance Premium Equipment iMacs Cuecat Barcode Scanner/Software HP Photosmart Printer Misc. Office Supplies Samsung - 4G Mobile Hotspot Internet Verizon Wireless Internet (2 year plan) Personnel Operartor Salary Total Cost $54,900 $4,722 $7,273 $330 $6,504 $80 $100 $300 $50 $720 $40,000 $114,979

Finding proper funding to cover costs and resources for the library would ultimately be granted by public service organizations. Some of these organizations would include (but not be limited to: the American Library Association, Library of Congress Surplus Books Program, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, New York Life Foundation, First Book National Book Bank, and the Libri Foundation Grants for Childrens Books.

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CONCLUSION
Due to a steady increase in illiteracy rates in both Floyd and Montgomery County immediate actions must be taken. Therefore, it is recommended that a mobile library, functioning as an extension of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, help combat the debilitating effects of illiteracy. Specifically for lower income families, a mobile librarys convenience would be imperative in the academic and professional success of younger generations as well as the education of older generations. Benefits of decreasing the illiteracy rate in Montgomery and Floyd County would include, but not be limited to: an increase in test scores/Full Accreditation, an increase in self-esteem and confidence, an increase in professional and business opportunities, a decrease to perpetual cycles of illiteracy in some families, and an increase of help and opportunity provided to low income families. With these concluding points in mind, we recommend the following considerations for any plans in the near future. More in depth research as to what the bus stop time and locations should be Organization of book drives and collection of donations for the mobile library Establish credibility of the Literacy Club within the community and in relation to Virginia Tech Create a program headed by an employee of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library to train members of the Literacy Club

Thank you for your time and we hope to hear from you in the near future.

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WORKS CITED
Alden, Betsy. Personal Interview. 7 Nov. 2012. Mach, Mandy. Personal Interview. 7 Nov. 2012. National Assessment of Adult Literacy. National Center for Education Statistics. n.d. Web. Nov. 2012. School Accreditation Ratings. Virginia Department of Education. n.d. Web. Nov. 2012. State and County Estimates of Low Literacy. National Center for Education Statistics. N.d. Web Nov. 2012. Virginia Tech Student Survey. Survey.vt.edu. n.d. Web. Oct. 2012.

16 Appendix A: Teacher Interview Questions 1. What kind of benefits and/or advantages do you think would come from implanting a mobile library in the community? 2. What would you do to promote the mobile library services in your classroom and community? 3. Would you be willing to volunteer with the mobile library? If not, why? 4. If you are willing to volunteer, what kind of programs would you bring to the mobile library and what kind of programs would you be willing to lead? 5. Being from the area, what part of the community would be the most central location for children and parents to access the mobile library? 6. Do you think that there would be participation in the mobile library services? 7. What do you think is the best way to promote the mobile library services to gain participation with children and parents in the area? 8. What is your main concern with implanting a mobile library service in the community? 9. Is literacy an issue in your classroom? 10. Do you think having adult materials for parents to read would be beneficial?

Appendix B: Interview Transcription

17

The following interview was conducted on November 2, 2012. Nick Britten: Ok so, first questions, what kind of benefits and/or advantages do you think would come from implanting a mobile library in the community? Betsy Alden: It would be very beneficial especially (ummm) for lower income families who dont have transportation. Sometime they arent motivated to go to the library after work (ummm) after working long hours. Laptime is the most important for literary success and I believe a program like this would promote it. Britten: Alright, what (umm) would you do to promote the mobile library services in your classroom and community? Alden: I would put in my weekly newsletter and I would also send a flyer home to the parents. Britten: Next, would you be willing to volunteer with the mobile library? and If not, why? Alden: Yeah, I would but only during the summer since I dont have to work during the summer. Britten: Since you are willing to volunteer, what kind of programs would you bring to the mobile library and what kind of programs would you be willing to lead? Alden: I would like to see story readers come read to children. Also I would like to see different activities such as puppets that go along with the stories, especially to grasp the attention of the younger ones. It would also be good to have the Hokie Bird or some guest author come and read to them. Britten: Being from the area, what part of the community would be the most central location for children and parents to access the mobile library? Alden: Families that have financial need. (umm) A neighborhood that would be most beneficial is the one up there (points up) you know, Cedar Run. All the apartment areas would be good stops since those usually house people of low financial status. Maybe even going to afterschool programs and working with kids would be a good idea. Britten: Do you think that there would be participation in the mobile library services? Alden: I think so if it was advertised and was offered as a free and easily accessible service. The hours after 5 or 6 for working parents would be best. Britten: What do you think is the best way to promote the mobile library services to gain participation with children and parents in the area?

18 Alden: Teacher newsletters, radio, flyers in apartment complexes. Also as grocery stores if you can post them in there. Have teachers send notes home about it in childrens book bags. Britten: What is your main concern with implanting a mobile library service in the community? Alden: Having enough resources and having age appropriate materials. Britten: Is literacy an issue in your classroom? Alden: Yes, a little bit this year, but a lot more in previous years. A lot of students with literacy issues havent had exposure to books. They dont know how to hold a book. They dont know how to open a book. Many students dont know hoe to be read to. These skills are important to gain the foundations to learn to read. Britten: Do you think have adult materials for parents to read would be beneficial? Alden: Yes, I love to read. It will allow parents to set a good example for their kids and makes an impression on the kids

19 Appendix C: Interview transcription The following interview was conducted on November 2, 2012. Nick Britten: What kind of benefits and/or advantages do you think would come from implanting a mobile library in the community? Mandy Mach: (ummmm) I think that typically the students that have reading problems are from low socioeconomic families so they cant afford books so this would give them access to such resources Britten: What would you do to promote the mobile library services in your classroom and community? Mach: I would put it in my newsletter. I would also check out books from the mobile library and make it my spot light book. This way they can go to the mobile library seeking the book, and hopefully once they are in them you will grasp their attention to other books. Britten: Would you be willing to volunteer with the mobile library? If not, why? Mach: Yes definitely. Britten: If you are willing to volunteer, what kind of programs would you bring to the mobile library and what kind of programs would you be willing to lead? Mach: If it was during the summer I would be willing to do hands on activities, read aloud tutoring. I basically do this all day know so it wouldnt be much of a change. Britten: Being from the area, what part of the community would be the most central location for children and parents to access the mobile library? Mach: In Blacksburg having stops downtown, because all the public transportation goes their. Also, shawsville, those kids really are in need of this kind of service, especially just access to books. Britten: Do you think that there would be participation in the mobile library services? Mach: If you advertised it really well. You would need teachers and community members to build it up Britten: What do you think is the best way to promote the mobile library services to gain participation with children and parents in the area? Mach: Getting teachers on board. Have teachers put it in their newsletters, advertising in the newspaper with an ad of a ton of kids reading.

20 Britten: What is your main concern with implanting a mobile library service in the community? Mach: How you are going to get the resources back if they are taking them home. this is a current issue the school library is having and I am having in my classroom Britten: Is literacy and issue in your classroom? Mach: Yes. Its a huge problem in my class. I have 2 students that are reading at a 2nd grade reading level in 5th grade. They need mentors and books. Britten: Do you think have adult materials for parents to read would be beneficial? Mach: (long pause) (umm) Maybe, only because most students with literacy issues their parents cant read. The adult would just pretend to read the books by just flipping through the pages. These individual could benefit from picking up a childs book and learning to read that way.

21 Appendix D: Student Survey Questions This survey was made public to Virginia Tech students on October 30th. 1. Sex? a. Male b. Female 2. Academic Status? a. Freshman b. Sophomore c. Junior d. Senior e. Graduate Student f. PhD Student 3. Major? 4. Do you feel literacy is a prevalent issue in the New River Valley? a. Yes b. No 5. If a Literacy Club was formed at Virginia Tech, with the main goal to increase childrens literacy rates across the NRV, would you be interested in joining? a. Yes b. No 6. Would you be interested in volunteering as a volunteer on the book mobile to help with tutoring of children and facilitating group literacy activities? a. Yes b. No 7. If Yes, how many hours a week would you be willing to volunteer? a. 1 hour b. 2 hours c. 3 hours d. 4 hours e. 5 or more hours 8. Do you have previous experience working with kids? a. Yes b. No

22 Appendix E: Survey Results Sex? Male Female

19 (19%) 81 (81%)

no answer 0 ( 0%) Academic Status? Freshman 12 (12%) Sophomore Junior Senior 22 (22%) 40 (40%)

21 (21%) Graduate Student 2 ( 2%) PhD Student no answer 0 ( 0%) 3 ( 3%)

Do you feel literacy is a prevalent issue in the New River Valley? yes 67 (67%) no 33 (33%) no answer 0 ( 0%) If a Literacy Club was formed at Virginia Tech, with the main goal to increase children's literacy rates across the NRV, would you be interested in joining? yes 47 (47%) no 51 (51%) no answer 2 ( 2%) Would you be interested in volunteering your time as a volunteer on the book mobile to help with tutoring of children and facilitating group literacy activities? yes 64 (64%) no 36 (36%) no answer 0 ( 0%) If yes, how many hours a week would you be willing to volunteer? 1 hour 29 (29%) 2 hours 3 hours 4 hours 30 (30%) 8 ( 8%) 1 ( 1%)

23 5 or more hours 0 ( 0%) no answer 32 (32%) Do you have previous experience working with elementary aged children? yes 75 (75%) no 25 (25%)