I chose to include this proposal as a part of my portfolio because I was given another opportunity to practice writing an actual grant. I learned so much about grant writing through my MLIS program and wanted to share a little piece of it with others. This is also a service that I am a huge proponent of and I actually think would be helpful for the library that I work at. Slover Library is located in the downtown area so sometimes our elderly patrons are not able to visit us, so I proposed that we visit them and provide mobile library services. Below is an advocacy presentation I completed for this assignment as well as a copy of the original paper I submitted.

Summary of Proposal

The service that I would like to implement is mobile library services for seniors.  Our close partner, Norfolk Public Library, has a bookmobile that served some areas of Norfolk but since that has been out of commission, many of our senior patrons are unable to take advantage of the resources. With our mobile senior service, we would bring some of the library services and programs to our seniors. Since Slover Library is located in downtown Norfolk, there are many barriers preventing seniors from taking advantage of our services, with parking being at the top of the list. Community outreach is already a part of our mission and vision and is included in our strategic plan, so this service is right on target. We would include services such as library cards, programs, eBook training, and book checkouts and more depending on what the seniors would need. Initially when beginning this outreach, until we can purchase our own “Slover Rover”, we will utilize the city provided SUV to travel to our destinations. Through our outreach we would be working with community partners and positively impacting the lives of our seniors with each visit to the senior communities. This service also has potential to expand our reach because the family members and friends of the seniors may hear about all that we are providing from the seniors. We want to meet the needs of all patrons, which is why it is so important for us to provide this service.

SLO’s Achieved from this assignment:

• Create innovative responses to the needs and interests of diverse and global communities.
• Demonstrate leadership attributes for a variety of information environments.
• Interpret and apply basic and applied research to improve their professional practice.
• Integrate evolving technologies and theories that underpin their design, application, and use with library and information services.
• Create a plan for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.