Data Collection and Reporting Tools (outcomes and output data)
Lunch at the Library’s evaluation tools help libraries collect valuable data on the impact of their summer meal programs, and help maintain statewide data on California’s public library summer meals programs and summer meal outreach and partnership activities. Results from libraries’ evaluation efforts show the impact of Lunch at the Library across California.
The following evaluation tools are available to participating libraries to evaluate and report on their summer meal programs at the library, and/or enrichment activities taken out to a community meal site. Survey questions, for reference only, are below. Project staff will distribute online survey link(s) to participating libraries to collect output and outcomes data.
Output Data
Statewide Lunch at the Library Participation Survey Summer
The statewide participation survey is for all participating libraries to complete at the end of the summer. This survey primarily captures output data, e.g. program numbers, enrichment activities offered/provided, etc. Please find below the link to the annual Summer Participation Survey.
Survey link: https://www.library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/statistics/#summer
The questions with general instructions are available for you to review before starting the survey: Summer Meals Summer at Your Library Survey Questions 2022 (Word document)
Please plan to have one person respond to and complete the survey on behalf of all libraries in your jurisdiction no later than Friday, September 30th, 2022.
- The survey should be completed once for each library jurisdiction with one person responding on behalf of all your jurisdiction libraries.
- Please report statistics for the entirety of your 2022 summer program. We realize Summer 2022 was an unusual summer and the start and end date of library summer programs may vary widely.
- Please have all your data with you before you start to fill out the survey because you’ll need to complete it in one sitting. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- The survey includes questions relating to the Summer @ Your Library Quality Principles and Indicators. To help you gather input from your colleagues in your library jurisdiction, this Assessment Chart will be useful for you to fill out as a team prior to submitting your answers via the electronic survey.
Outcomes Data
Summer Outcomes Survey for Meal Participants
We understand that not everyone will be able to collect outcomes data this summer, but an outcomes survey is available for libraries who want and are able to capture this information from families (adults, teens and children) who participate in summer meal service.
The Summer 2022 Outcomes Survey will help libraries understand and demonstrate how their programs:
- provide help/support to their communities;
- offer enriching experiences; and
- keep people learning.
Summer 2022 Outcomes Survey (English)
Summer 2022 Outcomes Survey (Spanish)
Youth Development Survey for Teen Volunteers
Lunch at the Library is a valuable youth development program that provides teens with workforce readiness skills.
The Lunch at the Library Youth Development Initiative aligns with six outcomes developed by the Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development initiative* to help guide libraries in creating youth development programs that deliver the most impact for their teen volunteers. These six outcomes are:
- Youth contribute to their community.
- Youth feel safe in their environment.
- Youth have meaningful relationships with adults and peers.
- Youth achieve educational success.
- Youth have marketable skills.
- Youth develop personal and social skills.
*Funded by the Wallace Foundation
For more information about the Lunch at the Library Youth Development Initiative, visit the Youth Development webpage here.
Youth Development Outcomes Handout
Youth Development Survey for Teen Volunteers
This survey evaluates the impact of libraries’ youth development programs, and is distributed to the teen volunteers of libraries’ summer meal programs and activities.
Using Program Data
Use program data — stories, quotes, numbers — to raise awareness of value and impact of the summer meal program.
- Customize the Infographic template by including local data to highlight the library’s impact.
- Include information about summer meal programs and activities in the library’s annual report, and reports to the library foundation, the friends group, and to city council.
- Promote success stories on the library’s website, in the library, in local media, and to local partners. Make sure the whole community knows about the summer meal program.
- Let all library staff know about the program’s successes.
- Use program data to reflect on the summer’s activities and work with staff to improve the program.