In 2006, the Office of Library and Information Services contracted with Himmel & Wilson to assess Rhode Island’s implementation of the LSTA program and the state’s progress toward the goals outlined in its five-year plan. The evaluation was carried out as part of a cooperative effort undertaken by six northeastern states—Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The report is divided includes the Evaluation and three appendices.
All files are in pdf format.

1. Evaluation - includes:
   An Independent Evaluation of the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services’ Implementation of the Library Services & Technology Act Five-Year State Plan 2003-2007
   1. Introductory Statement and Summary of Impact of IMLS Funds to Support State Library Services
   2. Overall Report of Results in Achieving Goals and Objectives Based on the Five-Year Plan
      • GOAL 1: Provide library services to the underserved.
      • GOAL 2: Collaboration/Cooperation of a multi-type nature, including public, academic, school, and special libraries, museums, and archives.
      • GOAL 3: Increase public awareness of the intrinsic value of libraries in promoting personal and economic growth for every resident in every community through the wide array of programs and services that libraries offer.
   3. Results of In-Depth Evaluation: Talking Books Plus
   4. Progress in Showing Results of Library Initiatives or Services: Public Library Adult Literacy Programs
   5. Lessons Learned
   6. Brief Description of Evaluation Process
2. Appendix A: Focus Group Report
3. Appendix B: Interview Report
4. Appendix C: Web Survey of Rhode Island Librarians — Report, Response Frequencies, and Open-Ended Comments
   • Part I: LSTA Web Survey Report
   • Part III: LSTA Web Survey Report - Response Frequencies
   • Part III: LSTA Web Survey Report - Open-Ended Comments