As part of the Mid-Life Adult Advisory Committee, I initiated a Community Assessment survey soliciting information about adult programming in the Ada Community Library’s four branches. The survey was conducted both online using Google Docs and via paper forms at Branch locations. The survey was an attempt to better understand and meet the needs of those using our library sites. We had a total of 68 respondents from all four Ada Community Library locations including Victory, Hidden Springs, Lake Hazel, and Star Branch libraries.

The survey was conducted from December 2011 to April 2012 with the most replies received from Victory and Lake Hazel, our two largest Branches. When asked about how they heard about programs, the greatest number of respondents got their information from the Library website. The outside signboard and paper version of the Library Calendar distributed at service desks inside were tied as next most popular.  Posters were ranked next, with newspaper publicity and personal communication tied in last place.  These last two were both rated twice as effective as e-mailed newsletters and other websites. This was an interesting development given our population is widely spread throughout unincorporated Ada County. 

It was exciting to receive positive feedback from comments. Recommended programming topics included practical classes from Sewing and Gardening to How to Buy a Computer and Financial Aid for College. Fun
topics included food and writing workshops as well as Crafting/Scrapbooking,Party Decorating/Snacks or Learning About Cultures classes. One excellent suggestion was for monthly Boise environmental issues talks and more information about volunteer organizations.  This last need may be met via VolunteerMatch, an online listing of vounteer opportunities. In my opinion creating a forum for feedback was a very positive opportunity in understanding our community needs.