The document discusses introducing Edge benchmarks to libraries to assess and improve their public access technology services. It provides 14 sample benchmarks in categories like community value, engagement, and organizational management. The benchmarks focus on areas like training, digital content access, education support, and technology planning. TechSoup's role is to provide content and training to help libraries implement the voluntary online assessment. Successful libraries highlighted are not afraid to fail when trying new things, seek partnerships, and get out into their communities to understand needs. The document encourages libraries to use the benchmarks and resources to demonstrate value to decision makers.
5. Your ideas count: stand up!
“I <state your name> pledge to ask
questions and share my thoughts
and experiences during this session.
I will be honest, because I’m a
good person, and people like me.
And Sarah might give me
something free for doing it.”
8. “This has put a fire to my ideas
and we will hold
an advertised community forum on
library technology needs.“
- Librarian, Colorado
9. Edge Initiative: LibraryEdge.org
• Aspirational benchmarks:
for high quality public
access technology services
• Resources for reinvestment:
demonstrate the value and
need to decision makers
10. Who is involved?
• ALA OITP
• Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
• California, Texas, &
Oklahoma State Libraries
• International City/County
Management Association
• LYRASIS
• OCLC/WebJunction
• PLA
• TechSoup Global
• Universities of Maryland,
Washington
• Urban Libraries Council
• Hundreds of libraries (and hopefully yours)
11. What will it look like?
No teasers,
unfortunately…
– Voluntary online
assessment
– Scores, based on your
peers, size
– Help resources
– Reports, talking points
– Other needs?
13. Benchmark categories
Community Value
External practices that connect the library to the
community
Engaging the Community &
Decision Makers
Specific programs, services, & support that enable
people to get value from their use of technology
Organizational Management
Internal management & infrastructure
14. Benchmark One
• Training
– Structured
– One-on-one
Benchmark Two
• Access to digital content
– Software
– Monitor service
15. Benchmark Three
• Job-seeking
– Software
– Content, training
– Survey community
Benchmark Four
• Government and legal information
– Links, content, training
– Survey community
16. Benchmark Five
• Education support
– Software
– Exam prep, proctor
– Survey community
Benchmark Six
• Health and wellness
– Links, content, training
– Survey community
18. Benchmark Nine
• Share best practices
– With other orgs
– Conference
presentations
– On TechSoup,
WebJunction…
Benchmark Ten
• Plan for technology
– Hardware/software replacement
– Policies, plans
23. TechSoup’s role: training
Past Archived Webinars:
•Youth-led Tech @ the Library (Benchmark Seven)
•From Content Consumers to Content Creators (Benchmark Two)
•E-readers for Everyone: Teaching Tips from Trainers (Benchmark One)
Each month, we host free webinars on www.TechSoupforLibraries.org.
24. Successful libraries…
Aren’t afraid to fail
“Just give it a try. We call everything a pilot when we begin.
That means if it’s not working we will pull out of it. And that
helps to ease anxiety in a lot of people. Try it out and see if it
works for you, and if not, change it."
- Irene Romsa, Poudre River Public Library, Fort Collins, CO
“You can't fear that you're going to screw up;
you just have to get in there and say, 'Okay,
I'm going to learn how to do this.'”
- Faye Hover, Smithwelch Public Library,
Hearne, TX
25. Successful libraries…
Seek partnerships
•High Plains Library District & Guadalupe Community
Center, Greeley, CO
“Partnerships are essential in promoting greater
exposure for libraries, expanding resources, and
promoting the value of libraries.”
- Librarian, Genessee District Library, Flint, MI
26. Successful libraries…
Leave their buildings
– 10% rule
– Following a passion
(Jeff Dawson, Two Rivers, WI)
“Getting out into the community helps the library know
what the community wants and needs. Instead of
spinning our wheels coming up with really cool programs
we're sure people will use and come to, we can best use
the resources we have to serve our community in a
more 'spot on' way.”
- Librarian, Ketchikan Public Library, Ketchikan, AK
27. Successful libraries…
Know their community
– Baby steps: survey staff on what they’re learning
from patrons
– Teenager steps: modest survey of patrons
– Adult steps: partner with other agencies to do a
community assessment (including folks who
don’t enter or use the library), include focus
groups and other survey tactics.
28. Homework!
• Share. (Benchmark 9) And tell me
And tell me
about it!
about it!
• Dream.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
Remember Faye?
29. Sarah Washburn Sarah@TechSoupGlobal.org
TechSoupforLibraries.org
30. Resources
• “We’re All in This Together,” Virgin
Airlines video
• Edge Benchmarks site
• TechSoup webinars (check the
archives, too)
• Edge content on TechSoupforLibraries
Hinweis der Redaktion
Were all in it together
Talk about myself, my work. Ask about TSG—who has heard of it? Who has used it and how? (MUG)
I put an exclamation mark and did that fancy animation b/c there’s a lot of emotional content embedded in that word. Did you feel it? How did you feel when you saw that word? <share> be honest. <give something. Let’s talk about it>
What are the things I need to be doing and what does this matter In many ways, I see the benchmarks as tips. Yes, they get at best practices that you’ll be scored on, but I’ve heard from so many people that just reading the benchmarks has given them good ideas. This isn’t a test, it’s meant to help you improve, to aspire.
Why do I say this, well, it’s really been incredible how many libraries and librarians have been involved in this project. Many times, initatives happen and they’re launched with: so, what do you think? This project has been very different. We’re asking feedback constantly, and refining, asking questions, and working hard to make this a project that is useful to you. To everyone.
Take you into your imagination… Other needs: if you have ideas now, that’s great. Please share. Otherwise, I left some paper on your tables that you can use to write things down and share later, or come grab me after the session.
You each have the full set of beta benchmarks in front of you. Pull them out, and lets look at them together. I’m going to go through them relatively quickly. This is your opportunity to look at all of them and ask questions before we do an activity together.
Important: these are beta benchmarks, and are right now being closely considered by the team. That doesn’t mean that these will change radically, but based on feedback, we’re modifying them slightly and correcting typos or language issues.
3 categories. Familiarlize. Any questions, worries, concerns? Write down once concern you have in implementing a benchmark in your library. Write legibly. Take you time. Has it snowed in your town yet? SNOWBALL FIGHT!