straight talk about the "b" word: using the edge benchmarks in your library

Colorado Springs, CO November 8, 2012

Straight Talk Straight Talk about the “B” Wordabout the “B” WordUsing the Edge benchmarks in your Using the Edge benchmarks in your librarylibrary

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Why do we do this?

• Reinventing the wheel isn’t fun.

• Stories are powerful.

• Learn from the experiences of others

TechSoupforLibraries.org

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.”

BENCHMARKS!

“NO BENCHMARKS!!! They don't work in the schools; they

won't work in libraries.”- Librarian, Alabama

“This has put a fire to my ideas and we will hold

an advertised community forum on library technology needs.“

- Librarian, Colorado

Edge Initiative: LibraryEdge.org

• Aspirational benchmarks: for high quality public access technology services

• Resources for reinvestment: demonstrate the value and need to decision makers

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)

What will it look like?

No teasers, unfortunately…

– Voluntary online assessment

– Scores, based on your peers, size

– Help resources– Reports, talking points– Other needs?

LibraryEdge.org

Benchmark categories

Community ValueExternal 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 ManagementInternal management & infrastructure

Benchmark One• Training

– Structured– One-on-one

Benchmark Two• Access to digital content

– Software– Monitor service

Benchmark Three

• Job-seeking– Software– Content, training– Survey community

Benchmark Four• Government and legal information

– Links, content, training– Survey community

Benchmark Five

• Education support– Software– Exam prep, proctor– Survey community

Benchmark Six• Health and wellness

– Links, content, training– Survey community

Benchmark Seven

• Community planning– Board membership– Meetings – Survey community

Benchmark Eight• Partnerships

– Sharing, collaborating– Outreach activities

Benchmark Nine• Share best practices

– With other orgs– Conference

presentations – On TechSoup,

WebJunction…

Benchmark Ten• Plan for technology

– Hardware/software replacement– Policies, plans

Benchmark Eleven

• Staff competency– Support learning– Accountability

Benchmark Twelve• Bandwidth

– Sufficient capacity– Time management– Peripherals

Benchmark Thirteen

• Tech management– Monitors traffic– Tracks usage

Benchmark Fourteen• Focus on accessibility

– Software/hardware– W3C compliance – Training

Activity: a closer look

1. Write down one concern or worry you have with implementing a particular benchmark.

2. Write legibly.3. Take your time.

TechSoup’s role: content

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.

Successful libraries…

Aren’t afraid to fail

“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

“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

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

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

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.

Homework!

• Share. (Benchmark 9)

• Dream.• Don’t be afraid to fail.

Remember Faye?

And tell me about it!

And tell me about it!

Sarah Washburn Sarah@TechSoupGlobal.orgTechSoupforLibraries.org

Resources

• “We’re All in This Together,” Virgin Airlines video

• Edge Benchmarks site• TechSoup webinars (check the

archives, too)• Edge content on

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