Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
A presentation about the Edge Initiative benchmarks at the Beyond BTOP conference in Colorado Springs, CO and how they might work in your public library with some activities to learn from your peers.
Citation preview
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
TechSoupforLibraries.org
FREE contentFREE eventsFREE resources
DONATEDProducts
(save 80-90%)
++
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 [email protected]
Resources
• “We’re All in This Together,” Virgin Airlines video
• Edge Benchmarks site• TechSoup webinars (check the
archives, too)• Edge content on
TechSoupforLibraries
