The
Public Library Association (PLA) is very excited to be part of a national
effort to create Edge,
the first-ever set of benchmarks for public access technology in public
libraries. Recognizing that public libraries are sometimes the only means by
which millions of people access computers, the Internet, and other
technologies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is funding the work of
the Edge Coalition—13 organizations including PLA and program leader Urban
Libraries Council. The Coalition is dedicated to developing benchmarks and
tools for public libraries to strategically plan, advocate, and ultimately meet
their communities’ needs for public access to technology.
What
is Edge?
The
Edge Benchmarks point to practices
that will help libraries evaluate and continually improve public technology
services in their communities. The benchmarks are divided into three main
categories that assess:
1.
Community Value (Benchmarks 1–3):
External practices that connect the library to the community.
2.
Engaging the Community & Decision Makers
(Benchmarks 4–6): Specific programs, services and supports that
enable people to get value from their use of technology.
3.
Organizational Management (Benchmarks 7–11):
Internal management and infrastructure.
Within
these categories are a series of benchmarks and indicators to measure specific
activities. The Edge Coalition has arrived at these measures by surveying
current library practices and collecting feedback from library leaders across
the country.
How
does Edge work?
The Edge Benchmarks enable libraries
to score themselves against best practices that define access and quality.
Later this year, every library participating in the Edge Initiative will have
access to an online assessment tool. Libraries that adopt Edge will be
supported by training and a toolkit of customizable materials. These tools are
designed to help demonstrate the positive impact of technology services in the
community.
