Discover how libraries of all sizes have successfully used Edge to advance key community outcomes.
Morgan County Library used Edge in order to help with technology planning, set priorities and apply for grants. In addition to this, the library works with the local government in order to improve digital literacy in the community, offering computer classes, developing programming, and assessing what the community thinks is most important.
Before using Edge, the library lacked the concrete data it needed to make a case for additional funding from the county. After the library began using Edge, it was able to show county commissioners how greater financial support could help the library to empower the community, leading to a greater budget as well as the county’s support in the library’s application for a Library Services and Technology Act grant.
Edge helped New Braunfels Public Library identify key service gaps and it provided the library with concrete data to use in requesting additional support from the local government. Using Edge also helped the library adjust its services and policies to better meet the needs of disabled patrons.
Edge pushed Barton County Library to maximize its technological impact within its community by expanding its computer offerings, and by acquiring a Wi-Fi printer as well as a portable projector for multimedia presentations. Thanks to this leadership, Barton County Library partnered with community organizations such as the chamber of commerce and the City of Lamar, improving their knowledge about the programs and the availability of technology at the library.
Edge propelled Pottsboro Area Public Library to rethink how it could better meet its community’s technology needs, including expanding services to provide greater public Wi-Fi access and assistive technology for disabled patrons.
Edge provided a framework for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to evaluate and reconfigure its strategic community partnerships, helping the library forge new relationships with area colleges, national technology service providers and the county government. These partnerships have empowered the library to expand local makerspace opportunities, train staff in digital competencies and implement a digital inclusion curriculum for the public.
Sullivan County Public Library incorporated Edge benchmarks into its planning as a framework for where the library should be. They have especially focused on managing technology resources to maximize quality as well as providing access to digital content and enabling community members to create their own digital content.
Located on a school campus, Claud H. Gilmer Memorial Library struggled to communicate its value as a vital information center to its community-at-large, including the local county government that funds the library. Supported by Edge data, the library was able to successfully make the case for increased funding from the county, nearly doubling its budget from $5,000 to $9,000 per year.
Toronto Public Library used Edge to align its initiatives with city priorities. TPL used Edge data to discover opportunities to grow tech access in order to drive economic development for everyone. TPL also linked their tech access priority to key city initiatives such as the Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy, City of Toronto Broadband Working Group and the Smart Cities Initiative.
Although it is the 22nd largest city in the U.S., El Paso faces an internet access problem: one-third of residents do not have home internet access. Edge helped guide El Paso Public Library in leveraging its resources to meet that key community need, and plan ahead to ensure solutions were sustainable.
Washoe County Library system used Edge to build its technology plan and implement new staff training requirements to build digital literacy throughout the community.
Forsyth County Public Library uses Edge to manage and support the library's technology and improve its approach to digital inclusion. The library also used Edge data to present to the local government to get approval for a renovation of the Central Library, which included major improvements to the availability of assistive technology.
Yolo County Library used the Edge Assessment to identify and address shortcomings in its services for disabled, non-English speaking and rural communities. The library forged a strong partnership with the Yolo County District Attorney to purchase new computers with assistive technology such as a fully integrated magnification and reading program for low-vision leaders.
Geneseo Public Library District used Edge to develop an action plan that focuses on improving digital literacy among staff and patrons, and to build strong partnership with community members that led to several funding opportunities.
Henderson County Public Library used Edge to better identify technology needs across the county and improve services for each of its unique populations. IT incorporated the Edge Action Plan into a larger systemwide action plan, first focusing on serving patrons with disabilities, then focusing on building partnerships with local organizations and finally seeking to improve services and programs offered to non-English speakers.
