Discover how libraries of all sizes have successfully used Edge to advance key community outcomes.
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.
Calaveras County Library used its Edge Assessment to improve wireless connectivity and digital services for its patrons. The library partnered with California State Libraries in an effort to improve existing technology, programs and services, receiving a $90,000 grant from Califa, a nonprofit membership consortium of 220 California Libraries.
After completing the Edge Assessment, Caruthersville realized that the library needed to step up its privacy protection for the digital devices available to patrons. Following this insight, the library installed privacy screens, tightened filters and added security software to the library’s computers. The library also increased its investment in providing digital training and learning resources.
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.
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.
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.
Edge serves as a crucial springboard for El Progreso Memorial Library’s long-term planning, and as a key tool in helping the library secure additional funding. Using Edge, EPML obtained an IMLS technology grant, enabling the library to add flat-screen TVs, iPads and a 3-D printer to the library.
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.
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.
Gleason Memorial Library wanted to become a health leader in its community, and it used Edge to leverage technology resources to get there. After taking the Assessment and a community impact survey, the library created a website that offered trustworthy health information to its patrons, as well as eGovernment and small business resources.
Edge has allowed Greensboro Public Library to assess its technology offerings and make strategic decisions, letting it be a partner and expand its role as a leader in the community. Library leaders realized that GPL staff are the primary contact for community members seeking tech resources and training, and fostered greater tech competency among staff through programs such as Green L.I.T.E and Tech Navigators, which connected staff with the community through Tech Open Houses.
Guthrie Public Library used Edge to address digital literacy concerns in various ways such as one on one computer tutoring, mobile device classes and early literacy electronic tablets for children. The library also implemented a bookmobile service with a mobile hotspot to address county communications infrastructure. Edge also benefitted the library by reengaging the staff and providing free training that also served as team-building.
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.
Independence Public Library used Edge to align its services with the evolving needs of its increasingly tech-forward community. Edge helped the library realize it could have a significant impact in helping local residents explore and begin training with new technologies. To serve that need, the library developed Maker Space to Go kits that allowed patrons to take home cutting-edge interactive learning devices.
Since taking Edge, Indian Prairie Public Library has become seen in the community as an institution that leads and responds to citizens' technology needs. The library has identified foundational items that needed attention to support technology at the appropriate level to maintain this status, which is why the library has initiated an annual usage review of devices and wifi, as well as regularly performing speed tests and prioritizing network traffic.
