Discover how libraries of all sizes have successfully used Edge to advance key community outcomes.
Sacramento used Edge to be more consistent in how it offered library services and trained staff, as well as expanding technology staff for public service. The library made sure that its offerings were comparable among its 28 branches, and especially wanted to make sure digital literacy offerings were of the same quality in all its locations.
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.
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.
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.
San Antonio Public Library used Edge to provide tangible data to support its programming and investment. This led to a $1 million vote of confidence from the city council for technology infrastructure. Additionally, SAPL stepped up its staff training through a self-paced learning program called 11.5 COSAs.
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.
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.
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.
San Mateo County Libraries uses Edge to assess its technology, communicate its impact and plan for the future. The library makes bridging the digital divide a key priority as a library in an area with a very high cost of living, so it embarks on programs like being the first library in California to loan Wi-Fi hotspots.
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.
Oak Park Public Library used Edge data and resources to shape the library's strategic planning around technology and ensure that all community members have access to resources and services needed to succeed. The library has also used Edge to address early childhood digital behavior and literacy, partnering with Oak Park schools to pilot coding programs for girls, and embedding a librarian in the local high school.
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.
Steger-South Chicago Heights Library identified key benchmarks they could improve upon easily without breaking the bank. The library also offered digital literacy classes, and made sure that their efforts were publicized, even making the Chicago Sun Times, the Chicago Tribune and the front page of The Citizen, a local newspaper.
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.
Oregon City Public Library used Edge in order to give its community access to trustworthy medical information. It also used Edge to develop policies around partnership and maintain close relationships with local leaders.
