Krista Robinson of the Stratford Public Library and Perth County Information Network presented on what the Edge Initiative is and the Edge Benchmarks for Technology. She also reported on how SPL is using the benchmarks to move forward with their tech priorities in 2014. Presented at Keeping Up With Library Technology (KULT) November 1, 2013 at Hamilton Public Library.

1. EDGE
INITIATIVE
WHERE PEOPLE CONNECT,
COMMUNITIES ACHIEVE
KRISTA ROBINSON
SYSTEMS LIBRARIAN, STRATFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

3. WHAT IS THE EDGE
INITIATIVE?
Edge is a management and leadership tool that helps library
leaders:
• Assess current public access technology and how it’s used
• Identify ways to strengthen or enhance public technology
• Engage with key leaders about the value of the public
The Toolkit provides:
• Benchmark Assessment Tool
• A resource guide
• Case studies
• Reporting and presentation tools
• Training

4. WHY USE
EDGE?

5. THE EDGE
BENCHMARKS
Community Value (Benchmarks 1-3)
specific programs, services and supports that enable people to get
value from their use of technology.
Engaging the Community & Decision Makers (Benchmarks 4-6)
external practices that connect the library to the community.
Organizational Management (Benchmarks 7-11)
internal management and infrastructure.

6. THE EDGE
BENCHMARKS
Community Value - Libraries provide programs and services that
enable people to get value from their use of technology.
Benchmark 1: Libraries provide assistance and training with the
goal of increasing the level of digital literacy in the community
Benchmark 2: Libraries provide access to relevant digital
content and enable community members to create their own digital
content
Benchmark 3: Libraries provide technology resources to help
patrons meet important needs related to personal goals and
community priorities

7. THE EDGE
BENCHMARKS
Engaging the Community & Decision Makers - Libraries are a
valuable community resource and a strategic partner in helping
people and communities improve their quality of life.
Benchmark 4: Libraries make strategic decisions based on
community priorities for digital inclusion and innovation
Benchmark 5: Libraries build strategic relationships with
community partners to maximize public access technology
resources and services provided to the community
Benchmark 6: Libraries support continuous improvement in public
access technology services by sharing expertise & best practices
with other digital inclusion organizations

8. THE EDGE
BENCHMARKS
Organizational Management - Libraries manage resources so that
members of the community who need or want access can get it
regardless of ability, skill, personal technology, or available time.
Benchmark 7: Libraries integrate public access technology into
planning and policies
Benchmark 8: Libraries have sufficient staff with technology
expertise to help patrons achieve their goals
Benchmark 9: Libraries have sufficient devices and bandwidth to
accommodate user demand
Benchmark 10: Libraries manage their technology resources to
maximize quality
Benchmark 11: Libraries ensure participation in digital technology
for people with disabilities

9. HOW THE
BENCHMARKS WORK
• Create an online profile
• Work through an assessment workbook online (available in
print) (2-3 hours of time)
• View the results and reports generated according to your
assessment
• View Recommendations
• Action Plan
• Peer Comparisons

10. EDGE TIMELINES
• Soft launch in 2013 – testing at 7 libraries
• Full launch for Edge in January 2014 … in the US only.
BUT….
• Canadian libraries are interested!
• Edge is hoping to create a small advisory group in late 2013 to
figure out how to bring the full set of Edge tools to Canada.

11. HOW SPL IS USING
EDGE
• Added Edge to our Strategic Plan
• Objective 1.7
By the end of 2014, become complaint with the Edge
Benchmarks for libraries, free digital services.
• Analysis based on benchmarks
• Reviewed benchmarks & looked to see how we measured up
• Created recommendations for moving forward

12. HOW SPL IS USING
EDGE
Doing Well
1.1: The library has curriculum for and provides regularly scheduled digital literacy training.
1.2: The library provides individual assistance for digital literacy at all outlets.
2.2: The Library monitors its service delivery of online content
2.3: The Library provides access to information resources through its website
3.3: The library supports use of public technology for patrons pursuing educational
opportunities.
4.4: The library evaluates its technology programs and services.
6.1: The library participates in a community of practice and shares public access technology
knowledge, resources, and other tools
7.1: The library maintains technology and patron data management policies.
8.1: The library provides staff with work time to engage in technology-related learning
activities
9.2: The library meets or exceeds the minimum bandwidth capacity necessary to support
public user demand
9.3: The library assures adequate time for patrons to complete tasks.
10.2: The library minimizes out-of-service devices.

13. HOW SPL IS USING
EDGE
Areas of focus for next year
7.1: The library maintains technology and patron data
management policies.
8.2: Library staff assigned to assist patrons are responsible for
maintaining technology competencies.
8.3: Staff assigned to assist patrons are able to answer patrons'
technology questions.
9.1: Increase the number of device hours for our public.
9.4: The library provides peripheral equipment that enables
patrons to complete tasks.

14. EDGE TIPS
• Be honest and realistic
• Don’t let it discourage you – especially small libraries!
• Take your time and do it right
• Set priorities
• Start small – pick one and see it through
• Remember - it is not a competition

15. FIND OUT MORE ON
THE EDGE INITIATIVE
www.libraryedge.org
www.facebook.com/LibraryEdge
twitter.com/LibraryEdge
Attend a free webinar
Recent topics:
• Edge in small libraries
• Staff technology skills
• End of November
Assistive Devices