The Public Access Technology Benchmarks Initiative

The Public Access Technology Benchmarks Initiative is a new initiative that has the potential to transform the way that public access technology is delivered and sustained in public libraries. This initiative will create national guidelines that can be used as a tool by libraries— large and small—to assess the quality of computer and internet services and demonstrate their value to local leaders.  The Benchmarks Initiative was launched this spring by a national coalition of organizations that support public libraries, with support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  How will Benchmarks be used to support the continued growth of library public access technology? Clearly, the public depends on Nebraska libraries for access to technology. To meet demand and maintain this vital service, technology access at libraries must be continuously improved. For many libraries, this is a struggle. AND, as local leaders grapple with reduced budgets, they need to understand why investments in public access technology are critical to support citizens and achieve community goals.  Benchmarks are needed:

• To help libraries and communities assess quality
• To provide guidance on how libraries can improve services
• To help demonstrate what support libraries need to maintain quality technology services for communities

Goal of the Benchmark Initiative: Create and foster the widespread adoption of public access technology benchmarks that the library field and local leaders can use to:

• Assess the quality of public access technology services and set goals for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate the value of public access technology to people and communities in order to motivate the ongoing investment needed to maintain the quality services.
  • Local investment
  • Future funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will be tied to benchmarks (in some way)

Imagine using the benchmarks to create a dialog with local opinion leaders that helps to frame the issue like this: “If we can do_________with the resources we have know, we could do ___________ with  __________.”—helping them to stretch their imagination beyond the library that we have now to the library of the future. The Benchmarks will be aspirational: they will set a high standard for quality, be motivational and encourage excellence. Use of the Benchmarks will be voluntary.  The Benchmarks will help all libraries – regardless of size – recognize their achievements and also provide a path for continuous improvement The Benchmarks will evolve to reflect emerging technologies, behaviors, opportunities and standards of library practice. Benchmarks will focus on the actual uses of technology:        

• Education
• Workforce development
• Access to court, health information, etc. 

Use of the Benchmarks will provide clear value for library and local leaders. Final Thoughts about Benchmarks:

• Voluntary
• Help all libraries communicate their strengths and needs
• Gates funding (and possibly other funding) is likely to be tied to benchmarks in the future.
• Gathering input through March 2012. April 2012: Will implement strategies to encourage widespread adoption of benchmarks.

Now is the time to provide input on how benchmarks should be developed to make sure they work for Nebraska libraries. Click on comment below or contact Mary Jo Ryan (maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov) at the Nebraska Library Commission to share your ideas and suggestions. Taken from a presentation at the Nebraska Library Commission’s Technology Planning Summer Camp, August 23, 2011 (#TPSC2011).