Coalition to improve technology programs at public libraries
Library and local government leaders and university researchers have formed a coalition to develop guidelines that define quality technology services at libraries and help local leaders make sound investments in public technology access at libraries, according to the Washington-based International City/County Management Association (ICMA). “Public libraries provide unique and critical support to communities, ensuring that all residents have access to essential technology,” said ICMA Chief Operating Officer Ron Carlee in a statement. “In this time of limited resources, libraries and their funders, especially local governments, need clear guidelines on how to deliver high-quality, online access.”
Using a $2.8 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the coalition, which includes ICMA and the Chicago-based Urban Libraries Council (ULC), will develop benchmarks for public access technology in public libraries. The work will involve three phases. First, the group will draft prototype benchmarks and collect feedback from library and local government leaders. Beginning this fall, it will test the benchmarks in communities in California, Oklahoma and Texas. Then, the benchmarks will be refined and launched for broad use in spring 2012.
The demand for online access at libraries continues to grow as more people turn to their local library to get information online and obtain help in using online tools from library staff, according to ICMA and ULC. The quality and level of access that libraries provide, however, varies significantly throughout the country. “As the public institution that provides computer and Internet access to people from all walks of life, libraries must ensure that their technology services continuously advance to enable users to meet 21st century opportunities available through technology,” said ULC President Susan Benton in a statement.
Read more about the new coalition.
