Presenters: Pauline Mingram & KG Ouye July 25, 2011 California State Library Public Access Technology Benchmarks Webinar

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Benchmarks Project California’s Role Discussion Questions Q & A Agenda

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Create Access Direct Infrastructure Investments Create Access Direct Infrastructure Investments Sustain Access Investment, Capacity, Advocacy Sustain Access Investment, Capacity, Advocacy Anchor Access Capacity Advocacy Anchor Access Capacity Advocacy

Benchmark Goals A tangible set of public access technology benchmarks designed to Help local library leaders use technology to support local community priorities and deliver library programs.

National Participants

 Implementation and Adoption ($50,820 Grant)  State Library is a member of the Benchmarks Roundtable  Two pilot libraries in CA  Salinas Public Library  Sacramento Public Library  Two Focus groups with public libraries to determine how to best implement benchmarks in California  Webinar to elicit additional feedback California’s Role California Implementation and Adoption Plan for Next Grant Marketing Communication Types of tools needed to support implementation California Implementation and Adoption Plan for Next Grant Marketing Communication Types of tools needed to support implementation

Discussion Time

The Focus Groups said:  Validate library mission, goals and services  Evaluate and set standards for service  Marketing, advocacy and communication tool: telling stories to funders, supporters, users  Internal resource allocation: staff, space, equipment  Use for grants and funding How Could Your Library Benefit from Public Technology Access Benchmarks?

The Focus Groups said:  Will the benchmarks be relevant and easy to use, qualitative as well as quantitative?  Benchmarks need to be scalable and flexible for diverse communities  Concern for privacy in information gathering  Will there be money and training to assist in reaching benchmarks?  Adapting to constantly changing technology What Are the Challenges, Issues and/or Barriers to the Adoption and Implementation of Benchmarks?

The Focus Groups said:  Grants, funding and training  Benefits to community  Easy to gather use and communicate statistics, balance of visuals and numbers.  Documentation for advocacy and evidence of success  Framework such as templates for how to use with community stakeholders, compare to other organizations and tangible steps to improve service  Lobbying by Gates, ICMA, advocates What Would Encourage You and Your Community to Use Benchmarks?

The Focus Groups said:  Software/hardware application to easily gather information, analyze and share  Training on how to leverage output/outcome data from benchmarks  "Dashboard" reporting and planning tool, use for what would happen if added x or added y  Marketing and effective public relations tool, easy to customize "marketing in a box”  Automated reporting capabilities and coordination with required reports What Tools Would Support Your Use of the Benchmarks?

The Focus Groups said:  Help establish a hierarchy for resources, determine programs, space use, collaborations, partnerships  Trend spotting  Comparison with other libraries.  Program evaluation and justification for what to keep, change, delete.  Help with strategic planning and long-term goals How Would a Benchmark Tool Help You Determine What Services to Provide or Which Current Services to Change?

The Focus Groups said:  Marketing, justification and validation for funding, staffing services and programs  Industry standards appeal to business  Demonstrate cost effectiveness  Comparison with other jurisdictions  Validate choices around technology How Could You Use Benchmarks as Leverage with Decision Makers, Patrons, Partners, Others?

The Focus Groups said:  Why should we participate, how does this benefit me, the library, the community?  Who created the benchmarks, why are they relevant?  Is this an unfunded mandate, what is the cost and who pays?  Who else is participating and is their information relevant to me?  Does this change the MOU, job description, or take away jobs? What Questions Do You Think You Will Get about the Benchmarks from Decision Makers, Staff, Union, Others?

The Focus Groups said:  Need to see benchmarks before making a decision  Yes, if it fits goals and is efficient and is simple to understand and implement  Yes, if requires minimal training  Yes, if it has an impact and helps focus on services  Must be sustainable for community after grant funds end How Likely Will Your Library Be to Participate in the Benchmark Program?

A survey is available to gather more feedback from everyone after this webinar. You don’t have to have attended the webinar to complete the survey! It is located here: Additional Input Opportunity

Questions or comments after the webinar? Feel free to contact us! KG Ouye: Pauline Mingram: Thanks for Attending!