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G2S Project Code: 2019-OR-82970
State: Oregon
Fiscal Year: 2019

Grantee
Oregon State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Susan Westin
Director Phone: 503-378-5435
Director Email: susan.westin@slo.oregon.gov

General Information
Title: Edge Initiative
State Project Code: Edge19
Start Date: 07/01/2019
End Date: 06/30/2020
Abstract: Edge enables libraries to harness the power of data to make informed decisions, better serve their communities and clearly demonstrate their community leadership role.
In 2018, the Urban Libraries Council completely revised Edge to give libraries the means to better serve their communities in the face of technology’s evolving impacts on society.
Launched in March 2019, Edge 2.0 extends the technology access focus of Edge to incorporate a broader assessment of the library’s efforts related to digital inclusion and a greater focus on outcomes. In addition to revised benchmarks, Edge 2.0 introduced an all-new online platform for subscribers, as well as new toolkits, resources and learning opportunities.
This project uses technology to increase capacity to provide access to library services, materials, and information resources; aligned with the federal LSTA priority to build institutional capacity; and helped improve libraries' physical and technological infrastructure.

State Goal: 2. Use technology to increase capacity to provide access to library services, materials, and information resources

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$59,773.31

$0.00

$59,773.31

Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Outreach & Partnerships

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Presentations
Narrative:

Washington Library Association/Oregon Library Association Joint Conference Presentation, Charting a Path Towards a Digitally Literate Community:
As new and life-changing technologies are implemented at an accelerated rate, libraries can play an important role in engaging the community about the benefits and consequences of an ever-growing digital world. This program demonstrated how the Edge Toolkit is used by libraries: to assess how they are helping residents embrace digital tools and understand their impacts; to build their internal staff capacity to become more technologically adept so that their residents become more productive digital citizens; and to create programs and services within the digital landscape for their community members.

Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 90
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 58

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 137
Academic Libraries: 52
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 8
Special Libraries: 21
School Libraries: 1600
Other: 24

Activity Details
Title: Assessment 2.0
Narrative: Approximately 30 public libraries from Oregon were selected as "sample" libraries for the newly updated Assessment; 19 libraries completed the assessment some of which created goals based on their results.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: Third party

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 19
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 19

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 137
Academic Libraries: 52
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 8
Special Libraries: 21
School Libraries: 1600
Other: 24

Question 1: I believe the planning and evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I am satisfied with the extent to which the plan or evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I believe the information from the plan or evaluation will be applied to address library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Webinars
Narrative: Several webinars were provided in the second half of the year as part of launching the Edge 2.0 updated assessment tool. While attendance was relatively low, archived versions remain available for on-demand access.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 5

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 137
Academic Libraries: 52
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 8
Special Libraries: 21
School Libraries: 1600
Other: 24

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Nine public libraries started the assessment process and only six completed it.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Getting libraries to consistently make use of the tools provide by Edge has always been a challenge. During this first full year of access to "Edge 2.0" libraries no longer had access to the specific list of resources provide previously. Instead, the Urban Libraries Council created "toolkits" (white papers) to address key topics (e.g. Leveraging Edge in Your Library, Launching your SMART Goals, and Digital Inclusion Primer.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
State Library staff was not able to provide the same promotional and relative high-touch support to encourage participation.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
In light of the cost of statewide access for so few participating librarians the State Library is considering a different subscription model, most likely a (limited) cohort which will be managed directly by the Urban Libraries Council.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
The cohort model will be primarily for "active" Edge libraries (those that have completed one or more assessments and have otherwise demonstrated positive impacts for their communities. Urban Libraries Council will be responsible for leading the cohort through a series of activities (activities to be determined).
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: Technology, Consulting, Edge Initiative