We need your help; our Davie County Library is conducting an online survey, the “Impact Survey,” to collect information about public technology resources and services. Even non-users are encouraged to take the survey; several questions relate to use of technology in general, and perceptions of the role of the public library in providing access to technology and digital resources. The higher the level of participation, the more valuable the survey will be in helping to map the technology component of your local public library.
The survey takes only about 10 minutes to complete, is completely anonymous, is available in English and Spanish and will only be available until April 13. Please access the online survey through the library website homepage, www.library.daviecounty.org, click on Lib Tech Impact Survey on the left side menu; a window will open with a link to the survey, (or click here).
Davie County Library – Your Technology and Digital Resource Center
The library’s 2012 strategic planning exercise cited technology and digital resources as key elements in planning for the future, Davie County Public Library is working on several initiatives to move forward on this strategic front.
Computer Skills Classes
The library recently rolled out free computer skill classes at a basic level, and will build on the first set of classes in the near future. The classes will provide assistance on multiple fronts including education and employment as well as small business incubation. This program was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. The grant made possible the purchase of laptops to be used in the classes. A library staff member leads the classes.
National EDGE Initiative
In addition, Davie County Public Library is participating in the national EDGE Initiative. EDGE is a management and leadership tool for public libraries that provides a suite of tools that assess current technology services and support continuous improvement and reinvestment in public technology services. The EDGE Initiative was developed by a national coalition of leading library and local government organizations, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and led by the Urban Libraries Council. Library leadership will use the results of the assessment tool to prioritize library-based technology-related programs and services for the future.
The third initiative requires active participation from the community.
The information gathered from the Impact Survey will help the library evaluate our current services to enable better outcomes and to communicate the value of public access technology with library stakeholders.
The Impact Survey collects data across the following domains: general use of library and online resources, education, employment, entrepreneurship, health & wellness, eGovernment, civic engagement, eCommerce, and social inclusion. Results from the Impact Survey will help to inform the strategic decisions made as part of the EDGE Initiative.
The Impact Survey is the result of a successful research initiative from the University of Washington with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Thanks for your help in evaluating the Davie County Library technology services!