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We've been surveying the library community to get feedback on the Edge Initiative's beta benchmarks. Beta Benchmark 9 focused on libraries sharing their best practices and expertise. The new version of the benchmarks was just released, strengthened by your feedback! A bit of tweaking and consolidation happened so that Benchmark 9 is now Benchmark 6. There have been a few changes to the indicators, however the core benchmark remains the same. 

An interesting report from the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy’s Digital Literacy Task Force has just been released. Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy provides an overview of the role of libraries in digital literacy and examines current relevant public policies.

It often surprises people when I mention that education accounts for fully one-fifth of nonprofit activity, second only to human services. Of course libraries are all about education in its various forms. There are now a dizzying array of online resources in this area. But what's good, effective, and also entertaining for kids? I think I may have a lead for you.

After gathering extensive feedback from the library field and testing beta benchmarks with libraries around the US, the Edge Coalition has completed the Edge Benchmarks Version 1.0. The benchmarks can help library staff understand best practices in public access technology services and determine what steps need to be taken to improve technology that is being provided to the public.

When a computer freezes or a printer jams, what do you do? Would you like to know more about basic troubleshooting on a Windows PC so you can minimize downtime? We're providing an introductory level webinar that will introduce you to tips and techniques that will help you understand how to fix common problems.

When David Hanson was hired as the director of the Linwood (KS) Community Library, he knew he was going to want to make some changes and that those changes would not always be easy. One change involved staffing. A 20 hour per week clerk position was open at the library, but instead of hiring someone to fill that position, David saw it as an opportunity to help the library build for the future. He wanted to turn the clerk position into a position focused on digital resources. 

We had fun participating in today's Iowa Small Libraries Online Conference! The sessions and virtual exhibits were impressive... and no travel was required! During the virtual exhibit times, attendees were encouraged to visit our site, say hello, and ask questions about TechSoup.

Today I read Lee Rainie’s tweet (Director of Pew Internet Project) requesting examples of innovative library services and decided to send him a few highlights from this past year. To me, some of the more innovative library programs do not fall under bleeding edge tech or super cool gadgetry categories, but under smart uses of resources to meet community needs. This past year, many of the innovative programs I heard about were focused on extending the boundaries of the library through partnerships and through reimagining services the library  offers.

Thanks to everyone who attended today's "Broadband Basics for Public Libraries" webinar! A special thanks to guest speaker Kieran Hixon. If you missed the webinar, but are interested in learning more about broadband, you'll definitely want to check out the recording and the resources (linked to below).

We have lots of interesting online learning opportunities coming up. Our webinars are always free and include fantastic speakers. Get your questions answered! See our events page for full listings. Leave us a note in the comments if there is a topic you'd like to see offered or a speaker you'd like to recommend. Hope to see you there!