Public Libraries Developing Technology Benchmarking

The Urban Libraries Council is leading a nationwide coalition to develop benchmarks for access to technology in public libraries.

The council joined forces with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and more than 10 other organizations earlier this year to begin the first phase of the benchmark development initiative. Through a $2.8 million grant funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the ICMA will support the benchmark design and lead the pilot in local communities. Although the benchmarks are still being defined, the groups anticipate the standards will cover wait times for public computers, broadband access speeds and other related issues. The benchmarks will help public libraries develop technology policies, as well as plan and budget for the technology they need to maintain high-quality services, said Sheila Murphy, senior program manager of the Urban Libraries Council.