[Intotech]

摘要

The Edge Initiative has released the initial version of the benchmarks that it hopes libraries nationwide will use to evaluate and measure their public access technology services. Edge Benchmarks Version 1.0, an online assessment that allows libraries to access scores and tools, resulted after 130 beta testers provided feedback to the Edge Coalition, which is comprised of 13 organizations (including the Public Library Association and Urban Libraries Council) and is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Edge Benchmarks are divided into three categories: community value, engaging the community and decision makers, and organizational management. These benchmarks 'were 'whittled down from about 14 to 11 assessments that are considered useful but not too burdensome for librarians to employ. The group also discovered that things initially considered to be aspirational, such as the provision of databases, are actually just a baseline.