Building a Public Library Impact Data Hub: a Global Libraries “Data Atlas” for Storytelling, Strategy Development, and Collaboration

Abstract

The Global Libraries initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides access to information through technology in public libraries around the world — with an emphasis on national programs in developing and transitioning countries. The initiative’s multi-year grants fund efforts to understand local community needs, purchase computers and other equipment for libraries to help meet those needs, train library staff, and help libraries build public support for long-term funding.

Building and sustaining public support increasingly requires public libraries to show evidence of their ability to contribute to development—not just through traditional performance indicators, but in measurable, user-focused outcomes like job skills developed, education attained, employment found, money saved, and livelihoods improved.

In 2012-2013, GL grantees worked together to develop a Common Impact Measurement System (CIMS), which they now employ to quantify their individual and collective impact on public library users. Data collected through CIMS enables public libraries to expand their focus from the services they provide to the outcomes they help individuals and communities realize. The CIMS framework includes required and optional indicators across seven categories: Digital Inclusion, Health, Education, Economic Development, Communication, Culture & Leisure, and Government & Governance.

In 2014 Global Libraries worked with a data management and software development firm,...