Access to the Internet and computer training are key services public libraries and some nonprofits provide. To bolster their efforts, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband services in the United States. Many groups received BTOP funding (Broadband Technology Opportunity Program) and are busy creating and updating computer centers, recruiting trainers and volunteers, creating lesson plans, and developing ways to keep their community engaged and interested in improving their computer skills.

In this free webinar, Erick Ruiz provides a broad overview of evaluation fundamentals. Linda Hofschire, Research Analyst at the Colorado State Library and a BTOP grant recipient, discusses the systems they use to track their impact, what they report, other indicators they track, and how this data will benefit their libraries beyond the grant period.

This webinar was specifically developed for anyone currently managing a computer center, librarians involved in computer-related programs, those who support digital literacy programs, or BTOP grant recipients. You will leave with an understanding of how to track the impact of your public access computers and computer training programs.

This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. If you have any questions regarding redistribution or use of this work, please contact webinars@techsoupglobal.org.

Linda Hofschire has more than 10 years experience working in social science research and evaluation. In her current position as a Research Analyst at the Library Research Service (LRS), a unit of the Colorado State Library, she is evaluating the Colorado State Library’s BTOP grant, “Colorado Computer Centers: Bridging Colorado’s Great Digital Divide”. Prior to joining LRS, she conducted outcome based evaluations in the fields of education and mass communication. She has an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, as well as an MA and PhD in Telecommunication from Michigan State University.

Erick Ruiz is originally from Hawai'i. He has over 17 years of experience in Credit Unions, the not-for-profit sector of the Financial Services Industry.  He currently helps organizations with instructional design, new hire orientation, and ROI measurement of training programs. He has a M.A. in Communications and Leadership, a M.C. in ROI Methodology, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Training & Performance Improvement.  Among his many passions, he enjoys the Hula, playing the Ukulele, and competitive public speaking with Toastmasters international.

Resources

• Impact survey
• Colorado State Library’s BTOP site
• Computer reservations system
• Library ROI Calculator
• What’s Next?! Library Campaign
• Statistics from NY library snapshot day (day in the life of the library)
• Sample form from Jaclyn McLaughlin
• Evaluation discussion/resources shared on the Connect Your Community event wiki
• Community Technology Network
• Broadband Opportunity Program

RIO Material

• Phillips, P. (2002). The Bottomline on ROI. Atlanta, GA: CEP Press
• Phillips, P. & Phillips, J. (2005). Return On Investment Basics. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press