The IMPACT Survey is currently in pilot mode.

We are currently conducting a pilot of the IMPACT Survey with a limited number of library systems to refine the survey processes and support materials. The deadline to register for participation in the pilot was September 26th. We wish to extend our thanks to those libraries who are participating in the pilot and hope to offer this survey tool to all public libraries in the future.

Advocacy Tools

Advocacy Toolbox Overview

This toolbox contains advocacy training videos and documents to help you share your survey results and communicate the value of providing free access to computers and the Internet to policy-makers, funders, and your community. These documents are designed to be customized with your library’s information. We also recommend incorporating quotes from your public access computer users.

Use these tools to:

  • Inform policy-makers, agencies with related interests, and the public about how the library supports the community in areas such as employment, health and wellness, and social inclusion;
  • Equip library staff, board, friends groups, and advocacy partners with data that enhances their work;
  • Empower board members and to share findings with key contacts, such as elected officials;
  • Build community support by sharing survey findings via a local newspaper or community newsletter;
  • Facilitate new partnerships by sharing findings with community groups, such as the Rotary Club;
  • Fundraise by incorporating survey findings in public or private grant proposals; and
  • Justify public funding for technology services.

Advocacy Documents

  • "What did you accomplish today?" Patron Comment Cards: Use these cards at any time to collect quotes from library patrons. We recommend that these be printed and positioned at computer terminals and other key locations.
  • How are we doing?" Patron Comment Cards: Use these cards at any time to collect ongoing feedback on library technology services.
  • Sample Op-ed: Can be used to announce your library’s participation in the survey program and to communicate your results to the public and others through the media. To be customized with data from your library’s report. Recommend including quotes from your own public access computing patrons.
  • Drop-in article: This template is for reporting your IMPACT Survey results as well as major findings from the U.S. IMPACT Study, and can be tailored for library newsletters or in-library informational bulletins.
  • Sample letters to the editor: These samples can be tailored for local newspapers to advocate for support of public access technology. Recommend they be sent by a library board member or active patron.
  • PowerPoint presentation: Short presentation for library boards, policy makers, and funders about the value of public access technology.
  • Talking points: Can be used by public leaders in addressing funding agencies, local decision makers, the news media, or community groups to discuss the benefits of public access technology in libraries and the need for support.
  • Research overview: Provides an overview of the research behind the IMPACT Survey - the U.S. IMPACT Study - in non-technical terms. To be used as a leave-behind document for your local elected officials, potential funders, and community members.
  • Technical handout: Provides a brief technical overview of the goals and research methods employed by the national U.S. IMPACT Study for interested parties.

Advocacy Training Videos

These videos produced by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for participating libraries demonstrate best practices in communicating with funders and policy makers, particularly within a municipal or county government.
Pending

Video Stories

We hope that the following short videos produced by the IMPACT Team will inspire you to find new and creative ways to communicate the value of offering public access technology and training at the library. Our resident film maker and UW iSchool graduate student, Ryer Banta, has created a Video Tips and Tricks document to help you create your own public access technology video stories.