The University of Washington Information School’s Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA), including their longstanding research collaborators at the US Impact Studies group, has been identified as one of three lead legacy partners expected to continue the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative and build on their 20 year, $1 billion global investment to help bridge digital divides both in the United States and globally.

“This is a tremendous honor. TASCHA strives to conduct research that makes a difference in the world, and it will be a great privilege to work with Global Libraries and the other expected legacy partners to ensure public libraries have what they need to remain as critical community assets in a rapidly changing technological landscape,” said Chris Coward, director of TASCHA.

In May, the Gates Foundation announced that the Global Libraries initiative would be concluded over the next three to five years, but stressed its intention to develop a legacy strategy framework that would “leave the library field strong and resilient.” The draft framework identifies TASCHA, the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) as the expected three lead legacy partners tasked with refining the framework over the next year, and then identifying and carrying out key research and capacity building initiatives that will carry forward Global Libraries’ goal of improving lives through public libraries around the world.

“This is exciting news for the iSchool and our entire community. The selection of TASCHA is a testament to the quality of their research and the support they have for that work in the field and in our school,” said iSchool Dean Harry Bruce. “It is an outstanding recognition of our values, commitment to the future of libraries, and track record of success in library research and academic programming.”

Deborah Jacobs, Director of Global Libraries, notes in the Gates Foundation announcement and framework, that TASCHA is “becoming the lead organization in the field for research on the impact of libraries” and was chosen as one of the expected legacy partners because of the numerous high-impact library and digital inclusion-related research initiatives TASCHA and the US Impact Studies group have led with the Gates Foundation and other partners over the years. This research, conducted both in the US and in over 30 countries around the world, has contributed greatly to the library field, providing a wealth of insights, data, and resources that have changed how libraries serve their communities and how policymakers and the public value the role of libraries as an important bridge connecting people with technology and information.

Findings from TASCHA’s research on public libraries include:

• Public libraries impact lives in tangible ways by enabling people to connect with critical health, employment, education, and other information resources. This is particularly the case among more marginalized groups and people with lower skill and education levels who often cannot afford to maintain their own technologies, or encounter barriers effectively using technology without assistance.
• Public libraries and public access to technology in libraries remain highly relevant, especially in a rapidly changing technological age. With increased home and mobile internet adoption, people are now frequently coming to libraries to take advantage of assistance from librarians, faster connections, better equipment, and to reduce social isolation while enjoying the productive space of libraries.      
• Public libraries exist in abundance around the world (there are over 230,000 in developing countries alone) and are uniquely positioned to promote social and economic development. While nascent, partnerships between libraries and development agencies through initiatives such as Beyond Access (of which TASCHA is a partner) are beginning to demonstrate the great potential libraries have to contribute more to development goals.

TASCHA’s research has also produced a wealth of tools and resources for libraries, including:

• Impact Survey lets libraries easily survey their patrons using research-validated questionnaires and provides results that can be put to use immediately for advocacy and decision-making.
• The Edge Initiative Toolkit supports libraries in making strategic decisions about their technology resources with an emphasis on aligning services to community priorities.
• Building Digital Communities: A framework for action is a resource for advancing digital inclusion as a community-wide initiative.

Looking forward

In current and past efforts, TASCHA has worked to ensure libraries have the data, evidence, know-how, and tools to continuously adapt to community needs and rapid technological changes. Over the next several months, TASCHA will continue to work with Global Libraries, PLA, and IFLA, to develop legacy strategies, goals, and activities that will honor the tremendous impact Global Libraries has had on the library field over the past 20 years.

More updates about this work to come as plans are refined and solidified. For more information about the Technology & Social Change Group and their research, please visit their website.

About TASCHA

The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School explores the design, use, and effects of information and communication technologies in communities facing social and economic challenges. With experience in 50 countries, TASCHA brings together a multidisciplinary network of social scientists, engineers, and development practitioners to conduct research, advance knowledge, create public resources, and improve policy and program design. Our purpose? To spark innovation and opportunities for those who need it most.