Data for Good
Libraries harnessing the power of data
Businesses make use of data analytics to gain valuable insights about their services, customers, and growth opportunities. Similarly, libraries are well positioned to play a pivotal role in analyzing raw data to assist community partners in identifying trends and patterns, thereby enabling them to address issues and make informed decisions for the greater good. Recognizing the immense potential of data analytics, the Providence Public Library in Rhode Island (PPL) secured funding through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LG-250160-OLS-21) to turn “Data for Good” into a training program to assist libraries in providing data analytics support to local nonprofits, as well as the library. Partners who participated in this project include DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA; Okefenokee Library, Waycross, GA; Pottsboro Library, Pottsboro, TX and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum in Providence, Rhode Island.
This collection of resources and information about the project offers guidance and adaptable tools to aid any library in launching its own Data for Good initiative. With data analytics as a powerful tool, libraries can empower patrons, strengthen community organizations, and catalyze positive change.
An introduction to Data for Good
Featuring the trainers and curriculum developers who created the program.
Webinar recording
Libraries and nonprofits: Leveraging data analytics for community impact
Learn about "Data for Good," designed to support library training and community services for data analysis, through teen and adult programming.
October 9, 2024
Project curriculum
The Data for Good curriculum is available for anyone to replicate and adapt into a training program in their community. The curriculum is a set of project-based lessons that guide adult or teen learners in achieving the skills they need to analyze data. There are 14 lessons, each with a lesson plan packet, slide decks, and activities for learners. (34 MB zipped file)
Micro lesson
If you are looking for a lighter introduction to the power of data analytics for libraries, check out this collection of four videos (~45 minutes) created by Data for Good, on "Harnessing the power of library data." Through the series of videos and relevant, practical exercises, you'll learn new skills, and explore how to use data analytics to inform decisions in your library.
Case studies
Read how other libraries and a museum successfully used the Data for Good program with their community.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum
and Library Services (grant number LG-250160-OLS-21)
