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 create “Data for Good,” a project to assist libraries in providing data analytics support to local nonprofits, as well as the library. Partners who participated in this project include DeKalb Library, DeKalb, GA; Okefenokee Library, Okefenokee, 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.
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Webinar link
Harnessing the power of data for good
View the webinar recording/register for the upcoming webinar to learn about how libraries can harness data for good through new, free resources developed by the Providence Public Library.....
date: month, day, year
presenters: name1, name2,
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 achieveing the skills they need to analyze data. There are a total of 15 lessons, each with a lesson plan packet, slide decks, and activities for learners.
The curriculum is published under a Creative Commons license for anyone to reuse and repurpose.
Case studies
Read how libraries have successfully used the Data for Good program with their community.
Providence Public Library
Okeefenokee Public Library
Pottsboro Public Library
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(grant number LG-250160-OLS-21).
