Library Survey Kits
Cleveland Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Cleveland Public Library (CPL) launched Impact Survey Kits, a low-cost, mobile, and multi-format approach to gather community feedback on a Community Needs Assessment (CNA). Each kit included printed surveys, tablets, QR codes, and signage, empowering staff to collect input anywhere, from branch locations to mobile vans, community events, and block clubs. By making participation easy, inclusive, and accessible, we insured that residents of all ages and backgrounds could share their priorities. This innovative approach demonstrates how Cleveland Public Library uses creative strategies to listen, learn, and shape programs, services, and operations around the community’s evolving needs.
Challenge/Opportunity
CPL faced the challenge of gathering meaningful input on the CNA from a diverse community with varying access to technology, time, and physical branches. Not all residents can complete online surveys, and not everyone can fill out a paper form. CPL needed an innovative approach that would reach every community member across ages, abilities, and neighborhoods, ensuring feedback reflected the full spectrum of patron needs and priorities. Achieving inclusive, representative input was essential to guide programming, services, and operations in an equitable, accessible, and community-centered way.
Key Elements of Innovation
Each kit contained:
A tablet preloaded with a digital version of the survey
Paper surveys for patrons who prefer or require a non-digital option
QR codes linking directly to the online survey for patrons using their own devices
Signage and instructions to guide users of all ages and tech experience levels
This multi-modal approach ensured that everyone has an accessible and comfortable way to provide feedback.
The kits traveled with staff to:
Community outreach events
Partner organization sites
Temporary and pop-up programming locations
Our bookmobile and satellite locations
CPL partnered with organizations including Goodwill, the Cleveland school district, water dept., and the City of Cleveland. By combining accessible tools with strategic partnerships, CPL ensured residents of all backgrounds could participate. This approach helped us expand access, deepen engagement, and gave hundreds of residents a stronger voice.
Achieved Outcomes
CPL collected 550 responses to the CNA in 6 weeks, showing the community wants their voices heard, removing participation barriers, and emphasizing strong collaborations.
Inclusivity: Patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and tech comfort levels can easily share feedback.
Efficiency: Standardized methods reduce staff burden and streamline data collection.
Responsiveness: Immediate feedback lets the library adjust programming in real time.
Scalability: Kits are low-cost, replicable, and easy to scale for larger events or new initiatives.
Moving forward, Kits will measure outcomes, offer multiple participation paths, and generate actionable data to strengthen community relationships and inform decisions.
