Equinox Partners With EveryLibrary to Provide Instructional Design and Educational Resources for Library Advocacy

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Atlanta, Ga., August 20, 2024: Equinox Open Library Initiative, a trusted leader in open source technology development and support for libraries, is pleased to announce its partnership with EveryLibrary to provide instructional design and educational resources for EveryLibrary’s library advocacy program.

“The Equinox team has been an important partner to EveryLibrary as we have reimagined our training and onboarding program for library campaigns,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director at EveryLibrary. “They have helped us think through the project’s aims and goals from a user’s perspective. From thoughtful engagement with the instructional design of our courses to creating a new look and feel that is on-brand but unique to the project, they have delivered again and again for us. We are more effective in our work because of our collaboration with Equinox.”

Equinox’s project with EveryLibrary was completed in two phases. Phase One focused on scoping, graphic design, branding and content analysis. Phase Two, completed in July 2024, included integrating the new design with the curriculum’s learning modules, establishing learning benchmarks, and the development of knowledge checks.

“We are proud to provide Equinox’s educational and branding expertise in support of EveryLibrary’s mission to promote libraries and help to ensure they are thriving for generations to come,” said Jennifer Weston, Product and Education Manager at Equinox. “When library leaders have the skills and resources to effectively advocate, they can secure essential funding, build partnerships, and protect against threats of closure. From one nonprofit that supports libraries to another, this project aligns with our mission to ensure that libraries have the tools and training needed for continued success.”

Equinox Open Library Initiative has provided library staff training, educational resources, and technical expertise for libraries for nearly two decades. Equinox’s educational program expanded in 2021 with the launch of equinoxEDU, which includes webinars, workshops, and a growing resource library. In addition, Equinox provides training for over 150 libraries annually on open source tools, configuration, and best practices. Programs include the integrated library systems Evergreen and Koha,  discovery layers Aspen Discovery and VuFind®, and the electronic resources management system, CORAL, along with workshops on accessibility, emerging tools and trends, and other topics. Equinox creates and contributes instructional materials across these open source communities.

“Providing our knowledge and skills to support EveryLibrary was a meaningful experience,” said Allison Matherne, Program Assistant at Equinox. “The instructional design framework will support EveryLibrary’s advocacy efforts for years to come.”

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For more information:
Laura Barry
Communications Coordinator
Equinox Open Library Initiative
EquinoxOLI.org
laura.barry@equinoxOLI.org
877.OPEN.ILS (877.673.6457)

About Equinox Open Library Initiative
Equinox Open Library Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is the successor to Equinox Software, Inc. Equinox’s mission as a nonprofit is to promote and support a thriving ecosystem for open source library communities in order to provide libraries worldwide with innovative open source solutions. Equinox is devoted to reducing barriers to library technology and services, expanding library access to open source software, and providing high quality technology, consulting, and support services. To learn more, please visit https://www.equinoxOLI.org.