Why CLEVNET?
By sharing resources and expertise, CLEVNET provides more value and more services for our member libraries and patrons at a fraction of the cost.
Return on Investment: Study Highlights
In 2022, CLEVNET commissioned Howard Fleeter & Associates to conduct a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis. The study found that CLEVNET delivers substantial value, generating approximately $106 million in annual patron benefits and $11–$15 million in annual cost savings for member libraries. For every $1 invested, CLEVNET returns roughly $19 in value to patrons and $2–$3 in savings to libraries.
Key Benefits for Patrons
- Shared Catalog Access: Borrow from any CLEVNET library seamlessly.
- Digital Resources: Over 3.5 million downloads of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos in 2021.
- Wi-Fi Access: Nearly 3.3 million sessions in 2019.
- Cost Savings: Patrons enjoy free access to materials worth $106.45 million in 2019.
Return on Investment
- 2019 ROI: For every $1 spent, patrons received $19 in benefits.
- Physical Items: $41.1 million in value.
- Digital Items: $48.5 million in value.
- Databases & Wi-Fi: $16.8 million in value.
Benefits for Libraries
- Cost Savings: Estimated $11.3–$14.7 million annually.
- Integrated Library System (ILS): Symphony software provided at no extra cost (worth $2.3 million).
- Cataloging Services: Saves up to $650,000 annually.
- IT Services & Support: 24/7 technical assistance, cybersecurity, and access to the State of Ohio Computing Center.
- Shared OverDrive Subscription: Reduces digital content costs significantly.
Why Join CLEVNET?
- Expand access to physical and digital collections.
- Reduce technology and cataloging costs.
- Improve patron experience with seamless borrowing and robust digital offerings.
Please contact us if you would like an accessible version of the CLEVNET ROI Analysis document
Services
CLEVNET offers expert support, shared technology, and a full suite of services—helping libraries go farther together.
Core Integrated Library Services
Shared catalog, patron, and reporting that support libraries across the CLEVNET consortium
Collection Management
- Bibliographic cataloging services provided by Cleveland Public Library
- A shared, consortium‑wide Unity Catalog with more than 11 million items
- Enables patrons to search holdings across all CLEVNET libraries
- Supports system‑wide requesting and holds across member libraries
Customer & Patron Services
- Complete patron account management for accurate, up‑to‑date records
- Discovery and searching across the entire shared CLEVNET catalog
- Access to shared e‑book and e‑media collections
- Access to consortium‑provided research databases
Reporting & Analytics
- Self‑service analytics tools with direct access to each library’s data
- Interactive dashboards and visualizations
- Centralized report generation and delivery
- Custom reporting to support local and consortium needs
Systems Support & Authentication
- Desktop client for accessing staff system resources
- Web‑based client for circulation and cataloging functions
- Support for authentication services
- Integration with member libraries’ third‑party system
Public Catalog & Mobile App
Modern discovery tools and mobile access that give patrons seamless, self‑service access to collections and library services across CLEVNET
Aspen Discovery (Public Access Catalog)
- Patron self‑service account management, including fines, contact information, checkouts, and holds
- Search and discovery across the entire shared CLEVNET catalog
- Integrated discovery of digital content such as OverDrive, Kanopy, and hoopla
- Local control for each library to customize and brand its catalog experience
CLEVNET Mobile App (LiDA)
- Branded mobile app directly connected to the Aspen catalog
- Mobile access to patron accounts for checkouts, holds, and fines
- Mobile‑friendly discovery of physical and digital collections
- Seamless access to digital content and library services from a single app
Patron Engagement and Management
Marketing and patron engagement, patron notifications, and account management
Marketing
- Supports targeted patron communications using dynamic lists and templates
- Enables library‑branded messages with logos, links, and customizable content
- Provides reporting and previews to evaluate outreach effectiveness
Record Management
- Performs USPS‑standardized address verification to validate patron records
- Checks for duplicate accounts using name, birthdate, and email matching
- Applies service‑area and residency validation based on library and state‑defined boundaries
Notifications
- Supports patron self‑registration through online eCard application forms
- Automates patron privilege renewals based on defined eligibility criteria
- Sends notices via email and SMS, including support for multiple email addresses per patron
- Provides dashboards and reports to monitor registrations, renewals, and notification activity
Calendaring and Event Management Software
LibCal provides shared calendaring and event management tools that help libraries promote programs and connect patrons with events
Calendaring
- Provides a shared calendaring platform for library programs and services
- Displays library events in a centralized calendar view for public access
- Integrates with the Aspen catalog to surface events alongside library collections
Event Management
- Supports event creation and management for member library programs
- Enables event data to be shared consistently across library websites and discovery tools
- Offers optional SMS notifications for event reminders using reliable delivery services
Community Mapping and Data Analytics
A comprehensive data and mapping resource that supports research, planning, grant writing, and informed community decision‑making
- Provides access to extensive demographic, economic, housing, health, and community datasets
- Offers interactive mapping and visualization tools to explore and analyze data geographically
- Supports research, planning, grant writing, and data‑informed decision‑making
- Allows users to customize maps, regions, and data layers to meet local needs
Network Infrastructure and management
Secure, reliable network services that connect and protect all CLEVNET member libraries
- Designs and operates a secure, consortium-wide network for all member libraries
- Manages internet connectivity, firewalls, and network switching infrastructure
- Continuously monitors network performance to ensure reliability and uptime
- Proactively oversees network security to protect library systems and data
Telecommunications & Wi-Fi Services
Modern, reliable telecommunications services supporting voice and connectivity across the CLEVNET consortium
- Supports member library telecommunications, including voice, fax, paging, and wireless networking
- Ensures reliable connectivity for staff operations and public access across the consortium
- Implements and supports a cloud‑based Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system for member libraries
- Provides modern telephony with centralized management and improved reliability
- Reduces the need for on‑premises phone infrastructure at individual libraries
Wi-Fi Analytics and Reporting
Consortium‑wide Wi‑Fi analytics that help libraries understand usage, plan services, and support data‑driven decisions
- Provides WhoFi as a shared Wi‑Fi analytics service for CLEVNET member libraries
- Delivers anonymized Wi‑Fi usage statistics for reporting, planning, and service evaluation
- Ensures continued access to Wi‑Fi analytics following state‑level service changes
- Supports libraries in making informed decisions about wireless services and public access
Network Access Control
Secure, controlled network access that protects library systems and devices across the consortium
- Operates a consortium‑wide Network Access Control (NAC) solution using PacketFence
- Authenticates and authorizes devices connecting to member library wired networks
- Enforces security policies and supports a zero‑trust networking approach
- Ensures only approved and compliant devices are permitted network access
Network Monitoring
Centralized, real‑time network monitoring that helps ensure reliable and uninterrupted library services
- Uses PRTG Network Monitor for centralized, real‑time monitoring of consortium‑managed network devices and systems
- Provides early detection of outages and performance issues through automated alerts
- Enables prompt response to network incidents before they impact library operations
- Supports consistent uptime and operational reliability across all CLEVNET member libraries
Cybersecurity and Compliance
Cybersecurity support that helps libraries meet requirements, respond to incidents, and follow security best practices
- Provides consortium‑wide cybersecurity support for member libraries
- Assists with security monitoring and alignment with state and industry requirements
- Coordinates incident response efforts when security issues arise
- Supports the implementation of cybersecurity best practices to reduce risk
Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training that helps library staff recognize threats and reduce cybersecurity risk
- Provides and manages the KnowBe4 security awareness platform for member libraries
- Delivers mandatory staff cybersecurity training across the consortium
- Runs simulated phishing campaigns to reinforce safe behaviors
- Supplies reporting and insights to help strengthen human‑layer security defenses
Microsoft 365 Tools and Administration
Cloud‑based productivity and collaboration tools supported and managed across the CLEVNET consortium
- Administers Microsoft 365 services for member libraries, including email, Teams, SharePoint, and other cloud tools
- Provides centralized management to ensure reliable, secure access to collaboration services
- Offers training to help library staff effectively use Microsoft 365 tools
- Delivers ongoing support so libraries can maximize the value of their cloud productivity services
Microsoft Office for Public Computers
Consistent, licensed productivity software on public computers across all CLEVNET member libraries
- Provides and manages Microsoft Office applications on public access computers
- Ensures patrons have reliable access to essential productivity tools
- Maintains proper licensing compliance across all member libraries
- Applies standardized configurations for a consistent user experience
IT Helpdesk & Front-Line Technical Support
Centralized technology support that helps member libraries resolve issues quickly and operate smoothly
- Provides a consortium‑wide, centralized helpdesk, HaloITSM for member libraries
- Delivers remote and onsite technical support as needed
- Assists with issue resolution for staff and public computing environments
- Coordinates technology support to ensure consistent, reliable service across libraries
Hardware Lifecycle and Device Management
Reliable hardware and system management that keeps library technology secure, stable, and up to date
- Owns and maintains critical network and server hardware for the consortium
- Manages supported workstations across member libraries
- Oversees software deployment, patching, and updates
- Ensures stable, secure, and current technology operations consortium‑wide
Consulting and Technology Planning
Technology consulting and planning services that help libraries adopt, improve, and evolve their systems
- Provides advisory services for technology planning and strategic decision‑making
- Supports system implementations and major technology initiatives
- Assists with operational improvements to enhance efficiency and reliability
- Helps member libraries navigate an evolving technology landscape
Training and Staff Development
Training and guidance that help library staff effectively use technology and follow best practices
- Offers training sessions to support effective use of consortium systems
- Provides documentation and guidance for day‑to‑day technology use
- Supports staff as they adopt new technologies and tools
- Promotes best practices to improve consistency and confidence across member libraries
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