From Local Innovation to Nationwide Transformation
ELEVATE is reshaping digital access—starting with a pilot in Lawrence, expanding across Massachusetts, and built to scale nationwide. By aligning with the most widely used library systems—including SirsiDynix Symphony, the leading ILS in the U.S.—ELEVATE is positioned to transform how libraries serve their communities in the digital age.
1. Local Pilot: Lawrence, MA
ELEVATE launched as a focused pilot at Lawrence Public Library, addressing the digital divide in one of Massachusetts’ most underserved communities.
This pilot is generously funded by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), whose commitment to regional digital equity makes them a key catalyst for innovation.
ELEVATE builds on the foundation of the Digital JEDI project in Cambridge, where city departments, libraries, and nonprofit organizations partnered to bridge the digital divide. This citywide collaboration proved that libraries are among the most vibrant access points for digital services:
In Cambridge, over 50% of digital equity service requests originated at the public library, confirming the library’s unique role as a trusted hub for internet access, devices, digital skills, and community support.
2. Regional Alignment: Merrimack Valley (MVLC)
The success in Lawrence has drawn immediate interest from neighboring Merrimack Valley libraries such as Methuen and Chelmsford, underscoring the power of regional collaboration. All three cities are part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC)—a network of 36 public libraries in Northeastern Massachusetts.
Crucially, every MVLC library uses SirsiDynix Symphony, the same ILS platform supported by ELEVATE.
This shared infrastructure enables seamless regional scalability, reducing onboarding friction and ensuring consistency in training, reporting, and integration.
Through MVLC, ELEVATE allows libraries to:
- Track service delivery, devices, and digital coaching
- Provide multilingual, community-based tech support
- Serve as the digital entry point for public services and workforce tools
With aligned platforms and proven demand, MVLC is a natural springboard for regional expansion.
3. Statewide Reach: Major Massachusetts Consortia
Massachusetts is home to seven major library consortia, many of which use SirsiDynix Symphony—making statewide scalability not only possible, but practical. At the same time, ELEVATE is also built to integrate with open-source systems like Evergreen and Koha, which offer even greater flexibility and cost-effective implementation.
| Consortium | Region | Libraries | ILS Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVLC | Merrimack Valley (NE MA) | 36 | SirsiDynix Symphony |
| CW MARS | Central & Western MA | 150+ | Evergreen (open-source) |
| SAILS | Southeastern MA | ~70 | SirsiDynix Symphony |
| CLAMS | Cape Cod & Islands | 35+ | Koha + Aspen (open-source) |
| Minuteman | MetroWest Boston | 41 libraries / 60 locations | Polaris |
| OCLN | South Shore | 28 | SirsiDynix Symphony |
| NOBLE | North Shore | 26 | Evergreen (open-source) |
With three of the seven consortia already using SirsiDynix Symphony, ELEVATE is immediately compatible with over 200 libraries statewide.
Additionally, open-source platforms like Evergreen and Koha offer easy API integration, making ELEVATE highly adaptable for the remaining networks.
This level of interoperability ensures that ELEVATE can be scaled efficiently across all major library systems in Massachusetts—no matter their size, vendor, or infrastructure.
4. Nationwide Scalability: Built for the U.S. Library Ecosystem
ELEVATE is designed with national expansion in mind, aligning with the most commonly used Integrated Library Systems in the United States. Our architecture supports plug-and-play integration with the leading platforms used by thousands of libraries across the country.
| ILS Platform | U.S. Market Share (Est.) |
|---|---|
| SirsiDynix Symphony | 20% |
| Polaris (Innovative) | 15% |
| Koha (ByWater Solutions) | 10% |
| Evergreen | 7% |
| Other Systems | 48% |
With built-in compatibility across these systems—and especially with SirsiDynix Symphony, the most adopted system nationally—ELEVATE is ready to scale to urban and rural libraries, small branches and statewide networks alike.
5. Closing Note: MACIR’s Commitment to Digital Equity
ELEVATE was developed by the Massachusetts Association for Computer and Internet Resources (MACIR)—a statewide leader in digital equity. Since 2016, MACIR has trained over 150 digital navigators, launched award-winning programs like JEDI and ELEVATE, and partnered with more than 36 libraries and community organizations to deliver inclusive, community-rooted tech access.
From a local pilot to a national blueprint, ELEVATE is not just software—it’s a mission.
