eiNetwork
eiNetwork is a Pittsburgh-based non-profit consortium that provides shared enterprise technology services—including a 10 Gb fiber WAN, Microsoft 365 administration, Sierra ILS hosting, and three-year PC refresh cycles—to the 46 independent public libraries of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, alongside its two corporate members, ACLA and CLP.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersPittsburgh, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What eiNetwork does
Electronic Information Network (eiNetwork) is a Pittsburgh-based non-profit consortium founded in 2002 that delivers centralized shared technology services to all 46 independent public libraries across Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, operating alongside its two corporate members, the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP). Its core infrastructure consists of an enterprise-class 10 Gigabit fiber wide-area network with dedicated 10 Gb circuits to each library location and up to 15 Gbps of general internet/Internet2 connectivity; Microsoft 365 administration (email, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams) hardened with Microsoft 365 Defender for cybersecurity; Sierra, Innovative Interfaces' cloud-based integrated library system and Discovery Layer serving as the shared catalog for 3+ million physical and digital materials; public Wi-Fi and eduroam access; and a centralized PC procurement and three-year equipment refresh program that replaced approximately 2,500 computers across 75+ locations in 2024.
eiNetwork's business model is that of a publicly-funded shared services organization rather than a commercial enterprise. It does not charge patrons directly; all patron-facing digital resources (Libby/OverDrive, Hoopla, Tutor.com, Gale, EBSCO, Mango Languages, Creativebug, RAD Pass cultural tickets, Britannica School, and Shoutbomb SMS notifications) are free to Allegheny County library cardholders. Operating capital comes from three streams: capital and project grants from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), recurring contributions from its two corporate members (ACLA and CLP), and state-level funding via POWER Library backed by federal LSTA grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Pricing to member libraries is not publicly disclosed.
The go-to-market is a sales-led B2B consortium model with a near-monopoly position within its county footprint. eiNetwork sits between technology vendors (Microsoft, Innovative Interfaces, BiblioCommons, OverDrive, Hoopla, Capira, Shoutbomb) and 46 individual libraries, providing a unified service desk, standardized infrastructure, and pooled procurement that none of the libraries could replicate independently. Patron acquisition is driven by free self-serve library card registration, the BiblioCommons catalog, the Capira mobile app, content marketing through the eLibrary blog, and partner amplification via ACLA, CLP, and POWER Library.
eiNetwork firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- eiNetwork
- Legal name
- Electronic Information Network (eiNetwork)
- Website
- https://einetwork.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- eiNetwork is a Pittsburgh-based non-profit consortium that provides shared enterprise technology services—including a 10 Gb fiber WAN, Microsoft 365 administration, Sierra ILS hosting, and three-year PC refresh cycles—to the 46 independent public libraries of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, alongside its two corporate members, ACLA and CLP.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
eiNetwork industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Library Technology Services
- NAICS
- Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Academic & Research Library Operations (College/University Libraries) (EDAEAGAB), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library/Media Center & Digital Resource Management Systems (EDAJAMAN)
Keywords
Where eiNetwork is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pittsburgh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
eiNetwork business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Regional Asset District (RAD) Grant Funding: eiNetwork receives direct public funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), including a $3.1 million grant that funded the 2024 PC refresh across 75+ library locations. RAD is a primary capital funding partner for technology infrastructure projects.
- Corporate Member Funding (ACLA and CLP): As part of the Allegheny County library consortium, eiNetwork is supported by its two corporate members: the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP). Funding is derived from participating libraries' budgets.
- State Library Funding / LSTA Grants: eiNetwork benefits from state-funded digital resources via POWER Library, which is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, and through Library Access Funds administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Free Patron-Facing Digital Services (Library-Funded): eiNetwork provides free access to digital resources (e.g., Hoopla, Libby, Tutor.com, Gale, EBSCO, Mango Languages, Creativebug, RAD Pass) to Allegheny County library cardholders. These services are funded through library budgets, state funding, and RAD; eiNetwork does not charge patrons directly.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | — | Free patron access with library card |
| Other | — | B2B shared service to member libraries (not publicly priced) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
eiNetwork product offering
Product offeringCore offering
eiNetwork provides shared enterprise-class technology services to the 46 independent public libraries in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, operating a 10 Gigabit fiber WAN, administering Microsoft 365 and Sierra library systems, and managing a centralized PC procurement and three-year refresh program. It also extends patron-facing digital resources (eBooks, streaming, databases, tutoring, language learning, cultural passes) to library cardholders free of charge, consolidated under a single shared library card and catalog.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Allegheny County Libraries (mobile app / Capira): The Capira Mobile App branded for Allegheny County Libraries, providing quick access to library accounts, catalog search, and storage of library card numbers; distributed under the Capira platform.
- eLibrary (eResources for Allegheny County Public Libraries)
- Allegheny County eBook Collection
Products and services
- Enterprise-Class 10 Gigabit Fiber Network Services Enterprise-class 10 Gb fiber WAN connecting each of the 46 independent public libraries in Allegheny County, plus Internet2 and eduroam access, public Wi-Fi, and day-to-day network monitoring and management. For use by member public libraries and their patrons.
- PC Procurement and Three-Year Equipment Refresh Program Centralized PC procurement, deployment, and replacement of patron/staff desktop PCs and laptops on a regular three-year refresh cycle to keep all library computers within useful life. For use by member public libraries.
- Microsoft 365 Administration and Cybersecurity Cloud-based productivity and collaboration suite administration (email, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams) for library staff, secured by Microsoft 365 Defender for endpoint detection, prevention, and response across library devices. For use by member public libraries.
- Sierra Integrated Library System Hosting Hosting, administration, and support of the Sierra cloud-based integrated library system (ILS) from Innovative Interfaces, including the online public catalog and Discovery Layer for searching the collection, placing holds, renewing items, and managing accounts. For use by member public libraries and their patrons.
- Technology Support Service Desk Shared technology support service desk providing day-to-day IT assistance to library staff across the consortium, covering network, Microsoft 365, Sierra ILS, and endpoint issues. For use by member public libraries.
- eLibrary Digital Resources Portal Aggregated digital content portal providing Allegheny County library cardholders free access to eBooks/audiobooks/eMagazines (Libby/OverDrive), streaming (Hoopla), research databases (Gale, EBSCO, ProQuest), online tutoring (Tutor.com), language learning (Mango, Little Pim, Transparent Language), crafting (Creativebug), and cultural tickets (RAD Pass).
- Allegheny County Libraries Mobile App (Capira) Mobile application providing Allegheny County library patrons quick access to their library account, catalog search, and digital library card storage. For use by library patrons.
- Shoutbomb Text Notifications Service Optional text-message subscription service for Allegheny County library patrons to receive hold pickup, renewal, overdue, and opt-in late-fee notices from their library account.
- RAD Pass Cultural Ticket Lending Online ticket-lending system enabling Allegheny County library cardholders ages 18+ to reserve free or discounted passes to regional cultural attractions (museums, theaters, concerts).
- Emergent Technology Evaluation and Implementation Technology advisory service helping libraries identify, evaluate, recommend, implement, and provide ongoing support for new technologies including cybersecurity, expanded ILS/catalog capabilities, offsite library vending kiosks/pick-up lockers, web hosting, and Internet of Things.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,500 computers refreshed across 75+ library locations (2024)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use eiNetwork
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
eiNetwork technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration20 records
Feature6 records
eiNetwork partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA)flagshipACLA is one of two corporate members of eiNetwork, alongside Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The eiNetwork press release notes: 'eiNetwork is a part of the Allegheny County library consortium (along with ACLA and CLP).' ACLA libraries share the eLibrary resources, BiblioCommons catalog, and consortium-wide digital lending.
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)flagshipCLP is the second corporate member of eiNetwork within the Allegheny County library consortium. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh co-administers the shared eLibrary and jointly implements changes such as the May 2026 Hoopla Daily Spending Cap. CLP's eLibrary powers the 'Capira Mobile App' branded for Allegheny County libraries.
- POWER Library (Pennsylvania)corePOWER Library, hosted by HSLC, provides state-funded eResources (Gale, EBSCO, ProQuest, Britannica, AP Images, etc.) to Allegheny County library cardholders. Project funded by LSTA funds via the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
- MicrosoftcoreeiNetwork manages and administers the Microsoft 365 cloud-based productivity and collaboration suite (email, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams) and applies Microsoft 365 Defender for endpoint detection, prevention, and response across library devices.
- Innovative Interfaces, Inc. (iii)coreVendor of the Sierra cloud-based integrated library system (ILS) maintained and administered by eiNetwork. Sierra serves as the primary shared database and online public catalog/Discovery Layer for the 46 libraries.
- BiblioCommonscorePowers the Allegheny County Libraries shared online catalog (acl.bibliocommons.com), providing patron account access, recent activity, and Library of Things discovery. The site is 'Powered by BiblioCommons' (BiblioCore app40 Version 9.35.1).
- OverDrive / LibbycorePrimary eBook, eAudiobook, and eMagazine lending platform for Allegheny County library cardholders. Operated via the ACLA OverDrive site (acla.overdrive.com) and the Libby mobile app.
- Hoopla DigitalcoreProvides free streaming and downloading of movies, TV shows, audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and music to library cardholders. As of May 1, 2026, CLP and Allegheny County libraries are implementing a Daily Spending Cap on Hoopla.
- Gale (Cengage)coreProvides multiple state-funded research databases through POWER Library: Gale Health and Wellness, Gale Academic OneFile Select, Gale OneFile News, Gale eBooks, Biography In Context, Kids InfoBits, and more.
- EBSCOcoreProvides research databases accessible to library cardholders, including NoveList, NoveList K-8 Plus, Consumer Reports, Business Source Elite, and EBSCO eBooks (16,000+ nonfiction titles).
- Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Symphony OrchestraminorParticipating cultural organizations in the RAD Pass program that provide free or discounted tickets to Allegheny County library cardholders through the online ticket lending system.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
eiNetwork competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- OCLC: OCLC is the global library cooperative that operates WorldCat and a broad cataloging/interlibrary loan platform. It is a much larger incumbent in shared library infrastructure, supplying backend technology that eiNetwork-adjacent consortia rely on for discovery and resource sharing.
Direct peers
- Bibliomation: Bibliomation is a Connecticut-based library consortium providing shared technology services (network, ILS hosting, digital resources) to its member public libraries. Directly comparable to eiNetwork as a regional library IT shared-service organization.
- CARLI (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois): CARLI is an Illinois library consortium providing shared technology services, ILS hosting, and digital resource negotiation to academic and research libraries. Directly comparable to eiNetwork's consortium operating model, though it serves a different library segment.
- LYRASIS: LYRASIS is a non-profit technology and content consortium serving libraries, archives, and museums across the US. It is the closest analog to eiNetwork's shared-service model, pooling technology procurement and infrastructure for member institutions on a multi-state scale.
- Califa Library Group: Califa is a California-based library consortium that negotiates and manages shared digital content and technology services for member libraries. Comparable in function to eiNetwork's eResources aggregation and shared technology service model.
- Amigos Library Services: Amigos Library Services is a non-profit consortium providing shared technology, ILS support, digital content, and continuing education to member libraries across multiple states. It is a direct comparable to eiNetwork as a multi-member library IT shared-service organization.
- MCLS (Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative / former Mid-Continent Public Library Service): MCLS is a library cooperative providing shared technology and resource services to member libraries. Its shared-service model — pooled technology procurement, digital lending, and ILS hosting — mirrors eiNetwork's consortium approach for member libraries.
Emerging players
- Bibliotheca (now part of Axiell): Bibliotheca provides library self-service, RFID, and digital lending technology used by public library systems. Comparable as a vendor of physical/digital library infrastructure components that eiNetwork-standardized member libraries consume.
Others
- Capira Technologies: Capira Technologies provides the mobile app platform (Allegheny County Libraries app) integrated with eiNetwork's library catalog. It is a direct technology vendor whose product eiNetwork deploys to its 46 member library patrons.
- Innovative Interfaces (iii): Innovative Interfaces is the vendor of the Sierra integrated library system that eiNetwork administers. As a key upstream technology supplier to library consortia like eiNetwork, it is comparable as an enabling infrastructure provider rather than a competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
eiNetwork social profiles
Digital presenceeiNetwork financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
eiNetwork leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
eiNetwork funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
eiNetwork M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about eiNetwork
What does eiNetwork do?
eiNetwork provides shared enterprise-class technology services to the 46 independent public libraries in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, operating a 10 Gigabit fiber WAN, administering Microsoft 365 and Sierra library systems, and managing a centralized PC procurement and three-year refresh program. It also extends patron-facing digital resources (eBooks, streaming, databases, tutoring, language learning, cultural passes) to library cardholders free of charge, consolidated under a single shared library card and catalog.
Is eiNetwork a public or private company?
eiNetwork is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was eiNetwork founded?
eiNetwork was founded in 2022. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is eiNetwork based?
eiNetwork is headquartered in Pittsburgh, United States, in the North America region.
How does eiNetwork make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Regional Asset District (RAD) Grant Funding is the primary driver. The others are corporate Member Funding (ACLA and CLP), state Library Funding / LSTA Grants and free Patron-Facing Digital Services (Library-Funded).
Who are eiNetwork's main competitors?
OCLC is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Bibliomation, CARLI (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois), LYRASIS, Califa Library Group, Amigos Library Services and MCLS (Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative / former Mid-Continent Public Library Service). Bibliotheca (now part of Axiell) is listed as an emerging player. Others are Capira Technologies and Innovative Interfaces (iii).
Does eiNetwork have an API?
No public API is recorded for eiNetwork.
What industry is eiNetwork in?
eiNetwork's product category is Library Technology Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAF, Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing), with a secondary code of EDAEAGAB, Academic & Research Library Operations (College/University Libraries). Its NAICS code is 519 and its SIC code is 7370.