digital literacy

An interesting report from the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy’s Digital Literacy Task Force has just been released. Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy provides an overview of the role of libraries in digital literacy and examines current relevant public policies.

As demand for technology resources increase, libraries continue to enhance their traditional services. Public libraries are relied upon for free technology training, job seeking help, and free access to digital media. Last week I joined thousands of librarians at the American Library Association conference and was amazed by all the truly inspirational and fundamental NEEDED work that is being done at our libraries. You'd think I'd already know this after more than 15 years in this field, but librarians never cease to impress me.

Today's webinar, "Evaluating Digital Literacy Programs" was packed with valuable information on how libraries and nonprofits might approach and implement an evaluation of a technology program. We were excited to collaborate with Community Technology Network on this event, and thrilled by the useful information experts shared.

Finding the right community development partners can be difficult for non-profit organizations. Sometimes, because resources are scarce, non-profit leaders compete with one another when they should collaborate.  Fortunately, as we launched the Spanish language components of our Small Business Success Series, I could turn to people with whom I had worked successfully over the past decade: Sara Nelson, Founder of La Comunidad Habla, and Andrea Plaza, Founder of Encuentro.  Both these women are bold, visionary, and willing to partner to get their programs built and accomplish their goals.