Digital Literacy in Public Libraries

Om boken

Today's libraries are thoroughly digital environments, not only storing and preserving written information electronically, but also emphasizing digital access to information as a pathway to equitably educating the community on issues of health, employment, education, and local history. Fostering patrons' ability to effectively use digital tools for information and personal enrichment is a natural fit for public libraries, complementing other initiatives like information literacy and media literacy. This book provides a holistic view of digital literacy support across the full spectrum of the public library, using real-world examples to help public libraries transform the work of digital literacy from answering on-the-fly tech questions to implementing full-scale digital literacy programs integrated throughout the library. Public library workers, library board members, and those who want to understand more about the digital literacy imperative within public libraries will explore the concept of digital literacy, the ways in which it empowers individuals in digital systems of information, and how it fits in with other kinds of literacy. Discover ideas for effective digital literacy technical support, programming, services, spaces, collection development, outreach, and more. Learn how to measure the impact of digital literacy initiatives, identify gaps within the community where the library can make an impact, and overcome challenges. Find guidance on building partnerships, both internal and external, and locating additional sources of funding to expand digital literacy opportunities. The book includes practical advice from practitioners throughout, along with adaptable tools such as sample language, an expenditure budget, an individual needs assessment, a digital literacy readiness checklist, survey instruments, and a lesson plan template.