America’s Public Libraries: “Silent Partners” in Digital Literacy and Broadband Adoption Efforts?

1. America’s Public Libraries: “Silent Partners” in Digital Literacy and Broadband Adoption Efforts? Larra Clark American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy FCBA March 15, 2012

2. Library 101 • More public libraries than McDonalds in U.S. • 16,698 public library buildings • Library “triple play:” • Physical locations with tech infrastructure • Staffed by informational professionals • Robust and diverse electronic content • Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older – or roughly 77 million people – used a public library computer or wireless network in 2009.

3. Library 101 • 67% of all library computer users received one‐on-one help from library staff or volunteers in 2009. • 40% of library computer users (roughly 30 million people) used library resources to help address career and employment needs. • Libraries and museums are the most trusted sources of information – far more so than others, including government, commercial and private individual websites

4. Libraries & Digital Literacy Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information. *It requires both cognitive and technical skills (ALA Digital Literacy Taskforce, 2011)

5. Libraries & Digital Literacy • National Broadband Plan • Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) • DigitalLiteracy.gov • Public/Private Partnerships

6. Key Lessons • Informal and formal training and learning opportunities are both valuable • Digital literacy training is most effective in context • Adequate staffing, staff expertise and adequate public computers are leading barriers for expanding technology services • That said, libraries still offer a “triple play” of qualities that make them an ideal partner for digital literacy and broadband adoption efforts

7. For more information: www.ala.org/oitp Larra Clark lclark@alawash.org 202-628-8410