The training described here is a professional development resource available exclusively through Libraries for Digital Equity. Watch the “flash” version for free here. Interested in the full training? Request more info.
Core to Your Mission
We’re long past digital inclusion being a fun, optional service. This work has always been part of library services; now we must embrace it as core to our missions. This training provides a 4 step process to devise actionable services for a digitally equitable future.
Here’s how we prove that centering digital equity lifts everyone in the community.
Training description
You’re probably already offering basic digital inclusion services, and you might even have ‘stealth’ services where patrons don’t realize you are teaching them (like helping someone reset a password). But our communities face growing barriers to digital participation, and these basic services are no longer enough to answer their needs. Especially with federal funds on the horizon from the 2021 Digital Equity Act, libraries must be prepared to offer bold new services that reach our patrons where they are.
Fortunately, librarians are uniquely qualified to be local leaders because we can approach this work from the foundation of our professional values. Once we have a vision for digital equity, we can jump into blue-sky thinking to design library services for a better future.
The 4 step process shared in this session will translate your wild brainstorm into a plan you can actually implement. You’ll experience the process in real time as we start a hands-on workbook together, and you’ll leave with clear next steps to make your vision a reality.
“I particularly enjoyed Digital Inclusion: The New Core Service. The exposure to different library goals, missions, new technologies, and innovative programming expanded my personal goals along with the vision I bring to my work and my library.
Digital inclusion, like all DEI, is critical at this juncture in time. These themes helped to inspire and reorient my focus after a challenging year for the
Librarian who attended this training[redacted]Public Library and libraries in general.”
Learning objectives
- Explore how digital inclusion work is already central to your library’s mission.
- Find opportunities to reach further into your community with broader services to close the digital divide.
- Swap ideas with colleagues and brainstorm solutions that fit your library’s unique situation.
- Gather resources and tools to make your ideas possible.
Resources provided in the workbook include a cheat sheet for broadband jargon and acronyms, strategic questions for cutting through highly technical conversations and staying focused on patron services, and a find-and-replace vocabulary tool to help you maximize buy-in from partisan groups.
Formats and Options
This session is widely adaptable.
🌱 Beginner
🌿 Amateur
🌳 Old pro
An excellent introduction for anyone new at this. That might include longtime library workers who just haven’t heard the phrase “digital equity,” or it might include folks new to the library world with plenty of digital inclusion experience. Those with more experience will benefit from the higher interactivity of a workshop format, rather than a shorter talk.
💻 Virtual
👥 In-person
This training works well virtually and in-person. Groups in the same room tend to have the best discussion experience, but participation has trended strong in a virtual setting for this particular topic as well.
Duration
- 10 minute intro & preview video – FREE
- 25 minute talk
- Best for a non-participatory webinar or keynote format
- Does not include workbook
- 1 hour webinar or session
- Includes 30 minute talk, 20 minute hands-on facilitation, 10 minute Q&A, and workbook
- Any group size: 5 attendees to 500 (though large groups depend on breakout rooms)
- 2-3 hour workshop
- Includes about 50% presentation, 30% facilitated discussion, and 20% breakout group work, with ample time for Q&As and customization to fit attendee needs and interests
- Excellent format for collaboratively designing new or improved library services, such as with library administrators, at a board retreat, or among a single team or department
- Best for groups sized 10 to 100
- NEW option: Premium Intensive Workshop
- 3 hour hands-on learning experience, including locally catered presentation, facilitated whole group discussion, breakout small group work, emerging trends analysis, troubleshooting “idea swap,” and a speaker Q&A
- Includes printed AND digital workbook for each attendee and organizer
- Bonus 1:1 consulting call in advance of workshop, OR, group follow-up call with workshop attendees to discuss ongoing progress
- Great fit for anyone looking to offer a high-quality training to the librarians they serve (such as a State Library Agency, regional association, professional organization, digital inclusion coalition or broadband alliance, etc.)
Pricing is flexible depending on your needs. Libraries for Digital Equity wants to get this information to as many librarians as possible. We’ll work with your budget.
Libraries for Digital Equity 