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.
Face Down the Intimidation
We’re used to being the source of information. Librarians are supposed to answer questions! So it’s hard being surrounded by IT people talking about their professional specialty and realizing you don’t understand a word. Maybe you’ve experienced that spiral: “What would I even say? ‘Please start over and say it all again but differently?’ No way. I’ll just smile and nod.“
But just as you don’t need to know all the answers to be a librarian, you don’t need to know all the tech to be a digital equity champion. It’s all about using the right tools. Yes, it’s scary! That doesn’t matter. Your voice is critical as your community addresses digital equity.
Here’s how to stay engaged.
Training description
Digital inclusion work is advancing at lightspeed in our nation, and every state, county, city, and township is being asked to participate. Local leaders wondering where to start are all getting the same advice: look to your library. Libraries are a core piece of our nation’s internet infrastructure, and we’re central to many digital inclusion coalitions and efforts. Like it or not, you’re about to be the digital equity expert for your community.
When you sit down to discuss the digital divide, though, the conversations will undoubtedly include intimidating and ultra-specific broadband and technology topics. Even for people who consider themselves tech savvy, it’s incredibly confusing to hear blustering industry pros talk at light speed with acronyms from A to Z.
This session will give you the tools you need to stay engaged and fearless, even with the most confusing of IT people. That might include an internet service provider who is desperate to convince you to try their new equipment, but it also might include your own internal IT support. No matter who it is, you deserve to feel confident you’re getting the answers you need and making decisions you can feel sure of.
We’ll cover essential concepts librarians should know and tools for untangling jargon, with a focus on building confidence rather than technical ability. Participants will learn how to ask the right questions, be bravely wrong, and find opportunities to cheer for libraries. We’ll also practice navigating highly technical conversations with skills learned in this session.
“I struggle with technology and the digital world. Libraries for Digital Equity is always so helpful and their presentation has encouraged me to learn more and be more involved.”
Director of a rural public library who attended this training
Learning objectives
- Learn core broadband concepts, vocabulary, and current issues related to libraries.
- Find tools for sifting through jargon and untangling difficult questions.
- Practice new skills for navigating conversations with IT professionals.
- Build what you really need for these convos: confidence, not technical expertise.
- Get a quick overview of the latest digital equity happenings and ask pressing questions so you can stay fearlessly engaged.
Attendees will receive The Tech-Fearless Toolbox, a print or digital resource. Materials in the guide 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 secret-sauce script for making friends with even the most annoyed IT guy.
NOTE: Although this training does touch on E-Rate, it is not an E-Rate training. If E-Rate is where you’d like to build up your expertise, Libraries4DE will be happy to refer you to one of our partners who can provide great training on all things E-Rate.
Formats and Options
This session is designed to fit many different needs.
🌱 Beginner
🌿 Amateur
🌳 Old pro
An excellent introduction for those new to libraries or new to the back end of connectivity. Seasoned pros won’t be bored, either. Content starts broad with foundational concepts that help in understanding information technology and telecommunications, but then quickly gets into the weeds with issues around library connectivity and the digital divide. We’re especially fond of advanced audiences who challenge our speakers with technical questions and out-there ideas. Bring it on!
💻 Virtual
👥 In-person
This training works particularly well remotely. Q&As are usually fast and furious for this session, and virtual platforms make that easy to manage. But of course, there’s no replacement for in-person learning. Both formats are available.
Duration
- 10 minute “flash” training (intro video & course preview) – FREE
- 25 minute talk
- Best for a non-participatory webinar or keynote format
- Does not allow time for questions or discussion
- 1 hour webinar or session
- Includes 45 minute talk, 15 minute Q&A, and The Tech-Fearless Toolbox handout
- Any group size: 5 attendees to 500
- 1.5 – 2 hour workshop
- Includes about 60% presentation, 10% practice in pairs or groups applying tools learned, and a full 30% catered Q&A and further discussion
- Allows time to introduce The Tech-Fearless Toolbox and get attendees comfortable using the handout before moving them into small groups to practice the skills taught
- Best for groups sized 10 to ~90
- NEW option: Solo learner
- Exclusive low-cost choice for 1 individual. Perfect for anyone looking to boost their knowledge so they can be the expert for their department, library system, school district, or other organization
- Online access to recorded 1 hour version of training content and a digital copy of The Tech-Fearless Toolbox handout
- Bonus 1:1 call with the speaker for a personal Q&A session
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 