Library Advocates

May 3

Report: Libraries put BTOP funds to work, strengthening communities nationwide

The ALA’s “U.S. Public Libraries and Broadband Technology Opportunities Program” is the first to highlight state and local library BTOP projects nationwide and the improvements they have made to public access technology resources, digital literacy, and workforce development. Library projects in 29 states and the District of Columbia are featured in the report.

“Libraries have served as first responders in these tough economic times,” said ALA President Maureen Sullivan. “Millions of Americans have turned to us to gain new technology skills and access to specialized resources. BTOP has helped to enable expanded services and to develop the improved infrastructure to meet these community needs.”

Highlights:

Nearly all statewide library projects include digital literacy training. More than 367,000 Coloradans increased their digital literacy skills through that state’s BTOP project. Ninety-five percent of those who took formal classes in Colorado stated they learned a valuable skill and would recommend the classes to others.
Nearly 600 people who participated in New York State Library’s “Broadband Express @ your library” programs and used online job resources went on to secure employment.
The Nebraska Library Commission has more than doubled its grant goal, which was to upgrade broandband speeds for 45 libraries in this mostly rural state. Of the 101 libraries upgraded so far, the average speed moved from 2.9 Mbps to 21.4 Mbps.
Alaska, Delaware, Maine, Oklahoma and Rhode Island have established new videoconferencing capabilities in several, if not all, libraries in their states. The Maine State Library is deploying its statewide network to provide legal information clinics through the Volunteer Lawyers Project. The clinics are offered in real time, allowing patrons at multiple locations, and especially in rural locations, to attend and ask questions directly of the presenting attorney.

Mar 1

House members move to recognize today’s digital literacy divide

Jan 30

“In our technology-saturated culture, there is an emerging understanding that access to technology is only a part of the solution needed to ensure digital inclusion and empowerment. Increasing digital skills and competencies make up the rest of this equation. Twenty-first century digital literacy skills are basic to classroom performance and workforce readiness, as well as full participation in civic life.” Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy (via btvgig) [pdf warning]

(via btvgig)

Jan 28

Libraries, the digital divide and how we can bridge it.

Over the past year, the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy and the Institute of Museum and Library Services have been working closely with the Federal Communications Commission on broadband adoption efforts, including digital literacy. In recognition of the critical role of libraries in this work, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski recorded a video message for ALA and IMLS to share with libraries. Our shared goal is to raise awareness of libraries in the digital age, particularly as the Ad Council prepares to launch a nationwide campaign to promote the importance of digital literacy in March. We thank Chairman Genachowski for his support, and we hope libraries will be able to use this video in their communities as we move forward with digital literacy initiatives in the coming year.

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Jan 25

“When human beings acquired language, we learned not just how to listen but how to speak. When we gained literacy, we learned not just how to read but how to write. And as we move into an increasingly digital reality, we must learn not just how to use programs but how to MAKE them.”

Rushkoff, D. (2010). Program or be programmed: Ten commands for a digital age. Or Books.

(via edinterwebs)

Jan 24

On the Front Lines of Digital Inclusion

Today, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Digital Literacy Task Force (which is led by the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy), released “Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy,” (pdf) a comprehensive report that provides a broad overview of digital literacy in the context of school, public, and academic libraries.

Please Stop Confusing Media Literacy with Ed Tech

themugglelibrarian:

“To reduce the new media literacies to technical skills would be a mistake on the order of confusing penmanship with composition.”

Also of note: “Students also must acquire a basic understanding of the ways media representations structure our perceptions of the world.”

Jan 17

Free webinar TODAY! Learn more about toolkits and resources for Digital Learning Day!

Join the Alliance for Excellent Education on Thursday, January 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET), for a webinar featuring a wide range of toolkits available for teachers to support participation before, during, and after Digital Learning Day on February 6.

Kamila Thigpen will provide information on the resources available for afterschool programs. Scott Gaglione will provide insight on resources for bring your own device (BYOD) efforts. And Alliance associate Ace Parsi will provide insight on the recently developed civics toolkit and other resources available on the Digital Learning Day website. Terri Schwartzbeck of the Alliance will moderate the discussion and panelists will also address questions submitted by viewers from across the country.

Jan 14

The percent of children who have read an ebook has almost doubled since 2010 (25% vs. 46%).

Jan 11

15 iPad Skills Every Teacher and Student should Have ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

(via theartguy)

The American Library Association's Washington Office tumblr. Our reblogs do not necessarily mean endorsements of a position or opinion.