Digital Equity and Virtual Service Manager Baltimore County Public Library
Successful digital equity initiatives require long-term strategy and vision combined with on-the-ground flexibility and agility. Our library staff has leveraged the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Long Term Device Lending programs, and technology education to address the digital divide in our communities. Practical and accessible, each initiative builds on the other to achieve meaningful results and increase digital inclusivity. Faced with the familiar chicken-egg conundrum of tackling digital equity and teaching digital literacy to those who are the least equipped for both, learn how our library combined old-fashioned outreach with emerging technology solutions to address the issues we are hearing about from our branches and our customers. Also learn how we leveraged relationships with local and national like-minded NGOs and government partners to increase capacity without over-burdening staff.
Learning Objectives:
Identify at least three best practices for building a pyramid of digital equity initiatives that includes traditional outreach, emerging technology,
and co-located events.
Identify opportunities to create local synergies by utilizing relationships with community organizations.
Define at least three non-traditional lending and service solutions to address digital inequities and conduct one-on-one sessions to work with customers/patrons in-situ.
Correctly identify the basics of the Affordable Connectivity Program, including qualifying programs and required documentation.
Discuss three outreach strategies, including agency partnerships, training opportunities, and developing relationships with the FCC and USAC.
