Digital literacy promotion for libraries

Cartoon image created with Bitstrips and added July 13, 2016

Highlighting libraries’ important role in promoting digital literacy, the Public Library Association via Twitter encouraged libraries this week to register with a national database.

“In partnership with the Ad Council, Connect2Compete (C2C) will be launching a national campaign in 2013 to promote the importance of digital literacy and encourage individuals and families to access free community resources and training. The campaign will direct visitors to an innovative zip-code locator tool that identifies free computer access and digital literacy training course sites in their area. In collaboration with the American Library Association and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, C2C is asking libraries nationwide to submit their information to help populate the database for this tool.

 “If your library offers any facilitator or trainer-led digital literacy training courses (e.g. Computer and Internet basics, How to search and apply for jobs online, Internet safety tips, etc), or offers access to self-paced learning resources or one-one-one training, please input your library’s current information below. Keep in mind that you will be able to update your entry or opt out of the database at any point. By entering this information, you will ensure that your library is included when community members search for a site in their area to develop digital literacy skills.”

I encourage libraries to register with the Connect2Compete database. From personal experience, libraries were crucial to my early access to information online.

Perhaps Digital First Media community media labs ought similarly consider registering. They too provide computer access and social media training.