Developing Sustainable Partnerships to Advance Digital Equity

In the early 2000s, inequities surrounding affordable Internet access brought the digital divide into public consciousness. Over time, practitioners and researchers working to address this divide have revealed a persistent, wider gap that includes inequities in social support networks (DiMaggio & Hargittai, 2001). Jenkins et al. (2006) identified a participation gap in using and interacting with digital tools. Evolving conversations have produced a broader conceptualization of the issues through the lens of digital inclusion and digital equity (Siefer, 2016). Those on the wrong side of the digital divide need digital literacy training, access to technical support, and the applications and content that will enable their success in the digital world. In Portland, Oregon, the Multnomah County Library (MCL), digital literacy researchers, and community partners created a bridge to digital equity and inclusion for traditionally excluded members of the community. This work represents a model for collaboration that can be replicated in other communities

Project Summary

Summary of the project, Advancing Digital Equity in Public Libraries: Assessing Library Patrons’ Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments. The purpose of the research was to examine and understand the digital problem solving processes of vulnerable adults

Observing Digital Problem Solving Checklist

This adaptable tool was developed from research findings from a 3 year research study exploring digital problem solving. It is intended to be used by a librarian/staff/volunteer during an in-person interview and observation context. It is designed to better understand how to shape interactions with a library user when they come into the library for assistance that requires gathering, exploring, and making sense of online resources. The tool can be used to support individual or small group interactions. It contains a series of questions that provide insight into the knowledge and experiences of the library user as well as the level of support the individual or small group may need to successfully engage in digital problem solving in a variety of contexts

Analyzing and Interpreting data from PIAAC’s Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments (PSTRE) Assessment and Library Use Survey: Quantitative Results

This document contains an explanation of the quantitative analysis conducted using data from a researcher-designed library use survey and PIAAC\u27s PSTRE survey accessed through OECD\u27s Education and Skills Online portal. Data were collected in two phases and are presented using descriptive statistics and through a latent class analysis. The latent class analysis allowed for the examination of the relationship between library activities, library website use, and PSTRE scores. Results indicated that library website use is strong predictor of higher PSTRE scores and competency in digital problem solving

Digging Deeper: Can Patrons Use Our Resources, and Are Basic Digital Literacy Classes Enough?

We know our resources are easy to use and our patron training is relevant...don’t we? International assessment data show the US population scores below the international average in problem solving in technology-rich environments. At risk of disrupting the status quo, a public library collaborates with an urban university on a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to assess patrons’ skills. Results will help inform how library services and digital content are presented and will help ensure patron training content includes meaningful skills. Come learn how our research might reflect the needs of your patrons

Research Into Action: Skills Assessment and Training to Support a Digital Equity Action Plan

This presentation focuses on digital problem solving skills in libraries

Why Digital Problem Solving Matters: A Closer Look at How Education and Skills Online Can be Used to Inform Educational Outreach Efforts

This presentation focuses digital problem solving and the approaches and strategies digital problem solvers use

Understanding Our Patrons’ Needs in Order to Thrive Together in a Digital Environment

Data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) shows that adults in the US are less skilled in digital problem solving than in many other countries. As more of our communication, creation and learning moves online, how do we help our patrons thrive in a new environment, and how do we transform our training and resources so the library thrives, too? We used a digital problem solving assessment tool from PIAAC to find out if our patrons’ skills matched up with national data, and we mapped the digital skills we assessed to common library tasks. Results will help us take action to transform training and refine our digital resources. By the end of this session, you will be able to advocate for digital literacy training and digital skill building sessions at their own library, understand how digital problem solving skills and common library tasks are related, and bring the tools back to your own library to design a strategy for implementing a large assessment