Libraries and the National Broadband Plan

Last week, I attended a session at the ALA Conference about Broadband Adoption and the Role of the Public Library. One speaker stressed these reasons why libraries need broadband internet access to help their customers: •Permit e-mail with large attachments (customers need this to submit job applications, resumes, etc.) •Skype conversations inside and outside the country (for many customers, libraries are providing a lifeline for family members to communicate with overseas military) •Reference/education resource access which can include video, large data files, etc. (as educational opportunities move increasingly online and more bandwidth intensive, libraries are helping to bridge the education gap) The speakers made the point that investment in national telecommunications infrastructure is designed to move us beyond the centuries-old telephone system and is seen as the key to developing the new connective tissue for our economic recovery. They stressed that libraries are key players in the effort to use broadband to help foster national purposes, including civic participation and community development. The National Broadband Plan was characterized as still a work in progress. Goals…Every American will have affordable access to robust broadband service, skills to use the service to the fullest, and that every community’s anchor institutions (Note from MJR: “especially libraries”) have access to extend to their customers. Congress will be asked to fund the plan to develop and support a National Digital Literacy Program:: •Libraries are critical, but lack the resources, to teach the skills that people of all ages need •Establish Digital Literacy Corps…trainers to promote digital literacy with age-appropriate training in the citizen’s owm language •Create an online digital literacy portal—with online/offline lessons, to be distributed by libraries and other community anchor institutions •Provide funding to libraries for training and capacity-building •E-government services should take into account the role of public libraries as the access point for many citizens Reform Universal Service Program Since it is believed that the current E-rate program may now deter applicants from applying, there is current consideration of ways to fast-track applicants and allow dark fiber usage and allow tribal libraries to receive funding. NOTE: Although comments on e-rate changes are due July 9, reply comments are not due until July 26. The speakers suggested that a good way to comment is to reply to the comments submitted by ALA, Gates Foundation, and others). Monitor the progress on the Plan at www.broadband.gov NM State Library: Fast Forward New Mexico The New Mexico State Library Received a Round 1 Broadband Technology Opportunities Programs (BTOP) grant to: •Build Digital Literacy (Internet training in 16 communities and build and test a training model that can be replicated in other communities) •Preliminary visit for needs assessment •Develop awareness events to kick-off training (8 courses—64 hours—run 2x in each community)…very specific course outlines •Train the Trainer sessions for library staff and volunteers •Promote broadband adoption and utilization of broadband services, document barriers, and organize statewide conference to raise awareness •Specific messages developed for specific target populations •Aligned with state mapping project (partner in grant—working on statewide conference together) •Support anchor institutions and create a community level networks of local internet access points…asset mapping the resources that exist to help citizens •Create advocacy resources to support the role of public libraries as anchor institutions—training library staff and supporters as more effective advocats The Social Sciences Research Council (SSRC) has developed an independent study to find out why only 63% of Americans have broadband access in their homes, Broadband Adoption in Low Income Communities, see http://webarchive.ssrc.org/pdfs/Broadband_Adoption_v1.1.pdf. Dharma Daily indicated that they have been seeking information about: •Availability…They have numerous photos of lines of customers outside libraries—waiting for the library to open so they can use the high-speed internet access. •Value…Only one individual in study said they are absolutely not interested in the internet. •Urgent drivers of adoption..Jobs, education, government services—Broadband service is increasingly a prerequisite of social and economic inclusion in US (and low income communities know it). However, people prioritized their cell phones over internet access. •Affordability…Price is only one factor but it is #1. •Usability…People report needing digital literacy skill building, not just read/write literacy skill building. It is quite evident that different age groups interact with the technology in very different ways. How does this information compare to your experiences in your library? Click on Comment below to share your thoughts…Thanks, Mary Jo