Poudre River Public Library District Blog
LIBRARY HOURS
Old Town Library
Harmony Library
Council Tree Library
LIBRARY HOURS Old Town Library
Harmony Library
Council Tree Library
(970) 221-6740
  • Catalog
  • Articles
  • Events
  • Site
Advanced Search

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
Business | Genealogy

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
All Events | Classes | Programs | Storytimes

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
Site Map

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
My Account Library Locations What's New ResearchDownload How do I? Events KidsTeens
  • Home
  • Using the Library
  • My Account
  • Hours & Locations
  • eResources
  • Calendar
  • Ask a Librarian
  • en español
Skip Navigation
My Account
Locations
What's New
Research
Download
How do I?

Public Library Version 2.0: the Forefront of Digital Equity

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Katie Auman in Library Blog

Public libraries have always been a community’s access point to information and learning: obtaining books or journal articles, attending educational presentations, participating in civic discussions, joining in storytimes and reading activities.

But, in today’s digital media age, the access point to information is increasingly through the internet and on devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. People routinely turn to the internet to stay abreast of current events, to communicate via email, to conduct job searches, to search for government forms, to obtain health information, and for any number of other unique reasons.

However, with our daily reliance on computers and the Internet comes the challenge of equality of access and the continued “digital divide” in our community due to factors like cost, misconceptions about technology, or lack of skills or knowledge.

Digital divide

Patterns of unequal access to information technology – primarily computers and the internet – based on income, ethnicity, geography, age and other physical or sociological factor; disparities in technology use, resulting from a lack of access, skills, or interest in using technology.

To participate fully in today’s society – for education, business, economic, or social reasons – computer skills and internet access are required.

 

Bridging the Digital Access Divide

For our community members, both with and without quality access to a computer or the Internet, the Poudre River Public Library District serves as an essential public access provider.

“Public libraries have always been a great equalizer for people needing information and resources like books and research, and it’s no different for digital information and basic technology resources,” explains Kristen Draper, digital literacy librarian at the Library District. “Throughout today’s social, educational, and economic landscapes, things like computer and Internet access are no longer luxuries but are utilities.”

computer-lab

The Library District’s 87 public access computers and workstations routinely serve more than 13,000 users each month and frequently reach community members who previously were unable to participate in online resources like email or news sources.

Additionally, the highly trained library professionals provide individual assistance on a daily basis to users whose perceptions about or reluctance to use computers previously prevented them from using the technology.

 

Strengthening the Community’s Digital Literacy

In support of digital equity in the community, the Library District goes beyond simply providing public access to computers, the Internet, printers, and copiers; all three library locations also offer more formal training and instruction designed to strengthen our community’s digital literacy and digital citizenship.

Digital literacy

The ability to locate, evaluate, and use digital information effectively; the ability to effectively use a range of technologies (e.g. computers, mobile devices) and Internet-enabled services (e.g. social media, online video, blogs)

 

1.  Computer Skills Classes

computer_lab-harmonyThe Library District’s free classes and training seminars include options for community members at all stages of their digital learning and reflect the many needs of our participants. Computer skills classes range from introductory courses like Computer Comfort and Internet Searching to program-specific courses like Microsoft Word or Excel.

One recent computer class participant remarked, “Everyone I have asked for help or taken a class from has been knowledgeable, eager to help, energetic, and pleasant. Thank you for these class opportunities.”

2.  Smartphones, Tablets, & Mobile Devices Classes

ipad-tabletBeyond the computer classes, the library also offers monthly tutorials on how to download eBooks and other electronic materials to your iPad, iPhone, and Android devices using the library’s digital services like OverDrive and hoopla.

Another popular class offered each month is the iPad 101/201 series that teaches users how to change settings, use Safari, download apps, and make the most of your Apple device.

3.  Current Trends/Topics Classes

There are also a variety of courses that reflect current topics and trends like social media, blogging, coding, digital photo editing, and more. For a full list of classes visit the Computer Classes section of our website or the online Events Calendar.

4.  eResources and Research Instruction

One of the most important elements of the library’s digital resources is the collection of informational databases, research sites, and homework help. Commonly referred to by the staff as the Answer Cache, these online tools provide users access to everything from online journals, magazines, and scholarly research to automotive and small engine repair information and K-12 homework help.

For help using the Answer Cache resources, you can talk to librarians in-person or attend the class “You’ve got Questions, We’ve got Answers!” for more detailed instruction.

5.  iPad Stations

toddler_ipad_bytia-henriksenAll of the library locations provide educational iPad Stations for kids, tweens, and teens. These stations do not support Internet browsers or email, so users have secure connections to age-appropriate apps and games loaded to the tablet.

The iPad Stations include educational, fun age-based apps like math-based puzzle game Threes! and the MC Escher-inspired Monument Valley.

 

Looking to the Future

The Library District’s extended technology and digital literacy Media Mentors continually keep an eye out for what’s next on the horizon like building awareness of one’s digital footprint. As technology continues to change, the library staff works hard to stay at the forefront of issues and trends and to identify what the community needs.

If you have questions about current technology and digital services available through the Library District, please give us a call at 970-221-6740 or visit our website. You can also request an appointment with a Media Mentor for one-on-one assistance.

updated 2019

Related

Answer Cache, computer, digital, eResources, technology

Comments are closed.

Recent Posts

  • shelf of books

    Automatic Renewals Begin February 1

    February 1, 2023
  • Lincoln Hills, Colorado

    Colorado Black History / Historia Negra de Colorado

    February 1, 2023
  • Poudre Libraries Staff

    2023: A Look Ahead

    December 29, 2022
  • Harmony, Education, and Determination through the Decades

    December 16, 2022

Try our App! Try our Mobile App!

Facebook Twitter River's Mouth Blog Instagram Pininterest Google Plus LinkedIn FourSquare Flickr You Tube

Navigation

  • Download
  • Events
  • How Do I?
  • Locations
  • My Account
  • Research
  • Site Map
  • Site Search
  • What's New

  • English

  • en español

Community

  • Birth to 5
  • Book Clubs
  • FRCC
  • Kids
  • Outreach
  • Teens

My Library

  • Bookdrops
  • Checking Out Items
  • Computer Classes
  • Computers
  • - Assistive Technology
  • - Printing
  • - Printing (3D)
  • - Wireless
  • Library Cards
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Suggest a Purchase

Resources

  • Answer Center
  • Ask-a-Librarian
  • Business Center
  • Job & Career Center
  • Nonprofit Resources
  • Genealogy
  • History Connection
  • InterLibrary Loan
  • Prospector
  • Readers' Cafe
  • - Reading Level Search
  • Research

Get Involved

  • Donations
  • Friends of the Library
  • Library Trust
  • Volunteers

About us

  • Board of Trustees
  • Executive Director
  • Jobs
  • Leadership Team
  • Library Newsletter
  • Policies
  • River's Mouth Blog
  • Sign Up for E-News

  • Help

  • Contact us

Poudre River Public Library District, 301 Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524, (970) 221-6740
Including the collection of Front Range Community College, Larimer Campus