[Libs-Or] Improving digital inclusion in Native communities

[Diedre Conkling]

http://www.districtdispatch.org/2014/08/improving-digital-inclusion-native-communities/

Improving digital inclusion in Native communities
Posted on August 12, 2014
<http://www.districtdispatch.org/2014/08/improving-digital-inclusion-native-communities/>
by Jazzy Wright <http://www.districtdispatch.org/author/jazzy/> — No
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<http://www.districtdispatch.org/2014/08/improving-digital-inclusion-native-communities/#respond>

Today, the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM)
released the study, Digital Inclusion in Native Communities: The Role of
Tribal Libraries <http://www.atalm.org/sites/default/files/Report.pdf>
(pdf). The national study is the first to provide comprehensive data on the
structure, activities, and needs of tribal libraries as they improve
broadband access and digital literacy in Native communities.

Key findings from the study <http://www.atalm.org/node/312>:

   - One hundred percent of public libraries offer patrons access to the
   Internet, but only 89 percent of tribal libraries in the study sample were
   able to do so.
   - One hundred percent of public libraries offer patrons access to public
   computer workstations, but only 86 percent of tribal libraries in the study
   sample were able to do so.
   - At least 40 percent of tribal libraries in the study sample did not
   have a broadband Internet connection.
   - Only 42 percent of tribal libraries in the study sample were able to
   provide patrons with technology training, as compared to 87 percent of
   rural public libraries and 90 percent of all public libraries.
   - Only 15 percent of tribal libraries in the study sample received
   E-Rate discounts to help fund broadband connections, as compared to well
   more than half of public libraries.“Native communities are lagging behind
   the rest of America in digital access for Native citizens and thus are at a
   distinct socio-economic disadvantage,” said Dr. Letitia Chambers, board
   chair of ATALM, in a statement
   <http://www.atalm.org/sites/default/files/Digital%20Inclusion%20in%20Native%20Communities%20Media%20Release_0%20(2).doc>
   (doc).

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the ATALM Digital
Inclusion study draws on data from a national survey of tribal librarians
conducted by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums.
The report makes 35 recommendations for improving digital inclusion in
Native communities and provides examples of how technology is improving
lives of tribal citizens.



http://www.districtdispatch.org/2014/08/improving-digital-inclusion-native-communities/


-- 
*Diedre Conkling*




*Lincoln County Library DistrictP.O. Box 2027Newport, OR 97365Phone & Fax:
541-265-3066Work email**: **diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org*
<diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org>
*Home email: **diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>

 “If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change
your attitude.”―Maya Angelou
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