[Libs-Or] Request for Digital Equity Work

[CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO]

Hi everyone,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to do to bridge the digital divide in Oregon. Libraries provide public access to the internet, loan devices and hotspots, and help individuals improve their digital skills. These services are an essential part of the digital equity ecosystem that supports those who cannot fully participate in our current digital world.

As you may know, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)<https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs> authorizes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)<https://ntia.gov/> to distribute millions of dollars to Oregon in the next few years to help close gaps in broadband infrastructure and promote digital inclusion among groups most likely to face barriers in accessing the digital world. This funding will be managed by the Oregon Broadband Office<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/Oregon_Broadband_Office/Pages/default.aspx>, who is currently gathering information to help plan for the distribution of this money.

I would like to urge you to help the State Library work with the Broadband Office to document the important work your library does to promote internet access and digital equity. The data being gathered now will help determine which communities and organizations will gain access to federal funding and it is very important that libraries are well represented in this data. It is also important that all types of libraries participate in this process. Whether you help students, researchers, or the general public, all libraries have a role to play in the digital equity ecosystem.

We've sent a separate message to library directors asking them to complete a survey on behalf of their institutions. Here are some other things you can do ...


  1.  Encourage your library director to complete the survey. If they didn't receive a copy, please let me know.



  1.  Ask those library users that you know have stories about their struggles to access digital services to attend in-person listening sessions hosted by the Broadband Office across the state in the coming weeks. If they cannot attend, consider attending yourself and tell their stories yourself. A full list of the locations of these meetings<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/Oregon_Broadband_Office/Pages/help_plan_BEAD.aspx> is available on the Broadband website.



  1.  No in-person meeting nearby? Help your library users tell their story and use a library computer to help them fill out the Oregon Internet Accessibility Needs Assessment<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OR_InternetNeedsAssessment01>.



I know you have many demands on your time and we at the State Library understand the impact of these types of requests can have when you have limited bandwidth. If you are able to invest just a small amount of your time to take one of the actions above, I want to assure you it will pay off and make a big difference in the improvement of access internet service and digital equity in your community for years to come.



Thank you,



Wendy


Wendy Cornelisen (she, her, hers)
State Librarian
State Library of Oregon
wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov>
Office: 503-378-4367| Mobile 971-375-3992
www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>
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[Title: State Library of Oregon]

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