Digital Inclusion Survey

NH State Library is encouraging all public libraries to participate in the new Digital Inclusion Survey, which is available through November 15, 2013.  The survey is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and conducted by the American Library Association and the Information Policy & Access Center at the University of Maryland College Park, in partnership with the International City/County Management Association.

 There survey is here:  http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu.  Start by clicking on the big orange check mark at the top of the page.

Some library directors may have already received a post card invitation to the survey because they were pre-selected as serving specific demographics.  We are asking all public libraries do the survey.  Please complete the survey by November 15, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is this survey all about?

The  Digital Inclusion Survey helps gauge public library service in the areas of digital literacy, economic and workforce development, civic engagement, educational support, health information and public access to the Internet.

Why should I participate?

It will enable your library to:

•  Get a better sense of your community's needs, challenges, and opportunities.
• Communicate with decision makers about the value of your library's technology-enabled services and public access technologies.
• Identify where your library's services and resources are meeting community needs and where there might be room for improvement.
• Interactively show public libraries in context with community-level data, e.g. graduation, income, unemployment rates, etc.
• Identify community impacts of public library computers and Internet access and demonstrate library contributions to community digital inclusion efforts.

How do I participate?

Go to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/ and follow the Complete the Survey button.  In addition to the survey questions, libraries will be asked to complete an Internet speed test.  Instructions are on the first page when you log in to the survey. Speed capture is automatic. 

Can I see the survey questions before answering them?

Yes, you can access a PDF version of the survey sections on the survey project website. 

Can I save my answers and finish the survey later?

Yes, you can save your answers at any time by clicking the ‘stop and resume later’ button at the bottom of each survey question page. To get back into the survey later, use your ID to login, find your library and click the button that says ‘resume’ or ‘completed.’ You can also print a copy of the completed survey for your records.

 How long will it take to complete the survey?

From 20 minutes to 40 minutes.

Learn Digital Literacy Skills

The Public Library Association's (PLA) new site, DigitalLearn.com www.digitallearn.org  is an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant-funded project to create an online hub for digital literacy support and training. The site launched in June 2013 and is intended to build upon and foster the work of libraries and community organizations as they work to increase digital literacy across the nation. DigitalLearn.org is being undertaken in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) as well as other national agencies, state libraries, public libraries, community organizations, and many others. Included in DigitalLearn.org is a collection of self-directed and basic tutorials for end-users to increase their familiarity with computers, and a community of practice for digital literacy trainers to share resources, tools and best practices.  Libraries can also enroll in their digital teaching forum or volunteer to help develop new training modules for the site.