The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.
After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:
Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The Digital Literacy Advisory Group primarily supports the PLA Strategic Plan goal of Transformation and the objective of supporting “libraries in advancing all literacies and expanding meaningful and relevant access that results in community wellbeing.” Members provide input and guidance to PLA related to development of the DigitalLearn platform, as well as discuss training gaps and needs in the public library field more broadly.
Current work has increasingly has focused on the intersection of AI and digital literacy, definitions, and guidance. There is overlap among this Advisory Group and the Transformative Technology Task Force and the ALA AI Policy Guidance Working Group.
Work accomplished includes beta testing of the revised DigitalLearn platform and feedback to developers; review and input to training materials for the “Libraries Advancing Accessibility with Apple Tools” project; presentations as part of the PLA 2026 Conference and the upcoming ALA Annual Conference; and information-sharing about digital literacy training, particularly as AI skills building is increasingly important.
Recommended follow-up actions are to include more topics and focus on emerging technologies and to begin scoping deliverables that could be shared, such as a white paper looking at the landscape for library digital literacy right now (including pressure for one-on-on support) or best/effective practices or standards for digital literacy coaching in public libraries.
Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The primary opportunity is to identify and produce deliverables to address identified gaps related to digital literacy in public libraries and better support public library workers in this area.
What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
Same as follow-up mentioned earlier: include more topics and focus on emerging technologies and to begin scoping deliverables that could be shared, such as a white paper looking at the landscape for library digital literacy right now (including pressure for one-on-on support) or best/effective practices or standards for digital literacy coaching in public libraries.
Continue to review and advise on PLA products and services related to digital literacy.
What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)
Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
Yes, the overlap with PLA’s Transformative Technology Task Force and also the ALA Digital Inclusion Working Group, in particular, provide opportunities for more collaboration, plus progress specifically related to AI skills building in public libraries.
Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Not at this time.
Submitted by Pat Ball on 06/10/2026