The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.
Recent Activities
First Activity
Advised on and launched PLA’s new partnership with AT&T, which is a $690,000 grant that will update 10 DigitalLearn courses and develop 2 new courses, create a AT&T DigitalLearn site, and fund libraries to do technology training programs.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Transformation
Second Activity
Continued to promote DigitalLearn and work with individual libraries to purchase and brand their own DigitalLearn sites. During the period, one new site was launched (Miami-Dade County Public Library) and two new library systems started the process with PLA.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Organizational Excellence, Transformation
Third Activity
Advised on PLA’s partnerships with Microsoft, which include providing Wi-Fi access points to rural libraries to extend their signals and working with four urban libraries to promote skilling and certification and provide free computers to learners impacted negatively by COVID-19.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Transformation
Fourth Activity
Submitted a program, New Challenges – and Solutions! – for Your Technology Skilling and Workforce Programming, for LibLearnX, which will cover upskilling older adults, engaging Black and Latinx populations who suffered from longstanding inequities, moving beyond computer basics, and teaching technology skills virtually.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Transformation
Fifth Activity
Brainstormed on how the committee and PLA can address services to the formerly incarcerated, increase library focus on certifications and other training that leads to employment, ensure staff competency in terms of technology, and other issues.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Transformation
What will your group be working on for the next six months?
Completing the Microsoft and AT&T projects, orienting new committee members, reviewing potential updates and new content for DigitalLearn, and planning educational initiatives for libraries that help them do skilling programs for communities and for staff
Does the group have any policy recommendations, ideas with financial impact, or other items to bring to the PLA Board for discussion or action
No
Do you have any suggestions for future products or resources (excluding conference programs) to be developed based on your group’s work?
Over the past few years, the committee has brainstormed many topics and potential agendas for educational programming in various formats (day-long regional trainings, “micro-lessons” delivered via YouTube or Tik Tok, etc.)
Are there other PLA/ALA committees your group might collaborate with to benefit the work of all?
Given its increasing focus on digital equity, the committee is interested in strengthening relationships with the Black Caucus American Library Association, REFORMA, and others
Have there been any issues related to meeting participation/attendance for any of the group’s members?
No
Is there anything PLA could have provided during this time that would have helped your group with its work?
No
Submitted by Brandy McNeil on 09/03/2021