This blog post is by Matthew L., Workforce and Economic Development Librarian.
Since the 1990’s when computers and the Internet came to the scene, libraries have been connecting people and providing access to resources and information online. People come to libraries to take the next step, to get the next thing done they need to further their education, employment and healthcare. Digital Equity is the recognition that all community members deserve access to the internet, the devices to connect, and the education and training they need to best use those devices to take the next steps in their lives.
Pima County’s Office of Digital Inclusion (ODI) was recently created to address the three pillars of digital equity: broadband access, access to devices, and digital skill building. I spoke with the director of Pima County’s ODI, Michelle Simon, about the new department and some of the history around efforts to achieve digital equity in our community. Michelle started with the Library 12 years ago and has co-created many of the county’s efforts towards digital equity over the years, first as a Pima County Public Library (PCPL) Program Instructor, then as the Program Coordinator for Workforce and Economic Development, then as a library Deputy Director, and now as Director of Pima County’s Office of Digital Inclusion.
Broadband Access
On July 1, 2023, the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) awarded Pima County a $30.3 million, five-year grant to create a 134-mile open access fiberoptic ring around Pima County’s urban core. “This all started as a Connect Pima Taskforce that brought together County departments, Internet service providers, local municipalities, and community-based organizations,” Michelle said. “We started this taskforce to address the need of our communities, especially our rural communities, to have access to affordable high-speed Internet to engage in e-commerce and all the opportunities that this access provides in our modern world.” Read more about the Connect Pima Action Plan.
During the pandemic when Internet access became an essential tool for education, Pima County Public Library, with partial funding from the Arizona State Library through a Library Services and Technology Act grant, purchased 400 mobile hotspots to lend to community members for educational purposes. “The hotspot lending program started as an essential support for the Baboquivari and Altar Valley school districts, and continues today,” Michelle said.
Further, in partnership with Cox Communications, Pima County Public Library funds 120 free reliable high-speed wireless hotspots around Pima County where community members can access the Internet at community parks, Boy’s and Girl’s clubs, and other local community gathering spots. As you’re out and about, look for the network PCPLonTheGo.
Access to Devices
The Office of Digital Inclusion has begun a ‘Learn to Earn” program where community members attend a series of five digital skill building classes and upon successful completion, receive a laptop. “We use the library’s DigitalLearn platform and its basic skills training modules as the backbone of our program, which is offered in both English and Spanish.” Michelle said. “We are looking forward to evening and weekend classes, starting soon, as many of our customers are employed but are looking to develop their digital skills to take the next steps in their employment.” Contact the Office of Digital Inclusion at 520-724-7695 for more information about Learn to Earn.
Additionally, the Pima County Library’s Chromebook lending program is supported by the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund. “The library purchased 500 Chromebooks to lend out to customers. People are taking their Commercial Driver’s License classes or online nursing training, for instance, and need a device to access the Internet,” Michelle said. “Libraries are stepping up to address digital equity and are having conversations to prioritize efforts like these when budget planning occurs. The library is no longer just a place to go to access the Internet, it’s a place that comes to you.”
Digital Skill Building
In addition to the classes offered by ODI Digital Navigators at places like the Ellie Towne-Flowing Wells and El Rio Community Centers, PCPL refers people to Goodwill Career Centers where they can get certifications on various computer topics for their résumes. Also, PCPL’s library program instructors offer computer classes at libraries on topics like Windows 10 and Excel.
Pima County Public Library also partners with Literacy Connects to offer basic computer classes and GED programming at libraries. Literacy Connects mission is connecting people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression. They started offering English language learning classes with PCPL over 15 years ago and have recently expanded into digital skill building classes, in English and Spanish, at the Martha Cooper, Quincie Douglas, and Woods Memorial libraries.
Further, many libraries offer drop-in Job Help and Tech Help, where you can go in and get one-on-one assistance with:
- Job Help (Résume, online applications)
- Wi-Fi printing
- Internet and Email
- Saving, organizing and printing files
- Transferring photos
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint)
- Downloading music, eBooks, and other library resources
- Basic computer, tablet, or phone use
- and more!
Find out more information, including the hours and dates, on all PCPL’s computer & technology programs in PCPL’s Events Calendar. Visit the E-Library and Download & Stream tabs on our website to connect to all the digital resources the library has to offer.
