Depending on the type of library in which you work, you may assume that someone is "digitally literate." Yet what do we mean by those words and how do we know if the person meets our definition? What can we do in our libraries to increase the information and digital literacy of our

1. Towards Digital Literacy
Jill Hurst-Wahl
@jill_hw
August 2012

2. QUICK POLL
What type of computing device do you use
for pleasure?
Smartphone
Tablet computer/iPad
eReader
Laptop computer
Desktop computer

3. WHO AM I?
Syracuse Univ. School of Information Studies
Associate Professor of Practice
Director, Library & Information Science Program
Consultant, Speaker, Author
A baby boomer who frequently acts like a
millennial.

4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpimagery/4564521012/

5. “Literacy represents a person’s
ability to read, write, and solve
problems using both spoken and
WHAT IS DIGITAL LITERACY?
written language. Digital literacy is
the ability to apply those same
skills using technology such as
desktop computers, ebook readers
and smartphones.”
Digital Literacy Standards for New Yorkers
diglitNY.org

6. WHAT DOES PARTICIPATING IN THIS
WEBINAR SAY ABOUT YOU?
You are able to use a computer & the Internet.
You know how to access a webinar.
You have access to good technology.
You are comfortable with technology.
Trying new technology doesn’t scare you.
You believe in continuous learning.
You are willing to engage in online learning.
You are different than others in your
community.

7. YOUR COMMUNITY…
 Generation Z through Silent (WWII) and the Lost
(WWI) generations.
 A percentage do not have Internet access at home.
In 2010, the US ranked 15th out of the top 31
countries in terms of broadband penetration. [a]
 Some have Internet access on their mobile device.
In 2010, 59% of adults use the Internet from a
mobile device. [b]
Must be able to afford a data plan.
Smartphone vs. feature phone.

8. YOUR COMMUNITY…
 “One in five American adults does not use the
internet.” [c]
 “The 27% of adults living with disability in the
U.S. today are significantly less likely than
adults without a disability to go online (54% vs.
81%).” [c]
 “88% of American adults have a cell phone,
57% have a laptop, 19% own an e-book reader,
and 19% have a tablet computer; about six in
ten adults (63%) go online wirelessly with one
of those devices.” [c]

9. BUT YOU ALREADY
KNEW THAT

10. DIGITAL LITERACY’S IMPACT
ON OUR SERVICES?

11. HOW DO WE INCREASE INFO & DIGITAL
LITERACY?
Create an atmosphere of acceptance.
Train every staff member to be teacher.
See every interaction as a teaching opportunity.
Create workshops and one-on-one instruction.
In the library and at other locations
Take the instruction to them

12. HOW DO WE INCREASE INFO & DIGITAL
LITERACY?
Create jargon-less library materials.
“More than 50% of students entering two-year
colleges & nearly 20% of those entering four-
year universities are placed in remedial
classes.” [d]
Change your attitude.
Understand that literacy is like photosynthesis.
It is the key to our long-term survival.

13. WHO CAN WE PARTNER WITH?
 The usual suspects  Others
K-12 schools Bookstores
Colleges and Media publishers
universities (e.g., recording
Social service studios)
agencies Artists
Service organizations Trade unions
Religious
organizations Use your imagination!
Media organizations
(e.g., newspapers)

14. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
QUESTIONS?