Sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, this study gathers primary data from main and branch libraries throughout Texas to identify areas of urgent need relating to digital literacy in communities statewide.
Researchers conducted interviews and surveys with more than 300 librarians representing communities of all sizes. The full findings of the survey reflect policy and administrative actions that may be beneficial in addressing critical issues confronting Texas library staff who want to improve their patrons’ digital literacy knowledge and skills. Data from interviews and surveys identified gaps and challenges that exist, and those findings are the foundation for the recommendations of the survey.
The resulting report, Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy, documents the many ways Texas public libraries are providing both formal and informal digital literacy training to their communities. According to the findings, these efforts account for approximately $70 to $90 million in statewide investment by the state’s libraries.
The following are some of the recommendations included in the report that focus on potential action areas at the state and local level:
- Establish a grant program related to digital literacy in Texas libraries
- Foster mentoring and peer support for small libraries
- Provide more programmatic attention to older adults/seniors
- Create local public library partnerships
Principal Investigator and Program Director for this project is James Jarrett, Ph.D.
