ALA Receives $486,000 IMLS Grant to Study Digital Services and Resources in Public Libraries

From ALA:

The American Library Association (ALA) today announced it has received a three-year, National Leadership Grant award of $486,587.00 from the Institute for Museum & Library Services (IMLS).
ALA Office for Research & Statistics (ORS) Director Kathy Rosa will serve as project director, and John Bertot, co-director of the University of Maryland Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC), will manage the survey for the study of Public Libraries as Providers of Digitally Inclusive Services and Resources: A National Survey Redefined. The International City/County Management Association (ICMA), another partner on the grant, will provide input regarding issues of digital inclusion at the local government and community levels.
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“Previous surveys conducted by ALA and UMCP have chronicled the growth of public access technology services and infrastructure in public libraries,” stated John Bertot. “By focusing on the role of public access technologies and services public libraries provide, this study will demonstrate the important roles of public libraries in building digitally inclusive communities.”
The Public Libraries as Providers of Digitally Inclusive Services and Resources: A National Survey study will take the pulse of public library service in the areas of digital literacy, economic and workforce development, educational support, and health information. Through this research and with the participation of U.S. public libraries, we will have the data we need to advocate for and adapt to the digital inclusion needs of our communities.

Read the Complete Announcement

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