New report looks to future of libraries building digitally inclusive communities

A new report explores the ways in which libraries throughout the nation are leading the way in building digitally inclusive communities that support individual opportunity and community progress. Titled "After Access: Libraries and Digital Empowerment", the paper shares research, resources and expert conversations gathered from a summit of digital inclusion advocates hosted by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP).

The summer convening explored how library professionals and their collaborators can best meet the changing digital information and literacy needs of their communities. The event was co-sponsored by the ALA Office for Research and Statistics and the University of Maryland Information Policy & Access Center as part of its Digital Inclusion Survey research, funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The summit sought to connect the Digital Inclusion Survey and related research to describe the current landscape; define next steps in building digitally inclusive communities; and engage the collective wisdom and experience of local and national experts to discuss how to advance the field in four areas: programs and services; staff training and capacity building; policy and funding; and research and evaluation.