Interactive Public Library/Community Mapping Tool

As part of the larger Digital Inclusion Survey, the mapping tool interactively shows public library digital inclusion services and community-level data. The tool enables libraries to better understand the communities they serve with key education, demographic, health, and workforce/economic data as well as overlaying public library public access technology, digital literacy, and program data.

















Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and conducted by the American Library Association (ALA), the Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC) at the University of Maryland, and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), this study conducts a national survey of public libraries that explores the digital inclusion roles of public libraries in four key areas:

  1. Public access technology infrastructure resources and capacity (e.g., public access workstations; broadband connectivity).

  2. Digital content, services, and accessibility.

  3. Digital literacy (including languages in which instruction is offered).

  4. Domains-specific services and programs (civic engagement, education, health and wellness, and workforce/employment).


Equipped with a better understanding of the information access solutions provided at public libraries, the Digital Inclusion study  seeks to address how these services resonate within the context of their surrounding communities.












Lib2gov.org


Designed as an engagement platform for library and government agency collaboration around digital/e-government services and has four goals:


  1. 1.To provide resources that help librarians think about how best to engage in e-government services in their libraries.

  2. 2.To provide communication tools to build and deepen relationships between librarians and government agencies.

  3. 3.To provide communication tools to facilitate the building of a community of practice among and between librarians to share best practice e-government engagement programs and services that meet community needs.

  4. 4.To identify selected and key government agency information, resources and services to assist librarians in meeting patron e-government needs.

 

Selected Projects