Oxford, AL –The City of Oxford announced that Oxford Public Library is among 215 libraries across the country that have been given funding from the Public Library Association (PLA) this year to hold digital literacy workshops with the new Digitallearn.org tools. The Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive is backed by AT&T will help libraries that are of any size to hold workshops with DigitalLearn training materials that are designed to assist patrons in building abilities and confidence in using technology.
Oxford Public Library Oxford Public Library plans to utilize the DigitalLearn resources and the funds from this partnership to increase the digital literacy of people within the community. A lot of people in our community feel uncomfortable with the tools that are that are available to them, either through the library’s resources or just from everyday internet usage. The library is becoming more concerned about the information users of the internet receive from online sources, particularly with regard to health information. When they are more knowledgeable about the online world the community will be able to know where to look for reliable information that will help them make informed choices in their lives.
As part of this initiative the library will also have an electronic board that is interactive. The board will be used for live workshops in the library. It is also available to patrons who want to use DigitalLearn. DigitalLearn tools in a secure space. Users of the library can use this board to study according to their pace, without having to suffer from embarrassment but with staff members available to answer any questions or help to overcome any obstacles. This information will be available to patrons of the library in English as well as Spanish.
Director Amy Henderson observed, “Community is our main concern at our library.” Oxford Public Library. Digital Literacy is crucial for our community members. the manner in which they use and consume information from online sources impacts the how they live their lives. I’d like to offer our members the tools needed to get reliable information. Digital literacy is a crucial instrument in the modern world.”
PLA The PLA’s Past president Maria McCauley remarked, “Public libraries continue to play an essential role in offering digital literacy tools and resources for their patrons. The growth of this effective partnership together with AT&T to the 2nd time will ensure that greater numbers of families, communities and individuals will benefit from programs and services that improve access to digital technology and accessibility.”
PLA worked with AT&T in the development of digital literacy classes that are available for free both in English as well as Spanish via PLA’s DigitalLearn.org. PLA and the Oxford Public Library will help patrons use these resources in a forthcoming series of workshops as well as other tools which will be held by the Oxford Public Library; the workshops will take place on Wednesdays at 12:00. other tools will be accessible at any time the library is accessible. More details and the schedule can be found at www.oxfordpl.org/computers.
