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Assessing and Addressing Patrons’ Digital Problem Solving Skills: What Does Digital Equity Look Like in the Library?

Conference Year
Online Northwest 2017
Session
4
Type
Breakout Session
Presenters
  • Cindy Gibbon, Multnomah County Library
  • Judy Anderson, Multnomah County Library
  • Jill Castek, University of Arizona
Abstract

Data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) shows that adults in the US are less skilled in digital problem solving than in many other countries. How does that translate to our patrons, and what does it mean for how we provide services?

We used a digital problem solving assessment tool to find out if our patrons’ skills matched up with national data, and we mapped the digital skills we assessed to common library tasks. Results will help us take action to inform our training efforts, our digital presence, and how we advocate for our patrons. (100 words)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand how digital problem solving skills and common library tasks are related.
  • Have the data you need to advocate for digital literacy training and digital skill building sessions at your own library.
  • Bring some assessment strategies back to your own library.
Links
  • Assessing and Addressing Patrons' Digital Problem Solving Skills (PDF)
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