Amplifying Library Digital Equity Initiatives
Cambridge Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Inspired by our vision in which everyone has equitable opportunities to learn and thrive, digital equity means a Cambridge where everyone has equitable digital opportunities. The Cambridge Public Library (CPL) is building on our digital equity work to-date and expanding digital equity opportunities for the Cambridge community to address barriers to learning, working and living in today’s digital society. In addition to partnering with local nonprofits on existing programs and new initiatives, the commitment to digital equity has been reflected in the City’s budget including two new full-time Library roles dedicated to digital equity work. We aim to ensure that all Cambridge residents have opportunities to access technology and related learning and skills building opportunities. Our efforts have focused on serving vulnerable and marginalized community members—those community members who face barriers to accessing technology and learning how to use technology to improve their lives.
Challenge/Opportunity
A 2021 city-wide Digital Equity Study revealed a lack of education, tools and resources for patrons to navigate the growing digital divide. The study found that about 46 percent of patrons do not have a home internet connection. Nearly four in 10 respondents have no internet access or report having internet access but no laptop, desktop, or tablet computer. About four in 10 respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they can use the internet for essential functions like banking, contacting medical support, or purchasing groceries.
Based on this information, we conducted a Technology Skills Survey distributed to all branch locations and available at service desks. The objective was to identify what kinds of tech skills patrons are looking for, plus insights on what personal goals would benefit from skills training, such as gaining employment. Patrons reported that they highly desire assistance with mobile devices, with creating documents, and with internet safety.
Key Elements of Innovation
In response to this report and patron feedback, we developed a robust offering of digital equity programs to meet the needs of our patrons. We circulate Chromebooks, hotspots, portable DVD players, GoPro cameras, computer accessories and provide printers and scanners across our seven libraries. In April 2024, CPL started a pilot program circulating Chromebooks with built in Wi-Fi service. We offer basic tech classes, such as Email Tips and Tricks, Internet Safety, Intro to Google Docs, and more. We provide 1-on-1 tech help at three of our seven branches and aim to expand this offering to all branches in 2024. Through these 1-1 Tech Help sessions, CPL is building a community of driven and engaged patrons looking to improve their tech skills. It is imperative to the community members attending these sessions to build the tech skills essential to succeed in an increasingly digitally dependent world. We also connect patrons to affordable internet solutions, when available.
Achieved Outcomes
In the first 9 months of FY24, CPL held 153 Digital Equity programs attended by 491 patrons, connected 385,459 patron devices with Wi-Fi sessions inside the Library, and provided patrons with 57,972 internet computer sessions from a desktop at a Library. From July-April 2024, staff hosted 176 Tech Help Sessions for 340 patrons across three libraries.
Through these programs and help sessions, CPL is building a community of motivated patrons seeking to improve their tech skills and access- skills that are essential to participating in civic life here in Cambridge and beyond. Our next steps are implementing Mass. Broadband Institute funding toward a Digital Navigators Program, which will connect residents to a wide array of social service and digital supports. Patrons report leaving our sessions feeling confident and knowledgeable of the technical tools they need. For a patron who's hard of hearing, feels self-conscious and get lost easily, the 1-1s help them "feel self-sufficient!"
