Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. -- American Library Association

The New York State Library is participating in many statewide and national initiatives to promote digital literacy in libraries.


ConnectED Initiativeexternal link opens in a new window
A Federal initiative to "connect 99 percent of America’s students to the internet through high-speed broadband and high-speed wireless within 5 years"

Broadbandexpress at your library banner; click here to go to the site
New York State Library Broadband Technology Program (BTOP) Grant Project

Diglitny.org -- Digital Literacy in New York logoexternal link opens in a new window


" New York Libraries: Leading the Way to Digital Literacy"; a State Library partnership with the New York Library Association

DIGITALLITERACY.GOV logoexternal link opens in a new window
"Your destination for digital literacy resources and collaboration"

Broadband Adoption Toolkit
2013 external link opens in a new window

From the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA); includes resource links


everyoneon.org logo external link opens in a new window

 Libraries can increase their visibility as centers for digital learning by participating in the national ad campaign, EveryoneOn, which works to ensure that all Americans have access to free digital literacy training. EveryoneOn is powered by Connect2Competeexternal link opens in a new window, a national nonprofit bringing high-speed Internet and computers to millions of unconnected Americans.


Edge Initiative external link opens in a new window

 A new initiative to help library staff understand best practices in public access technology services and communicate the value of these services to community leaders.

Gigabit Libraries Network logo external link opens in a new window

 The Gigabit Libraries Network (GLN) has announced an exciting new pilot project, Super Wifi. The Pilot will give qualifying libraries a pilot system to connect to super wifi. Super wifi has a larger range than traditional wifi and can pass more easily through buildings and walls.

impactsurvey.org logo external link opens in a new window

 A user-friendly, online survey instrument available to all public libraries at no cost to use for patron data collection. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the University of Washington.
COSLA logoReference Guide to National Projects: Digital Literacy, Broadband Adoption, and Digital Inclusion external link opens in a new window "This guide is brought to you by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) through their Public Access Technology Community, which is generously supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation." (updated September 2014)
webjunction logo State Library Guidebook: Support for Digital Literacy in Public Libraries external link opens in a new window "This digital literacy guidebook was created under a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and is designed for state libraries to use in exploring potential state-level investments and partnerships that advance digital literacy."
Last Updated: May 9, 2019