WHAT IS DIGITAL INCLUSION?
Digital inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes five elements: 1) affordable, robust broadband internet service; 2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; 3) access to digital literacy training; 4) quality technical support; and 5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration. (Source: National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digitalinclusion.org)
ADDRESSING TECHNOLOGY NEEDS IN NATIVE COMMUNITIES: A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP, MAY 3, 4 FROM 1 PM - 5 PM EASTERN EACH DAY
These FREE online workshops will help tribal librarians learn practical skills to address community technology needs.
THE NATIONAL TRIBAL LIBRARY BROADBAND COUNCIL
The National Tribal Library Broadband Council (NTLBC) is a national organization made up of tribal librarians, tribal leaders, digital inclusion and broadband experts, funders, government officials, and others who share a commitment to improving broadband access for Native people.
RESOURCE CURATORS NEEDED
The NTLBC is developing a page of digital inclusion resources. Please use the form below to provide resources you have found helpful.
DIGITAL INCLUSION SUMMIT
The Digital Inclusion Summit was held on October 19, 2021. The goal of the “Sustaining and Advancing Indigenous Cultures” Digital Inclusion Summit was to establish a sustainable structure for helping tribal communities and cultural facilities improve Digital Inclusion services. A final report with prioritized action recommendations will be released in early 2022.
IMPROVING DIGITAL INCLUSION AND BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE IN NATIVE COMMUNITIES PROJECT
The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of Arizona and the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) a National Leadership Grant for Libraries in the amount of $517,078 to fund a project, titled “Improving Digital Inclusion and Broadband Infrastructure in Native Communities". This project examines how a participatory community informatics approach, guided by Indigenous ways of knowing about technology and an affirmation of tribal sovereignty, can support the digital inclusion and broadband infrastructure needs of tribal libraries. The research conducted will inform an update to ATALM’s 2014 study on the role of tribal libraries in promoting digital inclusion in Native communities.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
