@Two Digital Learning Center

@Two

Why Public Access to Technology Matters

• 66% of those who used the internet at a library in the past 12 months did research for school or work. (1)
• Parents with the means invest more time and money than ever before in their children while lower income families, which are now more likely to be headed by a single parent, are increasingly stretched for time and resources (2)

• 62% of American libraries report they're the only source of what's called "free access" to computers and the internet in their communities.3

• Some 77% of Americans ages 16 and over say it is very important to provide free access to technology.4

How the Carson City Library Can Help BRIDGE a Digital Divide

Targeted @Two Digital Learning Center programs can help create a pathway to help the community connect online with family and friends; understand and use Google; master basic computer skills with how-to instruction in groups and one-on-one; protect digital information and identity; print; manage online transactions, files and personal finance; search the internet for credible information; use email; make websites and much more.

• Longitudinal studies indicate that the effects of bridging the digital divide not only support basic digital literacy but also promote further development of skills at the next level.5

Low Income Youth Are Strengthened by Digital Arts

• Digital media arts and community linked digital production programs have enhanced technology skills and heightened student interest in learning among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

• These programs build on students' existing cultural resources using digital and popular media accomplishing both conventional and innovative curricular goals. 6

Sources: ₁, ₄ Pew Research Center. (2013, January 22). Library services in the digital age. In Pew Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/Library-services. ₂ Reardon, S. F. (2012, February 9). Whiter Opportunity? Rising Inequality and the Uncertain Life Chances of Low-Income Children. New York Times. ₃ American Library Association. (2012, August). ALA fact sheet #6. InPublic Library Use. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet06#plftas. ₅ , ₆ Mills, K. (2010, June 17). A Review of the "Digital Turn" in the New Literacy Studies. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from http://ner.aera.net.