Digital Literacy Advisory Group
Charge
To help public libraries meet community needs related to digital literacy and use of technology; to collect and disseminate information on digital literacy resources, tools and strategies which might be applied in public library operations; to advise staff and contractors on the development and promotion of PLA's digital literacy products; to provide channels of communication for sharing among public librarians about digital literacy; to serve as a liaison body with the ALA Office for Library Advocacy, the ALA Washington Office, and others as needed on issues related to the digital divide and digital literacy; and to work with PLA Board and staff toward achieving PLA strategic planning goals.
Please note: Effective July 2024, the Digital Literacy Committee transitioned from a committee to an advisory group. The PLA Board approved this change in Fall 2023 to ensure standing committees remain aligned with the current PLA Strategic Plan, while advisory groups continue to support work that is critical to serving the public library field.
Deliverables and outcomes:
- Provide support and subject matter expertise for PLA’s digital literacy initiatives and educational offerings
- Research, identify and create tools and resources for public library staff involved in digital literacy efforts
- Increase awareness of PLA’s digital literacy initiatives and products by delivering conference presentations, webinars, workshops, and/or authoring articles
- Increase the number of DigitalLearn.org subsites
- Increase PLA’s ability to support public libraries’ digital literacy efforts by making recommendations for product improvements, programming, and professional development
Expected time commitment:
- Attend ALA Midwinter Meeting and ALA Annual Conference (4 hours/year plus travel time)
- Attend monthly virtual meetings (6–10 hours/year)
- Review and respond to emails and ALA Connect messages (2–3 hours/year)
- Provide subject matter expertise on priority projects (12 hours/year)
Desired skills, knowledge, or experience:
- Experience in providing digital instruction and/or technology services in a public library setting
- Familiarity with digital inclusion trends
- Familiarity with PLA products and digital literacy initiatives, including Project Outcome and DigitalLearn.org
- Ability to interpret and use data for decision making and advocacy
- Ability to represent the public library field and advocate for their digital inclusion needs
Categories:
Roster
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This committee will consist of 1 chair and up to 10 members (minimum 1 chair and 4 members).
Created by the Board of Directors at its Spring 2017 meeting.
To be a thriving, vibrant organization, PLA must have committed and active committee members. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please read and fill out the online volunteer form.
- Volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- Appointments are made by the PLA President and President-Elect, primarily in the spring.
- Volunteers must be members of ALA and PLA.
Join the PLA Digital Literacy Interest Group on ALA Connect to stay up-to-date on these topics and connect with peers on similar issues. PLA personal membership is required to join.
