Library Hot Spots in Comfortable, Community Spaces by Marilyn Guidry

National Environmental Justice Conference and Training ProgramApril 3-5, 2013

Howard University School of Law

Marilyn Guidry, PhD, MPH, Cheyney University of [email protected], 267-386-3009

Theresa Ramos, Program Development Coordinator, Free Library of Philadelphia

[email protected], 215-686-5372

Library Hot Spots in Comfortable, Community Spaces

Environmental Justice includes Meaningful Involvement of all People

• Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, income, and educational levels with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of protective environmental laws, regulations, and policies (EPA 2013).

National Environmental Justice Action Council (NEJAC) suggestions for public involvement are:

• Encourage public participation in all aspects of decision-making

• Encourage active community participation• Institutionalize public participation• Recognize community knowledge• Utilize cross-cultural formats and exchanges

Meaningful Involvement

Encourage Community Participation and Build Digital Literacy

• Expanding Community Capacity through Literacy including Digital Literacy

• Public libraries are an essential asset in urban communities as a source of internet access and a key to digital literacy, for low-income and underserved populations.

Libraries Bridge the Digital Divide

• The access gap and skills gap which separate populations with minimal exposure to digital tools, such as computers and the Internet, and those populations with abundant access and opportunity to gain familiarity with electronic media.

The Role of Public Libraries

• Ninety-four percent of public libraries serving populations over 5,000 people offer literacy services and resources (Horning 2010)

• Over 44 percent of people living below the poverty level ($22,000 for a family of four) used public libraries for internet access (Becker, et al., 2010).

• Public libraries are critical tools to address the digital divide in municipalities to fully develop the literacy of vulnerable populations

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Proposed Framework for Digitally Inclusive Communities

Free Library of Philadelphia

The mission of the Free Library is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.

Free Library Hot Spots

Two Hot Spot programs

• Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), 80 sites

• Knight Foundation, $760,000 operated four sites 2010-2011 for 15 months, pilot to test flexible models of library service delivery

Knight Funded Hot Spots

• Objective 1: To promote increased access to computers and the Internet for individuals in underserved neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.

• Objective 2: To increase participants’ computer literacy and access to training.

• Objective 3: To increase participants’ understanding and comfort with computers and the Internet.

• Objective 4: To increase awareness of Free Library services and materials.

Free Library Hot Spot Operation

• Four computer labs with internet access, and printers operated for 15 months at sites of community partners

• Each site is staffed by a Computer Assistant, supported by the grant

• Each site was provided with print and electronic resources to promote skill building (ESL, Job, GED, software tutorials)

• Weekly each computer lab offered 20-30 hours “open use” with one-on-one informal training opportunities

• Individual computers available without time limits

Community Partners

• Institute for the Development of African-American Youth (IDAAY)

• Heavenly Hall Day Care Annex

• Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia

• Village of Arts and Humanities

• Daily Hot Spot usage was tracked using MS Access, and Custom Guide

• Interviews with computer assistants, agency directors, library staff

Data Collection

• Proposed target was 20,160 community members during open use time and 720 structured trainings for 3,024 people over 18 months

• Actual number served was 32,956 community members during open use time

• More than 80 individuals signed up for library cards

• 85 individuals reported finding employment because of the Hot Spots during the grant period

Results

Results

• Attendance at sites improved with time

• Attendance was highest during summer months

• Most users were job seekers, youth

• One-on-one training is most successful

• Project-based training (writing a resume, completing a job application)

Results

• Convenient location and computer availability are fundamental

• Community Hot Spots provide a “sense of comfort” (i.e. support, trust, safety, and respect) to users

• Computer Assistants are essential for successful engagement with community

Recommendations

• Community members requested more computers and more hours

• Additional Computer Assistants at each site

• More collaboration between community partners and Free Library

• Frequent communication

Stories

As a direct result of the Hot Spots, at least 85 jobseekers were

able to create a resume, apply for positions online

and get a job!

Through our subscriptionto the CustomGuide

online training tool, 117 users were able to

complete 3,662 Online tutorials!

With over 30,000 visits, Hot Spots have

transformed the lives of thousands of

Philadelphians by providing access, guidance

and opportunities!

References

• Becker, S., MD. Crandall, KE. Fisher, B Kinney, C Landry, A Rocha (2010). Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries. Washington, D.C., Institute of Museum and Library Services

• Environmental Protection Agency, System of Registries, Terminology Services, Vocabulary Catalog List Detail Report, Region 7, June, 10, 2010 (retrieved March 8, 2013)

• Horning, A. (2010). "The History and Role of Libraries in Adult Literacy." Community Literacy Journal 5(1): 151-172.

• Institute of Museum and Library Studies. Building Digitally Inclusive Communities A Brief Guide to the Proposed Framework for Digitally Inclusive Communities http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/DIC-FrameworkBrief.pdf (retrieved March 8, 2013)

• Open Technology Institute. (2012). Free Library of Philadelphia Hot Spots: Final Evaluation Report.