Establishing Digital Literacy as a Core Public Library Service. Edmonton Public Library.

1. Library Leaders Digital Strategy Summit
Computers in Libraries 2016
Strategy Challenges & Considerations
Establishing Digital Literacy as a
Core Public Library Service
Pam Ryan, Director, Collections & Technology

2. About EPL
• One Library, One Staff, One Collection
• Community-led
• 18 branches
• 2 eplGO storefronts
• 2 epl2GO literacy vans
• 2 community-based lending machines
• $58 million (2014); ~470 FTE
• 878,000 Edmontonians
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4. 2015 American Library Association (ALA)
Presidential Citation for Innovative
International Library Project:
EPL’s Digital Literacy as a Core Service model
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5. • Staff regularly fielding customer requests
for technology and device help
• Inconsistent staff skill and confidence to
address them
• Uncertainty about priority of technology
help questions
• Some fear and resistance
• Poor service
Then (2011)
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6. • On-demand Tech Help in every branch, an
integrated part of customer service
• Adoption of a co-learning attitude
• Digital literacy programs in every branch
• Best-in-class EPL Makerspace
• Mini-makerspace equipment in all branches
and 2 literacy vans
• Maker / STEAM programming in every
branch
Now (2016)
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7. • 2011-2013 Business Plan goals
• Digital Literacy Initiatives unit
• Discovery Service model
• Investment in technology
• Investment in staff training
• New services + programs
How (2011-2015)
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Champion digital
literacy services
Provide staff with a
digital technology
sandbox for training
and programs
Provide staff with
training and support
to build their digital
literacy skills
Develop and support
creation of digital
literacy services and
programs
Digital Literacy Initiatives

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17. New Programs, New Communities

19. Pam Ryan, Director, Collections & Technology
pryan@epl.ca
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