Learning Circles and Patron Engagement
As some of you may know, Learning Circles are a model of blended or distance learning that libraries and other organizations have been using to engage adults in learning various subjects including technology and computer skills. They are study groups for people who want to take online classes together and in person. It's a peer-supported educational model, founded in 2014 where learners meet face-to-face at a regularly scheduled time and work on an online course or study program collaboratively, along with light-touch facilitation by a group facilitator.
More information about existing Learning Circles and starting one at your library can be found at: https://www.p2pu.org/en/facilitate/
NNLM Funding Available for Health Literacy Programs
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) has funding opportunities available for public libraries to promote health literacy in public libraries. This includes funding to increase technology access to, and promote community engagement with, both health literacy resources and the National Institute of Health's "All of Us" Research Program.
Funding opportunities range from up to $5,000 to $15,000 and applications close April 5. Learn more and/or apply at NNLM Funding.
You can also learn more about NNLM's partnership with the Public Library Association, to learn more about the "All of Us" Research Program.
Adult Literacy XPrize App Contest in April
From April to August, Rhode Islanders will have free access to four engaging mobile apps for adult literacy as part of Adult Literacy XPRIZE Communities Competition. The $7 million Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE presented by Dollar General Literacy Foundation is a global competition challenging teams to develop mobile applications for existing smart devices that result in the greatest increase in literacy skills among participating adult learners in just 12 months.
The four top apps from the competition will be made free to communities around the nation, who will compete for cash prizes for distributing the most apps, as measured by the number of downloads and log-ins. Look for details about the apps and the competition next month!
ALA Library Technology Reports (April 2019)
Access with ALA membership
Library Technology Reports (vol. 55, no. 3), "Micro-credentials and Digital Badges," edited by Emily Rimland and Victoria Raish
"Digital badges, a type of micro-credential, have been heralded for the last five years as a key trend in education to provide competency-based pathways to learning. Micro-credentials allow for a unique way to teach students information literacy skills. Many libraries may be interested in implementing a micro-credentialing program but may have questions about design, mechanics, and sustainability. This report will give readers much of that background information."
Tech for All: Moving beyond the Digital Divide
(A LITA publication)
Edited by Lauren Comito (February 2019)
"Tech for All: Moving beyond the Digital Divide Examines how the unequal distribution of resources between communities can limit access to emerging technologies. Chapters from librarians across the country give real world examples of libraries going the extra mile to bring more than just email access to their communities, regardless of economic status or geographic distribution. You’ll find practical plans put forward by working professionals who have sought pragmatic solutions to issues of digital literacy. Access is a through line in this work as people look at the larger ideas of access as inclusive of training, diverse technologies, and the time and space to make genuine growth in tech literacy."
Contact
Email: jason.ackermann@olis.ri.gov
Website: www.olis.ri.gov
Location: One Capitol Hill Providence RI
Phone: 401-574-9302
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olisri/
Twitter: @olisri