2021-360-Library-SLNC adapts-Brindging service Gaps

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SLNC Adapts Application Orange County Public Library Page 2 of 9 3. Project Description a. What do you want to do to solve or address the need stated above? What is your project’s user-focused goal? Orange County Public Library (OCPL) seeks to fill gaps in existing services by addressing all three core areas of digital inclusion – access to the internet, access to devices, and skills to use both. The goal is to offer a package of services that can address a patron’s specific needs. Existing Services Orange County Public Library has had a wifi hotspot lending program since January 2016 that has seen steady demand, consistently having a waitlist. The library was able to double its wifi inventory from 75 to 150 in 2020 during the COVID-19 closure and has secured funding to keep the increased numbers through 2024. There is a longstanding partnership between the library’s Cybrary branch in Carrboro and the Community Workshop Series (CWS), a UNC School of Information and Library Science group that uses student volunteers to teach computer classes. The group pivoted to provide Net Navigator services while library buildings were closed. The Main branch in Hillsborough offers a Tech Tutor program, one-on-one technology help by appointment. This service was discontinued while the facility was closed and in-person assistance will be reintroduced but reduced after re-opening due to staffing limitations. Gaps in digital inclusion services The library has existing programs that meet parts of the need, but the goal of this project is to create a package that encapsulates all three areas of digital inclusion. The library will be able to provide patrons a hotspot, a Chromebook, and online and phone/video chat instruction. The solutions proposed are sustainable with existing resources after the grant period ends. Access to Internet This will be provided by the existing hotspot lending program. However, for the first time, the library will be able to package the hotspots with devices and training that can be used at home. Patrons without internet access or without access to the library’s usual online communications will be reached through outreach and marketing efforts. The target of this service is to serve the 5,000 households identified as having no internet or being underserved by current broadband access. Access to Devices The library will acquire 25 Chromebooks to be checked out to patrons. These will provide internet capable devices to those in the county who do not have a computer or enough devices to enable everyone in the family the access they need. The Chromebooks can be packaged with a hotspot or lent on their own, depending on the patron’s needs. Skills/Digital Literacy Three Zoom United licenses will support one-on-one assistance for patrons through the CWS Net Navigator and the OCPL Tech Tutor programs. These licenses include voice over IP service, enabling patrons who are less tech savvy to call in to a regular phone number. The United package also includes standard Zoom meetings functionality for video chats and screensharing with remote mouse and keyboard control for support. The Zoom client will be preinstalled on the Chromebooks’ standard account to make this easier for technology learners to use. The largest portion of the grant funding will be used to set up a customized DigitalLearn website for the library. DigitalLearn.org is a project of the Public Library Association that provides online learning tutorials for basic to DocuSign Envelope ID: 799D10E1-6741-4B45-AA95-1D8D63F71D71