Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion

By supporting digital inclusion, the Idaho Commission for Libraries assists Idaho libraries and Idahoans in having access to information and communication technology vital for life in the 21st century.

Jump to a specific resource category:

Broadband & Internet | Internet-Enabled Devices | Digital Skills Training | Technical Support | Online Content | General Resources & Events | Definitions

Broadband & Internet Resources

Circulating Mobile Hotspots

Provide mobile hotspots at your library

E-Rate and EOR for Internet

Internet funding for public libraries

Idaho Public Library Wi-Fi Map

Locate a library that offers public Wi-Fi near you

Lifeline

USAC’s Internet and cell phone payment assistance program

Internet-Enabled Device Resources

ICfL Grant Opportunities

Apply for funding to purchase computers and other devices

Idaho Assistive Technology Project

Support for individuals with disabilities with assistive technology

Idaho Statewide Contracts

Utilize statewide contracts to save money on internet-enabled devices

TechSoup's Refurbished Computers

Purchase refurbished devices at a discounted price

Digital Skills
Training Resources

Information Literacy

Digital literacy teaching materials

Niche Academy

Online interactive tutorials

Idaho Digital Skills

Free online learning tools to increase digital skills

Tech Life Unity

Basic computer skills for inexperienced users

Technical Support Resources

Broadband Toolkit

Broadband improvement plan for small, rural, and tribal libraries with limited IT resources

Digital Navigators

The ICfL’s free tech-help hotline

Library Technology Consultant

The ICfL’s tech consultant can help libraries with technology issues

Tech-Talk Newsletter

Weekly technology-focussed newsletter for non-techies

Online Content Resources

E-Branch

The ICfL provides free website hosting and support for public libraries

Idaho Digital E-Book Alliance

Statewide partnership that expands e-book and e-audio access via OverDrive

Idaho Talking Books Service

Free, convenient audiobook library service for Idahoans who are unable to read standard print

LiLI.org

Gateway for free access to online tools for Idahoans’ educational, business, and recreational needs

Definitions

What is Digital Inclusion?

Terms such as the digital divide and the homework gap are often used to describe the disparity separating those with access to the internet and devices from those without; however, these terms do not always capture the complexities of our digital age. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines Digital Inclusion as “the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes the following 5 elements: Affordable, robust broadband internet service; internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; access to digital skills training; quality technical support; online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.

What are Digital Skills?

As one of the 5 elements of Digital Inclusion, training related to Digital Skills is fundamental. The American Library Association’s (ALA) Digital Literacy Task Force defines Digital Skills as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”

What is Digital Equity?

By addressing the 5 elements of Digital Inclusion, we work toward achieving Digital Equity, defined by NDIA as “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”

Connect with an E-Services Team Member

Chelsea Summerlin

Chelsea Summerlin

Digital Inclusion Consultant
Email / 208-639-4175
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Doug Baker

Doug Baker

Library Technology Consultant
Email / 208-639-4173
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Marina Rose

E-Resources Library Consultant
Email / 208-639-4165
Read my Blogs

William Lamb

E-Services Program Supervisor
Email / 208-639-4135
Read my Blogs