Library Hot Spots in Comfortable, Community Spaces

National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program April 3-5, 2013 Howard University School of Law

Marilyn Guidry, PhD, MPH, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania mguidry@cheyney.edu, 267-386-3009 Theresa Ramos, Program Development Coordinator, Free Library of Philadelphia ramost@freelibrary.org, 215-686-5372

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).

Meaningful Involvement
National Environmental Justice Action Council (NEJAC) suggestions for public involvement are: Encourage public participation in all aspects of decisionmaking Encourage active community participation Institutionalize public participation Recognize community knowledge Utilize cross-cultural formats and exchanges

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

Data Collection
Daily Hot Spot usage was tracked using MS Access, and Custom Guide
Interviews with computer assistants, agency directors, library staff

Results
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
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 subscription to 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.