Project Description:
Currently, digital literacy training and certification for adults looking to enter or advance in the workforce is a non-standardized decentralized patchwork of disparate service providers. Due to this lack of a cohesive system, the training and credentialing which is desperately needed for New Jersey’s workforce becomes:
- Nonstandard
- Of Disparate Quality
- Difficult to access (cost, geography, travel)
- Unstable
Additionally, as public libraries move into the new century, to stay relevant and serve their core mission as the People’s university, they too must adapt.
- Maintain Relevance
- Connect to larger resources
- Secure Funding
The goal of this project is to replicate the Plainfield Public Library’s successful literacy programming model across the state. Plainfield Public Library will leverage the NJSL’s statewide reach and connect to PPL’s proven system for providing Digital Literacy Training and Certification to:
- Create a Standardized and Replicable Library Based Digital Literacy Certification program
- Provide Hub and Spoke coverage of the state
- Solidify the place of public libraries as an integral part of the workforce development system
- This project most strongly aligns with the goal of all New Jersey residents having an opportunity to reach their full potential and to participate in and contribute to their communities.
- This project greatly increases access for Adult NJ residents to free high-quality digital literacy training toward industry recognized credentials to help them improve themselves, access greater employment and training opportunities, reach their full potential, and give back to their communities.
Definition of Hub and Spoke Library
Hub Library
A Hub library is defined as a regionalized public library based training lab as specified with certified trainers offering digital literacy services. They will connect with their local Workforce Development Board and American Job Center as well as other libraries in the area to create a referral and sending system that accounts for client intake, record keeping and data sharing, where appropriate.
Spoke Library
Provide space for digital literacy support using methods approved in the program and refer clients to their Regional Hub. A spoke library will be “attached” to the closest hub library thus increasing the geographic reach and support in the region. That Hub will be their main referring partner both to and from. Spoke libraries will in general be offering the less intensive and less formal services that are critical at the intake and first tier level of service getting clients engaged in the workforce training system and where necessary providing them the remediation to get their skills up to participate in the more formal training offered at the hubs and other training partner sites.
PILOT 1
Fixed Lab approach, Hub and Spoke Libraries
Program Goals:
- Create a library based Digital Literacy Certification program based on the Plainfield Public Library model that is standardized and replicable.
- Expand geographic footprint of services through establishment of 2-3 Hub and 12 Spoke libraries.
- Grow and interconnect library led literacy programs.
- Create central training hub.
- Provide access to free, high quality training materials, videos, classroom aides, and mini lessons.
2-3 Hubs – Max Appropriation $110,000
- Staff
- Approved Hardware/Software
- Furniture
- Other
12 Spokes – Max Appropriation $25,000
- Staff
- Approved Hardware/Software
- Furniture
- Other
Expectations and Activities:
Hub Library will:
- Be brought up to working status over the course of the first year.
- Hold one complete class cycle by end of program year
- Have computer lab(s) to spec or room structurally suitable for a computer lab to spec
- Seek to be as technologically/software uniform with program as possible for ease of instruction, Material production, tech support and permeability of clients and staff.
- Send their instructors to the Digital Literacy Bootcamp and other trainer trainings
- Ensure their instructors become certified
- Coordinate with and regularly communicate with “spokes”
- Have sufficient office space in the hub for administrative tasks (intake, reporting, AJC and other partner coordination etc.)
- Take part in one-off workshops and branded programing
- Use methods and materials consistent and approved in-program for record keeping, instruction, and advertising.
- Host IC3 classes, one-off workshops
- Coordinate with their local WDB, AJC, and Workforce partners to ensure coordination of services
Spoke Libraries will:
- Hire 1-2 support personnel to provide 1-1 support at the lowest levels of digital literacy
- supplement in-class time in Open Lab function
- Function as a “sub pool”
- Handle parts of client intake and referral to other programs
- Send support personnel to the Digital Literacy Bootcamp
- Connect and work with their Hub including providing substitute class support when necessary
- Provide space for “open Lab” style digital literacy support using Northstar and other initiative branded/approved systems.
- Refer Clients to Hub and help with intake process
- Take part in one-off workshops and branded programing
- Use methods and materials consistent and approved in-program for record keeping, instruction, client assessment, and advertising.
In support of Hub and Spoke libraries, Plainfield Public Library will provide technical support, training, guidance and consultation that will include but is not limited to:
- Train the trainers for the Hubs and Spokes
- Produce training materials and programmatic guides (Print, digital, video)
- Oversee lab spin-up and tech support for program libraries on approved purchases
- Produce and host the digital literacy bootcamp
- Serve as central hub for specialized trainings
- Coordinate service between Hubs, Spokes, AJCs and other workforce system partners
- Produce high quality, branded, media, training videos, and classroom aides for digital literacy instruction.
- Produce guides and procedures on program operations, workforce/ adult literacy system integration, client referrals and assessment, metrics and record keeping, and a variety of other topics.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.