DEPARTMENT:Library
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Ramiro S. Salazar
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED:Citywide
SUBJECT:
FY 2016 Digital Inclusion Fellowship award, granted by Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN)
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the acceptance of the FY 2016 Digital Inclusion Fellowship award granted by Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) in the amount of $59,836. The award period will be from July 18, 2016 to July 17, 2017. This ordinance also accepts the associated personnel complement of one privately funded City position and authorizes the Director of the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL), or his designee, to execute documents in connection with this private donation.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio Public Library provides several educational and learning opportunities in the community through the 28 library locations. Digital literacy is included in the complement of educational and learning opportunities offered through the Library. In FY2015, through the a partnership with AmeriCorps Vista program, an AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer was assigned to the Library and created a digital literacy curriculum as well as helped the Library pilot computer classes taught by volunteers at Central Library and Las Palmas Branch (District 5). The program consisted of two computer classes a week at each facility and attendance reached 248 for the year. The computer classes were a success and the Library is exploring opportunities to enhance the computer class offering and expand class offering to more library locations in FY 2016 and 2017.
The Digital Inclusion Fellow provides the needed support, by way of personnel, to the Library to achieve the goal to expand the computer classes available through the Library to the community. This fellowship also leverages the Library’s current engagement with the AmeriCorps Vista program.
National research shows that 34% of people who are not online do not see the web as relevant to their lives. While another 32% say they do not go online because they find it difficult to use a computer or navigate the Internet.
ISSUE:
The Digital Inclusion Fellow will complement the Library’s strategic plan through improving the opportunities available for digital literacy through the refinement and updating of current curriculum to stay on top of ever-changing technology environment. Additionally, the Library will have the opportunity to develop more sophisticated outcome measurements for our class participants.
The Digital Inclusion Fellow will provide an opportunity for Library patrons’ to increase their digital literacy and bring awareness of digital relevancy through additional workshops and classes. In addition to addressing the digital literacy needs of the San Antonio Community, the Digital Inclusion Fellow will also undertake a role of identifying ways to engage our community in issues of digital relevancy.
The Digital Inclusion Fellow focus is on creating a model for digital literacy for the Library that is self-sustaining. The goal for this self-sustaining model is the continuation of the digital literacy resources once the fellowship term concludes.
ALTERNATIVES:
If acceptance of this award is not provided, the San Antonio Public Library will continue to look for resources to expand efforts in digital literacy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of gift funds to support the associated personnel complement of one private-funded City grant position and the addition of several digital literacy programs that will create a foundation for a long-term digital inclusion effort in the San Antonio community. The City and San Antonio Public Library has been awarded $59,836. There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund and no additional personnel costs will be incurred as a result of these additional programs and there is no reoccurring commitment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to accept, the private award of $59,836 from Nonprofit Technology Network to support the Library’s digital literacy initiatives with the associated personnel complement of one privately-funded City position.