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G2S Project Code: 2020-MN-85647
State: Minnesota
Fiscal Year: 2020

Grantee
State Library Services - Minnesota Department of Education

Project Director
Director Name: Hannah Buckland
Director Phone: 651-582-8792
Director Email: hannah.buckland@state.mn.us

General Information
Title: Digital Navigator Pilot Project
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The purpose of this grant was to support the piloting of a scalable Digital Navigator program led by BIPOC navigators and focused on using digital access to support the holistic wellbeing of BIPOC youth and families in partnership with public libraries. This program will serve as a model for future Digital Navigator work in Minnesota.

Typically, approaches to digital inclusion address three concrete areas: internet connectivity, device access, and digital literacy skills. Unfortunately, in the context of BIPOC communities, this seemingly straightforward method fails to recognize and respond to systemic racism as well as past and ongoing trauma. As an unintended consequence, a harmful status quo—in which well-meaning white navigators provide BIPOC individuals with culturally unresponsive (and thus further traumatizing) services—remains in place.

This project supported a partnership between a public library and a BIPOC-led human service organization (MN CarePartner) to develop a culturally-responsive, trauma-informed Digital Navigator program. By placing a BIPOC-led organization in the position of power within this partnership, we anticipated the outcome would be a Digital Navigator program that connects to BIPOC communities in new, deeper ways that foster healing rather than perpetuate harm. This, in turn, will inform the shape and direction of future public library-based Digital Navigator work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Goal: Libraries respond to diverse community needs

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$246,380.30

$0.00

$246,380.30

Intent(s)
Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.
Health & Wellness
Digital Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: 1:1 Digital Literacy Instruction
Narrative: The Digital Navigator held 1:1 appointments within and outside of library facilities (such as in subsidized housing and adult day centers). Patrons who were referred or who self-referred to this service were adults, mostly BIPOC, who had initially requested technology assistance in order to complete an online application or virtual appointment in which sensitive information -- like health history, income, etc. -- needed to be discussed. The Digital Navigator, trained in navigating social service and healthcare systems, was able to provide digital literacy instruction to these clients 1:1 while maintaining all relevant privacy measures.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 220
Average number in attendance per session: 1
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: 26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
Unemployed
For what ethnicity types: Indian
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Pacific
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 2
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Small Group Digital Literacy Classes
Narrative: The Digital Navigator scheduled small digital literacy classes for groups of patrons who had similar digital literacy needs and whose questions could be comfortably answered in a group setting. Classes were held in a satellite Learning Lab established by the Digital Navigator at an adult day center. Topics included how to create and use an email account, how to fill out unemployment paperwork online, how to use health information portals, and how to use social media to stay connected to family and friends.

Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 10
Average number in attendance per session: 12
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 2
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Technology Acquisition
Narrative: Patrons requesting ongoing digital literacy instruction, whether 1:1 or in small group settings, were provided with laptops and hotspots to use to continue developing their skills and confidence in between meetings with the Digital Navigator. Laptops were equipped with proper cybersecurity software and loaned out on a long-term basis. Laptop and desktop workstations for the satellite Learning Lab at the adult day center were also procured.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 126
Number of software acquired: 50
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 2
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The largest impact came from the 1:1 digital navigation services, in which the Digital Navigator traveled to support individuals with basic technology needs. Participants were incredibly grateful for the skills that they gained and described the different ways it impacted their lives for the better. As they gained confidence, they were able to better access resources and basic needs. Additionally, the Digital Navigator was able to assist with referrals to other services, such as mental health, transportation, housing, financial supports, and vaccination information to support the person holistically.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
In the future, emphasis will be placed on helping libraries provide 1:1 digital navigation services in locations outside of the library facility (rather than in-building group classes). Future programming will also take a more holistic approach, centering individual's stated needs across all areas of their lives. Digital literacy is no longer a stand-alone skill; it is interwoven into nearly every day-to-day activity and needs to be treated as such.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The main takeaway is that there is not a more important time for a service like Digital Navigation. Being able to access applications for rent assistance, energy assistance, and county financial benefits is crucial. Many people desire to learn how to order online groceries for delivery, how to search the internet safely, send emails, add attachments, use MyChart, looking for housing, create online accounts, use a mouse, how to type, among so many others, to gain access to basic resources for mental, physical, and spiritual supports. Also, because of the pandemic and lack of transportation, there is a general need for Digital Navigation services to occur outside of library facilities. To effectively address the digital divide, the community needs ongoing support for digital navigation services.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
There is interest in expanding this project to include support for English language learners and to learn how this model might be adapted to reach rural communities.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThis is an innovative and often overlooked aspect of digital equity. This project represents something that can be expanded and replicated in other states.

Project Tags: digital inclusion, racial equity, health information