Public and Academic Libraries in Partnership: Advancing Digital Literacy in Illinois
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| Title: | Public and Academic Libraries in Partnership: Advancing Digital Literacy in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Elmira Jangjou, Sage Love, Melissa Blankstein, Ithaka S+R |
| Source: | ITHAKA S+R. 2025. |
| Availability: | ITHAKA S+R. Available from: ITHAKA. One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway 5th Floor, New York, NY 10006. Tel: 212-500-2355; e-mail: ithakasr@ithaka.org; Web site: https://sr.ithaka.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 34 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | ECMC Foundation |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Two Year Colleges |
| Descriptors: | Public Libraries, Academic Libraries, Digital Literacy, Community Colleges, Access to Internet, Access to Computers, Institutional Cooperation, Library Services, Library Networks, Shared Resources and Services, Case Studies |
| Geographic Terms: | Illinois |
| DOI: | 10.18665/sr.323317 |
| Abstract: | Community college libraries and public libraries play a vital role in bridging the digital divide by providing equitable access to technology, internet connectivity, and digital literacy across the United States. Community college libraries support students' academic success by providing access to specialized software, online research tools, and technical instruction, while public libraries extend this support to the broader community by offering digital literacy workshops, lending devices, and providing multilingual technology support. However, these two library types often operate independently, and through forging collaborative partnerships they could enhance their impact and reach. Through partnership, these libraries can combine resources to ensure that individuals--regardless of income, background, or education level--can access reliable Wi-Fi, computer workstations, printing services, and one-on-one technology support and assistance. This report highlights the second case study in a series of formal academic-public library partnerships, focusing on the academic-public library partnership between the Waubonsee Community College (WCC) library system, Aurora Public Library District (APLD), and Messenger Public Library of North Aurora (MPL). In this study, the authors provide an account of the nascent partnership's development, the technology services that are currently in place, challenges the partnership has encountered, and opportunities for continued growth and additional collaboration. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | ED677280 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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