The following resources were chosen to support community leaders who are either:

1. Recognizing the importance of community wide collaboration to tackle digital inclusion and are in need suggestions for where to start.
2. Have existing digital inclusion projects and/or community collaborations and want to expand or revise current efforts.

Planning: How to Collaboratively Create Digitally Inclusive Communities

• Building Digital Communities: A Framework for Action – A resource for fostering digital inclusion throughout the United States so that everyone can take advantage of digital technologies. The Framework is structured around a vision for the future, principles that define digital inclusion, goals to make digital inclusion a reality, and sample strategies for achieving the goals.
• Bulding Digital Communities: Pilot - An OCLC project, funded by IMLS, to pilot Building Digital Communities: Framework for Action and document lessons learned.
  

Data: Making the Case for Digital Inclusion

• Libraries Evolve to Bridge Digital Divide – A written and visual resource that delves into computer and internet access throughout the United States and the role of libraries in providing the access and skills needed to bridge the gap between information and access. Published on November 21, 2018 by the online Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education.
• 2010 U.S. Census on Computer & Internet Use
  
• TechNet's 2012 State Broadband Index - Rates the states on indicators of broadband adoption, network quality, and economic structure as a way of taking stock of where states stand.
• Digital Differences from the Pew Internet and American Life Project - Who is not online, what internet enabled devices are Americans using and how is the rise of mobile impacting internet use?
• Exploring the Digital Nation: Computer and Internet Use at Home - Created by the U.S. Department of Commerce, this report provides statistical broadband adoption data, highlighting disparities among particular populations while also noting there is no “one size fits all solution”.
• Recent Tech Adoption Trends And Implications For The Digital Divide - A report of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, this paper focuses on the possible impact of smart phones on reducing the digital divide.
• Libraries Evolve to Bridge Digital Divide – A written and visual resource that delves into computer and internet access throughout the United States and the role of libraries in providing the access and skills needed to bridge the gap between information and access. Published on November 21, 2018 by the online Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education.

Examples of Local and State Collaborative Digital Inclusion Efforts

The following examples were chosen for their focus on collaborations, their multifaceted strategies tackling both access and use of communication information technology and the availability of online documentation of their work.

Chicago

• Smart Chicago Collaborative

Rhode Island

• Engaging Stakeholders, the First Step to Increasing Digital Inclusion. A BBRI Case Study.

Washington

• Communities Connect Network Poster – defines the issues and the impact of Communities Connect Network.  
• Washington State Law 6438-S2.SL   Signed on March 31st, 2008 by Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, this legislation relating to high-speed internet deployment and adoption includes the following:
  • Mandated “a statewide needs assessment of broadband internet resources”.
  • Mandated a “work group to develop a high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy for the state”.
  • Created the community technology opportunity program “to support the efforts of community technology programs throughout the state”.
  • Defined "Community technology program" as “a program, including a digital inclusion program, engaged in diffusing information and communications technology in local communities, particularly in underserved areas.  These programs may include, but are not limited to, programs that provide education and skill-building opportunities, hardware and software, internet connectivity, and development of locally relevant content and delivery of vital services through technology”.