Many libraries in Pennsylvania are doing important work to help people build digital skills.

Pennsylvania libraries and organizations are encouraged to share feedback and information to inform future planning using the Request for Information (RFI) below. Please share your professional insights and input during the comment period that ends February 6, 2023.

Summary: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is requesting information on successful approaches related to digital skills attainment and competency development in education and training efforts, the strategies our education and workforce development systems are employing to assess and ensure individuals are digitally resilient, and any challenges the education and public workforce systems are facing. DOL is also requesting information on strategies to advance digital equity and inclusion in the workforce. See the full RFI at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/08/2022-26461/digital-literacy-and-resilience-request-for-information-rfi

For some additional background:

• The RFI was created with input from the IMLS.
• DOL, in collaboration with Commerce, ED, and IMLS, will use the information collected through this RFI to inform competitive grant opportunities, further develop technical assistance, inform public policy on the expansion of digital skill-building training programs that facilitate upskilling the workforce, and address demands related to digital literacy and access.
• The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) addresses digital literacy skills by statute (20 U.S.C. 9101 et seq.) and funds a range of training programs in libraries and museums.
• There is a specific question asked in the RFI that may inform future opportunities.  3. Digital Equity and Inclusion: (e) How should the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences better encourage digital skills development in libraries and museums?
• American Library Association (ALA) also plans to file comments on the DOL request.  If you want to share a response directly to ALA so they can consider it for use in their submission, submit to their survey before January 25.

Reminder: As introduced at the GAC Meeting and in the Broadband Info Session for PA Public Libraries in December, please submit your library’s current adult digital skills program offerings to be included on the statewide Digital Skills Map via the form.  This project is a part of statewide plan: Advancing Digital Skills in Pennsylvania.