SDSL's Cornerstone Newsletter

Earlier this month, it was announced that Grant County Public Library in South Dakota is one of the 160 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to conduct digital literacy workshops using DigitalLearn.org resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct digital literacy training in their communities and helps close the digital divide.

Grant County Public Library’s previous director, Jody Carlson, found the grant through an ALA email. Jody passed the information onto a part-time staff member, Joan Sacrison. Sacrison had grant writing experience from her previous career and proved to be the perfect candidate for the task.

Grant County Public Library chose to specifically work on bridging the digital gap specifically for English Language Learners in the community. When asked what inspired Sacrison’s passion for the project, she stated, “I saw, as an individual in the community, the frustration non-English-speaking people must experience on a day-by-day basis living in America.” Tammy Wollschlager, the current director, added that in the library’s service population, we could see many patrons not getting connected to resources the library had available, hindered by a language barrier.

When asked what their goals for the project are, Sacrison shared, “Our goal is to use this grant to offer English as a Second Language classes that will help the attendees not only connect to the many available library resources, but that they will also feel more confident and connected in our community.”

Wollschlager added, “Since this is the first time the library has offered any such classes, we are prepared for a learning curve and ready to adjust as needed as we move forward. The long-term goal of the library is to continue to work off the foundation set with the initial grant-sponsored workshop session.”

The library is looking forward to offering classes later this year. “The Grant County Public Library is honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this grant,” stated Wollschlager. “We feel we have been given a great opportunity and are working hard to ensure we use it to the best possible potential and benefit the most possible people with it.”

Registration is now open for the SDSL Digital Resources course. This two-week course is an introduction to electronic resources or databases provided by the South Dakota State Library. Designed for new library staff or any other SD library staff who would like to take a refresher course on the SDSL electronic resources.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Access the SDSL electronic resources
• Understand the different types of electronic resources SDSL provides
• Find technical help, training, and marketing materials

Students must have access to a computer and an internet connection. Students must register through the South Dakota State Library before completing this course.

Four continuing education contact hours can be earned for completing this course.

The South Dakota State Library provides leadership for innovation and excellence in libraries and services to state government.

Email: library@state.sd.us
Website: library.sd.gov
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Phone: 6057733131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibrarySD
Twitter: @LibrarySD

The SDSL does not endorse any service or product listed in this newsletter.