Encourage your municipality or county to be Broadband Ready.
The PBDA has a program for Broadband Ready Communities. Learn more about the BBRC Program and how your community can participate. The process isn't too difficult and can help ensure the right people are in the know about what's going on with broadband. Submissions are due March 31, 2025. Please email questions about this program to ra-dcbroadbandready@pa.gov.
The list of current designated Broadband Ready Communities (BBRC) is now available! Libraries should check the link to see if someone in your county or municipality has been designated as an early contact for broadband work in your community. If municipalities and counties in your library's service area do not have a profile, contact your municipality or county to encourage them to apply for the program and to let them know your library's assets.
Understand your library’s current technology situation and plan for improved broadband internet connectivity to meet community needs:
Consider what facility improvements you may need to facilitate improved broadband services for all populations. Be ready with a plan for when funds from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund are opened for grants in Pennsylvania. Could your library be apply for funds to improve access to technology for all by adding a computer lab or renovating spaces to improve technology access for all?
Update your library’s website pages and printed brochures and handouts to ensure that the broadband technology services and resources offered at your location are clearly and accurately described to attract people in need.
Take time to do a focus group or interview people who aren't familiar with your library's technology services.
Library staff need to keep their digital skils up to date so they can provide assistance to the public.
Be sure that your library budgets time for all staff to keep up to date and advance their own digital skills.
Assess staff Digital Literacy Skills. Use the framework created by Pennsylvania Adult Education Resources as a guide to competencies in 4 major areas:
Some library specific examples for staff seving the public may be more advanced: Do library staff know the following: :
How do library staff answer the reference question, "What options can I consider to get home or business internet service to my address here in Pennsylvania?"
Check out some sources to consult to assist patrons in understanding connectivity options at their address:
ISP Contacts List from PBDA
PA Broadband Map from PBDA
Library Trustees are an important leader to engage to ensure that the public library role in technology is clear.
Talking Points for Library Board Members:
Action Ideas for Library Boards:
Register for FREE as an affiliate member of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance here to have your organization listed on the website map and get a badge to share on your own media: https://www.digitalinclusion.org/join/.
Take this step to show that your library or library organization is committed to support inclusion and be listed on the map and receive a badge you can use to share that your library is committed to providing services (like public access computers and technology resources, secure wireless connections, and digital literacy classes or one-on-one support to help patrons learn digital literacy and complete necessary online tasks) that aim to close the digital divide and enhance opportunities for improving digital equity. (Somerset County Library and others have already signed up and proudly display the badge on their website.)
Where can libraries look to engage communities in conversation about broadband needs?
Consult the list below to find ideas for organizations that may be collaborators, partners, or stakeholders that may help your library better understand what roles you can take on to support broadband access for your residents.