Mission
The New Mexico State Library plans for a future where every resident, regardless of their background or location, has equal access to digital technologies, healthcare, job opportunities, government services, and digital services in libraries that support their personal growth and well-being.
Digital Equity
Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
Areas of impact
NTIA identifies five areas of impact in the digital divide:
- Health
- Education
- Employment
- Civic Participation
- Other Essential Services
Happening Now
UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center has created two new exhibits: Contagion: An Introduction to Infectious Disease and New Mexico Health History and Diabetes in New Mexico: The Story of the New Mexico Insulin Pump. The exhibits will be available for display starting May 1st. – New
The New Mexico State Library has secured Congressionally Directed Spending funding from Senator Martin Heinrich to support distance learning and telemedicine initiatives in libraries. We are currently delivering 179 new desktop computers to public, community, tribal, nonprofit, and Navajo Chapter libraries in need.
Through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico State Library is supporting telehealth in libraries. We’ve begun shipping and assembling ‘Whisper Booths’ at Aztec Public Library, Mescalero Community Library, Fort Sumner Public Library, and Octavia Fellin Public Library.
Resources
New Mexico State Library – Digital Needs Plan
- NMSL Digital Needs Plan – The New Mexico State Library has developed a digital needs plan that identifies four key barriers to digital access faced by patrons. Through strategic planning, targeted outreach, and cross-agency collaboration, we are working to bridge the digital divide across libraries statewide. – New
Digital Literacy Skill Building
- Digital Literacy Resources – Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Digital Skills Library
- Resources & Tools for Libraries | ALA
- Try a Free Self-Guided Assessment – Northstar Digital Literacy (Essential Computer Skills, Essential Software Skills, Using Technology in Daily Life)
- Free Technology Tutorials – GCF Global
Reports and Trainings
- 2023 Public Library Technology Survey: Summary Report – ALA Report Details Digital Equity Roles
- Learning Revolution: Teaching and learning with AI
- The Digital Librarian – Internationally recognized library technology consultant, author, and speaker.
- New Mexico – Census Bureau Profile
- Digital Citizenship in the Library – webinar recording
- Digital Navigation – Train the Trainer Curriculum – OATS from AARP
- Digital Navigator Training – Recording, Slides and Resources
- Digital Navigator Training Program – World Education
- Online Safety Tutorial
- Digital Navigators Overview – Community Tech Network
- Digital Equity Researcher Inventory – New
- NTEN Learn Courses – New
Workforce Development
- Verizon Skill Forward – Get in-demand skills for in-demand jobs, at no cost to you
- Building a Strong Broadband Workforce in New Mexico Report
- New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions > Job Seekers > Explore Career Options > Apprenticeship
- WorkforceGPS
Hotline and In Person Tech Support
- Teeniors: In Person Tech Support for Seniors
- AARP Senior Planet Tech Support – 888-317-3495
- Tech Support – Human-I-T
Broadband
- New Mexico’s Digital Equity Plan
- Office of Broadband Access and Expansion
- Calix Broadband Academy
- Broadband Office — City of Albuquerque
- Fast, Fair, Open Broadband for All | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
- Navigating the Highways of Connectivity: Understanding ‘Any Mile’ of Network Infrastructure
- From the Ground Up: Investing in the Human Infrastructure of Broadband
- How the Internet Works in 4 Minutes – New
Community of Practice
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance – Advancing digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act
- Computer Support — UNM-Taos HIVE
- Digital Inclusion Leadership Certificate – ASU Career Catalyst
- Libraries as Launchpads – Creative Startups
- Techqueria
- Encuentro Nuevo Mexico
- Teeniors – Tech Support for Seniors (Introducing Trish, Founder of Teeniors – The Kelly Clarkson Show) – New
- New Mexico Black Leadership Council – Uplift Program – New
Native Entities
- Tribal Broadband Bootcamp
- Indigenous Community Digital Coach
- AMERIND Critical Infrastructure
- Seven Star Communities
- Indigenous Broadband Networks – New
- Connect New Mexico Council – Tribal Working Group – New
Health and Wellness
- Pillars, Policies, And Plausible Pathways Linking Digital Inclusion And Health Equity – Health Affairs
- Decoding Digital Health: Inequities and Innovations – YouTube
- MedlinePlus – Health Information from the National Library of Medicine
- Reading Is Healthy Book Club Kits – LibGuides at University of New Mexico – Health Sciences Center
- Network of the National Library of Medicine – Trainings – New
Low Cost Device Opportunities
Accessibility and Inclusion
- New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
- Courses in nonprofit technology | NTEN (Digital Inclusion in Accessibility) – Enroll NOW with a Free Discount Code: ADI100 – New
Currently Detained
- AMEELIO – Combining Mass incarceration with technology – New
- Internet for All: Serving Incarcerated Individuals – Incarcerated Community of Practice – New
Contact
Bo Ford, Digital Equity Program Manager
bo.ford@dca.nm.gov
“Everyone is worthy of love and belonging”
