Your Library, Your Connection
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
Learning about Artificial Intelligence starts at the library
Our new AI resource page shares guidance, tools, and best practices for responsible use.
Built for library staff and patrons.
Want to know what your local library offers?
Use the New Mexico Library Patron Resources map to search by location or filter by service to see what your local library offers.
Making Digital Equity happen
See what’s happening now! With support from the New Mexico State Library, libraries across the state are expanding access to telehealth booths, devices, exhibits, and more to help patrons get connected and build digital skills.
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.
Connecting Communities: A Library Approach to Digital Readiness and Adoption
NMSL Digital Access Playbook – Through targeted outreach to libraries across the state, we heard a consistent request for a practical guide to help build and strengthen digital equity programs. This playbook was created in response to that need. It provides a step by step framework for libraries and their partners to design and implement a digital equity program that expands technology access and opportunity for their communities. From community outreach and asset mapping to building partnerships, creating a digital needs plan, and launching programs, this guide is designed to help libraries reach more patrons and make meaningful, sustainable impact. – New
Explore Digital Resources and Opportunities
Free Virtual Classes
- Confused by tech? We’ve got you. The New Mexico State Library is excited to launch a new free learning platform, thanks to funding from the United States Department of Agriculture. In partnership with GetSetUp, learn to master Google, Microsoft, Apple tools—and learn how to outsmart online scams. Live and on demand classes, zero fluff, real results. Stay safe online and do more with your devices. Click on the logo to get started and sign up for a free account.
- Free virtual learning offered on digital literacy for older people – Santa Fe New Mexican article
- GetSetUp Data Performance Portal – Top performance data from libraries statewide – New
Digital Skills
- 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)
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 and Certification – OATS from AARP
- Digital Navigator Training – Recording, Slides and Resources
- Digital Navigator Training Program and Certification – World Education
- Online Safety Tutorial
- Digital Equity Researcher Inventory
- NTEN Learn Courses
- Digital Navigator Findings Report, 2024-2025 – 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
- Marylanders Online: 1-866-206-8467 – New
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 Mexico Black Leadership Council – Uplift Program
- Borderplex Connect – Digital Skills
- Goodwill Industries of New Mexico – GoodSkills
- Mycelia Foundation – 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 – University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
- Network of the National Library of Medicine – Trainings
- Ten Vital Services
- New Mexico Telehealth Alliance
- Center for Connected Health Policy
- HealthInno
- Virtual Visits – Patient tip sheets for Virtual Visits (Teladoc) and Zoom
- American Academy of Family Physicians – New
- NMDOH Immunization Program – New
- American Geriatrics Society – New
- American Academy of Pediatrics – 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
- Council of Citizens with Low Vision International – New
- TechOWL (affiliated with Temple University, PA) – New
- Deaf Hearing Communication Center (based in PA) – New
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging – New
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (Mobile Reading Apps) – New
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (Magnifying Reading Devices) – 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”
