Richmond Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program: A National Model for Volunteers and Digital Literacy Acquisition

From 2010-2013, the Richmond Public Library joined as a lead partner in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to study tutor facilitated digital literacy.  During the 3-year period, Richmond library’s program LEAP, served 1,933 learners.

​Findings from this three year effort speak to the value of our local library and its programs. According to the research, “The program designed and implemented by LEAP was first and foremost a people-centered process.  As a result, learning interactions gave rise to mutual respect.” 

The findings concluded that “libraries are especially able to connect with a diverse array of individuals who might not otherwise have opportunities to learn digital literacy or to volunteer…the impact of such programs goes far beyond the development of individual’s digital literacy skills and both expand and improve the overall health and well-being of the community.”  All of the research briefs and data are available from Portland State University's Literacy, Language, and Technology Research Group. 

The authors wrote a great summary of their work, "How do Marginalized Adults Acquire Digital Literacy? Findings from a 3-year Study." The Tech Tips for Teachers blog and website is a great resource for digital literacy instruction.