Oklahoma Department of Libraries

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project builds on the Federal Communications Commission?s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by providing subgrants to libraries to hire a specialist to assist the community in obtaining high quality internet services at home and acquiring the digital literacy skills to use it. It establishes a local resource within the community who can assist with technology issues and internet access, and who can also work to strengthen relationships with local, state, federal and tribal leaders through outreach. Finally, it will help local communities start conversations about how they might participate in future digital equity funding available to all states as part of the digital equity portion of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Activities of these specialists would include helping people sign up for the ACP, obtain their own low-cost hotspots (through PCs for People), explore options for low-cost service or devices through national programs and local non-profits, partner with local hospitals/clinics to demonstrate telehealth use, host digital skills-building programs, and develop community partnerships for future digital equity grants.

EVIDENCE

According to an AARP survey of Oklahoma voters aged 50+, 78% of voters agree that elected officials in Oklahoma should work to ensure that high-speed internet is available to all Oklahomans. Additionally, voters indicate the following issues are important reasons for the state to invest in developing high-speed Internet: 88% to improve access to education, 86% to improve access to online healthcare, 87% to prevent social isolation among older adults, 85% to help businesses be competitive, and 74% want the state to offer incentives to internet providers to expand high-speed internet to rural areas that do not currently have access.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Early in the pandemic, it became clear that age was a serious risk factor with the elderly accounting for over 80% of all deaths due to COVID-19. These findings resulted in strict quarantine measures that isolated them from friends, family, medical providers, work, and food services. AARP?s survey revealed a compounding issue - 61% of rural users aged 65+ note local internet access problems. Despite that, most (76%) reported using the internet at least once a day, and a significant portion (69%) reported using the internet for vital functions such as telehealth and paying bills. Compared to the national average of 15%, a significantly higher proportion (29%) of Oklahoma students live in rural areas with low internet availability. Those rural students face unique challenges with respect to virtual learning and digital inequity, with over half of them struggling with inconsistent connectivity at home. These challenges were exacerbated during the pandemic when libraries and schools closed leaving few alternatives for internet connectivity. Digital Navigators will assist these vulnerable populations by helping them attain internet at home and by empowering them with digital literacy skills.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

We will utilize reports and surveys to track the following: number of community members signed up for broadband benefits, number of users signed up for devices, number of telehealth users, number of outreach presentations, number of community members with internet access, and anecdotes from Oklahomans who benefit from the program. ODL staff will meet quarterly with the Digital Navigators to obtain data, answer questions, and encourage collaboration. Outcomes include percentage increase in the number of broadband benefits signups, percentage increase in Internet use and device access, percentage increase in telehealth users, and percentage increase in partnerships with local community organizations.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding