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Public libraries are key partners in bridging the digital divide. This free on-demand webinar provides an overview of PLA’s 2023 Technology Survey and covers why your library’s response matters. The survey explores current assets and emerging trends in public libraries, including technology capacity, resources for patrons, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing. Presenters share how results from the 2020 Technology Survey have been critical to advancing digital equity initiatives from the local to national level. The data gathered in 2023 will shed light on how the field has evolved in the past three years and help position libraries for new broadband funding opportunities in 2024.

Originally presented October 12, 2023.

Information about the survey can be found on the PLA website and all U.S. public libraries can submit their responses via .

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand how their library can easily participate in the 2023 Technology Survey;
• Learn about key results from the 2020 Technology Survey and how they have supported digital equity initiatives; and
• Learn how PLA’s national survey data can be used for advocacy at the local, state, and federal level.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PDF)
• PLA annual surveys and reports:
  /pla/data/plasurveys
• All US public libraries are invited to participate in the survey at:
  
• If you need help with the survey or accessing your library's Benchmark account, email us at:
  plabenchmark@ala.org
• Libraries Connect Communities:
  /sites/default/files/advocacy/content/telecom/broadband/Libraries_Connect_Communities__020421.pdf
• "How Small Town Libraries Are Working to Close the STEAM Gap":
  
• From Julie Walker – Here’s one way we use the data we collect with our legislators:
  
• Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces 'Learn Without Limits' Initiative:
  
• Internet speed test:
  
• Free Benchmark 101 webinar (November 13, 2023):
  /pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/ondemand/benchmark101
• Chat Transcript (PDF)

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is relevant to public library directors, administrators, and managers responsible for data collection and analysis. However, staff from any level within their organizations are welcome to attend to learn more about PLA surveys and advocacy.

Panelists

David Lee King is the digital services director at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library in Kansas, where he plans, implements, and experiments with emerging technology trends. He speaks internationally about emerging trends, social media, websites, and libraries, and has been published in many library-related journals. David is a Library Journal Mover and Shaker and has written two books: Face2Face: Using Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media Tools to Create Great Customer Connections; and Designing the Digital Experience: How to Use Experience Design Tools & Techniques to Build Websites Customers Love. David blogs at .

Julie Walker is Georgia’s state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries and Archives, University System of Georgia. She has also served as deputy state librarian and program director for PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services), Georgia’s statewide library card program, at the Georgia Public Library Service. Julie is the president of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and was recently appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to serve on Georgia’s Council on Literacy. She is vice chair of the Georgia Certification Board for Librarians, and serves on Georgia’s Digital Connectivity Advisory Council.

Larra Clark (she/her) is PLA’s deputy director, policy, and is responsible for working with the PLA staff, board, and external organizations to leverage and support research and outcome measurement, digital literacy, and partnerships.

Katina Jones (she/her) is PLA’s program manager for evaluation and assessment. She supports Project Outcome, Benchmark, PLA's annual topical surveys, and other data and evaluation work.