New Takes on the Digital Divide: Connectivity Needs and How to Help          

May 10, 2022 
10:00 - 11:00 AM

MLA Connect Workshop: Panel discussions featuring peer leaders and field experts.

In our digital world, access to the internet is a basic human need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we discovered how many people are still under-connected. Learn how to support the under-connected in this dynamic workshop about how to shatter the Digital Divide. Hear from expert Vikki Katz and Michigan-based library professionals about the difficulties surrounding providing internet access to everyone. Attendees will gain a more complete perspective on the current challenges preventing Michiganders from fast, reliable access to the internet and acquire new strategies for helping those within your service area from real-life examples of programs instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Goal(s)

What are the outcome(s) for participants? What will they take back to the library after the event? 

• Discover who is under-connected–both in Michigan and nationally. 
• Learn how libraries can serve the under-connected through library programs and services. 
• Brainstorm ways your library can address inequities in opportunity and provide internet access even when the library is closed.

Intended Audience

• Adult Services 
• Programming 
• Library Directors 
• Manager/Department Head 
• Library Students 
• Outreach 
• IT 

Speaker

Vikki Katz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Rutgers School of Communication and Information; Editor, Journal of Children and Media; Associate Editor, AERA Open Co-Author of Learning from Home while Underconnected Report: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/learning-at-home-while-underconnected/ 

Chris Rutherford, M.A  
Director of Community Mobilization Strategy 
Michigan College Access Network 
He/Him/His

Katharyn Haas will moderate Q & A 

Registration Rates

Member                      $25

Non-Member              $50

View Recording at
MLA Connect On Demand

Event Policies 

Consent

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, MLA meetings or other activities constitutes an agreement by the registration to the use and distribution of the registrants or attendees' image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions of such events and activities by MLA. 

Code of Conduct

MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, is expected to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities including those held in conjunction with MLA conferences, events and meetings, as well as online venues and social media.

Cancellation

Cancellations for MLA online and virtual events must be received in writing by e-mail no later than five (5) business days prior to the program in order to qualify for a refund. Within five (5) business days of the event, no refund will be issued. Registrations received within five (5) days of the program are not eligible for a refund. No-shows will be invoiced. A $10.00 processing fee will be applied to refunds for MLA Connect webinars.