ALA Digital Inclusion Survey

Excerpted from District Dispatch: The Official ALA Washington Office Blog, 10/23/2013

The Digital Inclusion Survey: A new way to define your library 

You have until November 15, 2013, to complete the survey. In addition to the survey questions, libraries are requested to complete a broadband speed test (speed capture is automatic).

Is your library meeting the digital needs of your community?

The easiest way to answer this burning question is to participate in the Digital Inclusion Survey, which will generate unique data to illustrate the role your library plays in digital literacy, economic and workforce development, health and wellness, civic engagement, e-government, and public access to the internet.

The survey findings will highlight the unique attributes of library services for community well-being, and what libraries provide that few other community-based entities can provide.

Most importantly, for the first time, participating libraries will be able to see their individual library data within a community context with an interactive mapping feature.

The map incorporates data from the U.S. Census, American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Center for Education Statistics, generating library-specific data for general demographics, household income, unemployment rates, education attainment, English proficiency, and more.

You will be able to view the breakout for your library not only for your full service area, but by neighborhood. The map includes a drawing tool that allowing for customized area selection and analysis.