HomeMy WebLinkAboutJefferson County Rural Library District - Request for Digital Equity Navigator - $35,000Letter of Interest: Request for Digital Equity Navigator Funding
Applicant: Jefferson County Rural Library District – https://www.jclibrary.info
Contact: Dr. Tamara Meredith – tmeredith@jclibrary.info – 360-385-6544
Project Name: Digital Equity Navigator for Jefferson County, WA
Description: The Jefferson County Rural Library District is seeking additional funding to continue its Digital
Equity Navigator position for Jefferson County. Funding partners have included Connected
Students (Community Foundation), Jefferson County (CARES Act funding), and ConnectWA.
Costs have exceeded initial 2-year expectations due to substantial inflation-related increases in
travel, wages, and benefits. In order to assure completely independent funding for this valuable
county-wide service through the end of 2023, an additional $35,000 is being sought.
Impact: The Digital Equity Navigator is a community resource that provides people with access to digital
skills training, affordable internet access, and general support. Services include one-on-one tech
help, classroom instruction, and assistance with signing up for the Affordable Connectivity
Program (ACP). Clients are served at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock as well as at
the Port Townsend Public Library, Quilcene Community Center Food Bank, Brinnon Community
Center, and at the Jefferson County Library Bookmobile. The Digital Equity Navigator also helps
to connect patrons to additional social services such as food and energy assistance programs.
Statistics:
The average number of patrons assisted per month is approximately 26. Monthly totals range
from 25 to 50 people for all locations. The total time working with patrons can vary, from 15
minutes to an hour. This can be longer in certain circumstances, such as when acting as an
intermediary on support calls.
There have been 40 recorded requests for the ACP to date. Time working with patrons on ACP
requests varies but often requires multiple appointments. This includes providing program
details, acquiring required documentation, researching internet options, application assistance,
and subsequent steps once approved.
Digital literacy classroom attendance to date has averaged approximately 3-8 people per class. A
Basic Computer Skills Class has completed in Port Townsend and is now being offered in Brinnon
and Port Hadlock. An Internet Basics course will be offered at the Port Townsend Public Library
in early 2023.
Request: Salary (6 mo): $27,400
Benefits (6 mo): $5,800
Mileage: $1,500
Cell/Internet: $300
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TOTAL $35,000