Research Team Completes Field Work on Digital Navigators Program

A team of researchers with the Texas Information and Policy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin wrapped up more than two dozen interviews and site visits across the state as part of its investigation into digital equity over the summer. 

Led by Prof. Sharon Strover, the team evaluated the Texas Digital Navigators grant program, which has provided funding for libraries across the state to develop and implement programs to close the digital divide in a meaningful way. Digital Navigators are skilled professionals who assist others in home connectivity, devices, and digital skills and were central to the research conducted. 

The team assessed the activities of digital navigators at 10 libraries across the state, including Austin, Lubbock, Mercedes, Dublin, Pottsboro and Martindale. Researchers interviewed librarians for their  efforts to close the digital equity gap in their communities, evaluated the implementation of grant-funded work at the ten local libraries and assessed the effectiveness of their programs to promote digital inclusion, access to resources and services and outreach. 

Key findings from their upcoming report include: 

• Engaging with patrons was central to success. Libraries that engaged with community partners and had established marketing channels had the most success with reaching individuals beyond the current library patrons.
• Implementing digital navigator programs was challenged due to the one year length of the grant. 
• Identifying and hiring digital navigators posed key challenges due to the competitive job market, location of certain libraires and length of the grant. 
• Promoting and advertising the Digital Navigator program varied significantly within each library. 
• Procuring equipment to carry out the program created major challenges for nearly every library. 
• Returning funds became necessary for some libraries due to the lack of flexibility in how funds could be spent. 

The research team will publish its report within the coming weeks. For more information on the Texas Digital Navigators program, go to: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ldn/arpa/digital-navigators.