TASCHA Repository

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://digital.lib.washington.edu/handle/1773/16289

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ConnectWA Coalition Digital Navigator Report
(Equity in Education Coalition, 2022) Wedlake, Stacey; Robertson, Amy D.; Velez, Veronica N.
Social equity is key to sustainable ocean governance
(npj Ocean Sustainability, 2022-08-10) Crosman, Katherine M.; Allison, Edward H.; Ota, Yoshitaka; Cisneros-Montemayor, Andres M.; Singh, Gerald G.; Swartz, Wilf; Bailey, Megan; Barclay, Kate M.; Blume, Grant; Colleter, Mathieu; Fabinyi, Michael; Faustman, Elaine M.; Fielding, Russell; Griffin, P. Joshua; Hanich, Quentin; Harden-Davies, Harriet; Kelly, Ryan P.; Kenny, Tiff-Annie; Klinger, Terrie; Kittinger, John N.; Nakamura, Katrina; Pauwelussen, Annet P.; Pictou, Sherry; Rothschild, Chris; Seto, Katherine L.; Spalding, Ana K.
Calls to address social equity in ocean governance are expanding. Yet ‘equity’ is seldom clearly defined. Here we present a framework to support contextually-informed assessment of equity in ocean governance. Guiding questions include: (1) Where and (2) Why is equity being examined? (3) Equity for or amongst Whom? (4) What is being distributed? (5) When is equity considered? And (6) How do governance structures impact equity? The framework supports consistent operationalization of equity, challenges oversimplification, and allows evaluation of progress. It is a step toward securing the equitable ocean governance already reflected in national and international commitments.
The Community Archives Center at Tacoma Public Library: Phase 1 Report
(Tacoma Public Library, 2022-04-16) Young, Jason; Trammell, Anna; barrow, dindria; Cifor, Marika; Jowaisas, Chris
This report describes the Phase I activities and outcomes of The Community Archives Center for Tacoma, which is a two-year IMLS National Leadership Project (LG-250126-OLS-21) being carried out by the Tacoma Public Library (TPL) with support from the University of Washington (UW). The overall purpose of the project is to bring community members and organizations together to carry out a fully participatory process to broaden participation and inclusion within cultural heritage collections. Phase I goals of the project were to finalize the project’s approach, build relationships with community partners, and engage community members in co-design workshops. These co-design workshops were designed both to identify design criteria for the Community Archives Center and to identify stories and material for inclusion in the Archive. Section 1 of this report describes the major activities carried out in Phase I to achieve these goals, and also lists resources generated to support those activities. These resources can provide useful templates for other libraries interested in implementing a community archive. Section 2 then describes lessons learned and recommendations from Phase I. These include the importance of engaged partners, best practices for building relationships with partners and community members, best practices for workshop design, and the importance of flexibility within community archive projects. Section 3 then summarizes research findings from Phase I co-design workshops. Key themes emerging from these workshops include the importance of developing and implementing a participatory approach; the power of framing community archiving as a process of developing personal connections to history; and descriptions of community priorities for what stories are told within the workshop. Finally, the report concludes with a large appendix that contains further reading and resources to support community archive projects.
The social, cultural & technological impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in family farming: the case of Washington State
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2022-04-30) Centeno, Matias; Garrido, Maria
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated transformations that we were expecting to happen in decades. The so-called "new normal" gave way to a covidianity characterized by structural instability affecting daily life, the fragility of economic systems and political cycles, speeding up technical shifts, and the dematerialization of human activity, caused by the increasing virtualization of a wide diversity of duties and processes. Even when the agricultural economic outlook illuminates some positive scenarios, farming is familiar with the whirlwind of uncertainties and challenges that have exponentially expanded by the dynamics emerging from the pandemic. Digital technologies catalyze the complex process settled by the pandemic, with cultural, social and technological implications in family farming that this research aims to capture. The main objective of the project is to identify the impacts of digital acceleration emerging from the pandemic in family farming and its specific challenges and opportunities for agrarian youth. The research followed a qualitative methodological approach, based on semi-structured interviews conducted with agricultors and organizations linked to family farming, living in rural, urban and/or peri-urban areas. This report presents the main findings of the field work implemented in two selected regions of Washington State, between September-November 2021. As part of the field work, a total of 20 interviews were conducted with small farmers, local markets associations, farming related non-governmental organizations (NGO), libraries, educators and public bodies at the County, State and Federal level.
Leveraging Open Data for Community Benefit: Process for Data Sources and Questions
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2022-04-04) Jowaisas, Chris
As part of the “Leveraging Open Data for Community Benefit” project, an exploration of open data was undertaken to identify and examine open data sets that could be used in helping public library staff learn about their communities and assist them in planning programs and services. We developed a set of criteria that we used to guide our evaluation and selection of potential open data sets. The criteria included the following: ● High degree of coverage, preferably national ● Data available at a usable level (e.g. local, census tract or block) ● Data published or updated in past 2 years - preferably updated on annual basis ● Accessible by API or download ● Data completeness ● Data cleanliness ● License / Use
Curbing Fake News: A Qualitative Study of the Readiness of Academic Librarians in Ghana
(International Information & Library Review, 2022-03-03) Daniel, Azerikatoa Ayoung; Frederic, Naazi-Ale Baada; Charles, Bugre
While fake news has been a common problem for well over a century, the emergence of social media and smartphones has escalated its spread. This study adopts a qualitative approach to explore the readiness of academic librarians in curbing fake news. Data was drawn from interviews with reference library staff and head librarians who were purposively selected from 12 academic libraries and evaluated through the lens of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions [IFLA] guide on ‘how to spot fake news’. The study revealed that although academic librarians were aware of fake news, they do not grasp the complexity and intricacies of the phenomenon. Therefore, the study recommends regular on-the-job training for academic librarians in identifying fake news. The Library and Information Science departments of universities in Ghana should review their curriculum to include training and education on problematic information. There should be collaboration between libraries and social media organization on curbing fake news. We support the call for information literacy, critical thinking and media literacy instructions to be embedded in all subjects with academic librarians as co-instructors.
Overview of Interviews: Leveraging Use of Open Data by Public Library Staff for Community Benefit
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-12-07) Jowaisas, Chris; Norlander, Bree
The project, Leveraging Use of Open Data by Public Library Staff for Community Benefit (IMLS LG-246255-OLS-20), explored questions regarding the challenges and potential benefits of the use of open data by public library staff. For the first phase of the project, 19 public library staff, plus 6 representatives from state library agencies and open data projects were interviewed. This summary focuses on only the interviews with public library staff. The interview questions are listed at the end of this document. For a summary of the interviews with the other types of staff, please visit the project web site https://tascha.uw.edu/projects/leveraging-use-of-open-data-by-public-library-staff-for-community-benefit/
Policy implications from a pandemic broadband adoption program for low-income job seekers
(2021-12) Wedlake, Stacey; Iribe Ramirez, Yvette; Carson, Kathleen; Jowaisas, Chris; Keyes, David; Houghton, Matthew
In 2020, many organizations worked to increase broadband adoption in low-income households. Our study examines one Seattle effort that distributed 197 refurbished computers and 174 internet hotspots to low-income job seekers. Using mixed methods including audio diaries, we found that programs need to distribute technology based on individual needs, recipients want assistance from people that they trust, and programs need funding to support organization system and personnel capacity and development. Digital equity policy and funding interventions should go beyond funding physical infrastructure (connectivity and devices) to better support the social and organizational systems that enable meaningful broadband adoption.
Recording: Open Data Challenges in the Public Library Domain
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-11-22) Jowaisas, Chris; Norlander, Bree
Public librarians are eager to learn more about their communities and to provide services or programming that address current community needs. Open data has the potential to answer many of the questions librarians are asking, but after conducting interviews and workshops with public librarians and public library researchers and advocates, we have identified three challenges that would benefit from wider researcher engagement. From the workshop presentation recording, learn and discuss the challenges of: 1. Creating peer comparison groups for public library branches 2. Understanding a library’s community 3. Answering librarians’ questions with open data
Open Data Challenges in the Public Library Domain
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-11-22) Jowaisas, Chris; Norlander, Bree
Public librarians are eager to learn more about their communities and to provide services or programming that address current community needs. Open data has the potential to answer many of the questions librarians are asking, but after conducting interviews and workshops with public librarians and public library researchers and advocates, we have identified three challenges that would benefit from wider researcher engagement. Learn and discuss the challenges of: 1. Creating peer comparison groups for public library branches 2. Understanding a library’s community 3. Answering librarians’ questions with open data
Leveraging Open Data for Community Benefit: Next Steps
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-11-20) Jowaisas, Chris; Norlander, Bree; Schwartz, Lindsey
This planning grant, “Leveraging Open Data for Community Benefit”, focused on exploring the potential of open data to assist library staff in planning library services and programs to address the needs of their communities. While the end product of this grant has changed in response to what was learned, the project itself has generated valuable information that will assist in planning the next steps. The team submitted a project proposal to IMLS for additional funding that helps to move this work forward and continues exploring the potential of open data in this area. The proposal describes how to provide opportunities to MLIS students to acquire and apply open data and GIS skills in collaboration with practicing librarians to address opportunities and challenges in their communities. Additional detail about the proposal, its structure and potential examples can be found in the “Next Steps” section of this report.
Creating a Digital Bridge: Lessons and policy implications from a technology access and distribution program for low-income job seekers
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-09-22) Wedlake, Stacey
Lower income households, significantly less likely to have a computer or internet at home, were disproportionately impacted by the historic job losses in the Spring of 2020. In response, a Seattle-based workforce development nonprofit in partnership with the City of Seattle launched a program called Digital Bridge. The program distributed 197 refurbished computers and 174 internet hotspots and gave participants access to the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment, online curriculum, and a technical support phone line. To understand Digital Bridge recipient needs, program impacts, and experiences of case managers implementing the program, we conducted a mixed methods study using a survey, Northstar Digital Literacy assessments, audio diaries, interviews, and a focus group. We found that most Digital Bridge participants needed individualized training and structured support to complete online training and look for employment. Case managers became participants’ default help desk without sufficient training and time allocated to properly support their clients. Participants did not use the technical support line but relied on family, friends, and their case manager when they needed assistance. Participants also wanted more structured support such as one-on-one walk throughs of their new devices and formal digital literacy training. After the initial pandemic shutdowns, more temporary federal funding has been allocated to support digital inclusion efforts. This study found that simply distributing technology will not get someone meaningfully connected; recipients want and need assistance from programs and people that they know and trust. Organizations implementing these programs need additional funding to support the time intensive personnel costs; funding cannot be limited to distributing the technology. Additionally, programs addressing digital inequalities need to work with broader social and economic assistance programs for their participants to access living wage careers.
Help is really necessary”: Case study of a technology distribution program for low-income job seekers
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-09-14) Wedlake, Stacey
Pre-pandemic, some job training incorporated technology access and digital literacy development for low-income job seekers but these were often neglected parts of programs and services. COVID-19 made them essential components and drove the rapid development and implementation of digital access efforts. Digital Bridge, created in partnership with local government and employment services nonprofits, launched in July 2020. The program distributed 193 refurbished laptops and 174 internet hotspots; recipients also had access to Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment, curriculum, and a technical support phone line. This case study details the process and lessons learned from a technology access and skills program launched in Washington State, USA for individuals enrolled in job training programs and career navigation services funded by the federal government. We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand Digital Bridge recipient needs and program impacts. Upon enrollment, participants filled out a survey and took a digital skills assessment. 15 of these also completed a series of audio diaries and interviews to share about their technology use. Four case managers completed audio diaries and participated in a focus group to give feedback on the program. This study illuminates the complete ecosystem of service support needed for participant success, the role and challenges of public and private sector support, and the requirements to integrate a digital skills and access program while protecting participant privacy. The Digital Bridge program put additional demand on and skills required of case managers and highlighted the importance of personal relationships for those needing to access technology assistance and support. We found that technology distribution programs and remote job training and other services need digital literacy support and training for both participants and case managers.
Digital Bridge: Providing Digital Access to Low-Income Job Seekers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Seattle Jobs Initiative, 2021-09-01) Carson, Kathleen; Wedlake, Stacey; Houghton, Matthew; Khoshbakhtian, Anisa; Keyes, David; Iribe Ramirez, Yvette
The digital divide has long been recognized as a factor contributing to the economic marginalization of low-income communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color (BIPOC communities).1–7 The pandemic transformed the digital divide from a long-simmering issue to an immediate crisis as schools, training programs, and essential services rapidly moved from in-person to virtual in March 2020. The City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development and Seattle Information Technology recognized that low-income job seekers were among those most immediately impacted by the shutdown and least likely to have access to a device and internet connection in their homes. As a response to the COVID-19 emergency, they immediately reached out to workforce development partners at Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) to determine how to identify those in need and establish a process for getting those individuals connected to the internet and ensure they had a functional laptop to access training and services. Together, they developed Digital Bridge, a pilot project to improve digital access for low-income job seekers in Seattle and articulate the steps needed for larger-scale program delivery and community impact. The Digital Bridge demonstration project launched in July 2020 with funding from the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development and Comcast. Employment support program partners included Seattle Goodwill, Partners in Employment (PIE), Pacific Associates (PA), Uplift Northwest (formerly Millionair Club Charity or MCC), and the Congolese Integration Network. Previous digital equity project collaboration brought in the Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School with funding from the University of Washington Population Health Initiative to assist with the evaluation and InterConnection as an equipment and internet provider. Between July 1st and December 31st, 2020, SJI, Seattle Goodwill, PIE, PA, and Uplift Northwest distributed 193 laptops and 174 wireless internet hotspots to job seekers and workforce training participants. These devices allowed those individuals to access the internet, training, services, and jobs while maintaining the social distance required during COVID-19. Digital Bridge was a challenging but successful pilot program. All partners are using the launch experience to improve service delivery. The work of Digital Bridge is continuing with additional funding. The authors' and our organizations' intent is that this evaluation serves to inform scaling, improvements, and the development of similar programs and the policies and investment necessary to deliver quality, effective programs for un- and underemployed job seekers on their career and digital opportunity pathways.
Creating a Digital Bridge: Lessons and policy implications from a technology access and distribution program for low-income job seekers
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-08-03) Wedlake, Stacey; Iribe Ramirez, Yvette; Carson, Kathleen; Jowaisas, Chris; Keyes, David; Houghton, Matthew
In the United States, lower income households are significantly less likely to have a computer or internet at home and were disproportionately impacted by the historic job losses in the Spring of 2020. In response, a Seattle-based workforce development nonprofit in partnership with the City of Seattle launched a program called Digital Bridge and distributed 197 refurbished computers and 174 internet hotspots. Program participants also had access to Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment, online curriculum, and a technical support phone line. To understand Digital Bridge recipient needs, program impacts, and experiences of case managers implementing the program, we conducted a mixed methods study using a survey, Northstar Digital Literacy assessments, audio diaries, interviews, and a focus group. We found that most Digital Bridge participants needed individualized training and structured support to complete online training and look for employment. Case managers became participants’ default help desk without sufficient training and time allocated to properly support their clients. Participants did not use the technical support line but relied on family, friends, and their case manager when they needed assistance. Participants also wanted more structured support such as one-on-one walk throughs of their new devices and formal digital literacy training. After the initial pandemic shutdowns, more temporary federal funding has been allocated to support digital inclusion efforts. This study found that simply distributing technology will not get someone meaningfully connected; recipients want and need assistance from programs and people that they know and trust. Organizations implementing these programs need additional funding to support the time intensive personnel costs; funding cannot be limited to distributing the technology. Additionally, programs addressing digital inequalities need to work with broader social and economic assistance programs for their participants to access living wage careers.
The role of libraries in misinformation programming: A research agenda
(Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 2020-10-26) Young, Jason; Boyd, Brandyn; Yefimova, Katya; Wedlake, Stacey; Coward, Chris; Hapel, Rolf
Misinformation, or fake news, has exploded across social media platforms and communities over the past few years, with serious social and political implications. Many library practitioners and organizations have argued that libraries can and should play a central role in educating the public about this emerging issue. However, serious gaps exist in understanding how libraries can create effective community education about misinformation. This article maps out a research agenda that researchers and public library practitioners can use to make libraries more effective sites for combatting misinformation. This research agenda is grounded in analysis of interviews and workshop discussions of public library staff from Washington State. This analysis reveals three areas in which academic partners can support public libraries: through the design of effective programming, through the development of tools that help librarians keep up-to-date on relevant misinformation, and through interventions in the political and economic contexts that hamper the freedom of librarians to engage controversial topics. Our hope is that this article can help to spur more expansive library and information science research across these areas and become the beginning of a longer and more empirically grounded conversation about how public libraries can achieve their potential for combating misinformation.
Data for advocacy: A Survey of data practices in African library systems
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021-04) Lynch, Renee; Jowaisas, Chris; Boakye-Achampong, Stanley; Young, Jason; Sam, Joel; Norlander, Bree
African libraries are drivers of development in their countries. However, many of these libraries struggle to use data for self-advocacy in order to gain wider support from government bodies, development organizations, and other stakeholders. The University of Washington Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) and African Library & Information Associations & Institutions (AfLIA) conducted a survey of African library systems to examine their current data collection practices, data use cases, and data needs. This report summarizes findings from the survey including what data is collected by library organizations; how the data is used; how data is shared; how data is involved in decision making; and the experience of data collection. 29 responses from 19 African countries were analyzed to highlight major themes and suggest possible next steps for TASCHA and AfLIA to continue to support the data efforts of African libraries. The findings indicate that library systems value data and collect it purposefully for a variety of reasons, and most respondents collect operational and user data. Responses suggest that more training and support is needed in data analysis and dissemination as well as general ICT use. These interventions can foster library system agency with and through data.
Public Libraries and Development across Sub-Saharan Africa: Overcoming a Problem of Perception
(De Gruyter, 2021-04-29) Young, Jason; Lynch, Renee; Boakye-Achampong, Stanley; Jowaisas, Chris; Sam, Joel
Public libraries and development organizations share many common goals that make them strong potential partners in the Global South. In spite of these commonalities, libraries are often overlooked as development partners. This is unfortunate because these partnerships could allow librarians to more fully and effectively participate in the development of their communities. This paper explores strategies that libraries might employ to make themselves more visible to development organizations. It does so through analysis of interviews with practitioners who have funded or implemented development projects across countries in Africa. We find that these practitioners are open to working more with libraries, but that it will take a lot of work on the part of public libraries to accomplish broad shifts in perception amongst development agencies. Collecting and openly sharing data on the output and impact of public libraries is a first step in this work, but these efforts must also be augmented through increased marketing and networking by libraries. Libraries need to build internal capacity to use data to drive advocacy efforts and attract funding from development donors.
Advancing Library visibility in Africa - Data Survey (Survey Flow)
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2020-08-01) Jowaisas, Chris; Boakye-Achampong, Stanley; Lynch, Renee; Norlander, Bree; Sam, Joel; Young, Jason
This survey is part of a research project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, that examines the current context and needs of library systems in regards to data collection and use across the African continent.
E-rate Funding and Libraries: Preliminary Analysis of Trends Post-Modernization
(Technology & Social Change Group, 2021) Jowaisas, Chris; Norlander, Bree
Libraries in the United States have access to discounts on internet and telecommunications services through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Schools and Libraries Program, also known as E-rate. While the academic literature on E-rate funding is sparse, especially when it comes to analysis of library participation, it does indicate that libraries have benefited from the program. Since 2016, E-rate data has been provided openly by the Universal Services Administrative Company. We use the available data to answer questions about funding commitments to libraries including total commitments, commitments per applicant type and geographical coding, and number of unique entities. We also discuss potential future research questions related to the data, both alone and in conjunction with other available open data.

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