Documentation, Informaiton & Knowledge ›› 2021, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (6): 21-37.doi: 10.13366/j.dik.2021.06.021

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Practice and Enlightenment of American Public Libraries’ Digital Literacy Education

  

  • Online:2021-11-10 Published:2022-01-13

Abstract: [Purpose/Significance]The implementation of digital literacy education is significant for public libraries to adapt to the development of Digital China and narrow the digital divide. Investigating the practice of digital literacy education in American public libraries can provide some references to us.[Design/Methodology]This paper surveyed the websites of 50 American state libraries, and selected eight of them as the research sample. An analysis was conducted on their digital literacy education programs, subjects and contents, as well as the methods. [Findings/Conclusion]There are several characteristics in American state libraries’ digital literacy education, including emphasis on collaboration in digital literacy education programs, well organization of instruction resources, satisfying hierarchical public needs, and multiple patterns both online and offline. Accordingly, Chinese public libraries need to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in designing or participating the education programs, integrate and well organize educational resources, provide progressive themes and contents according to the hierarchy of user needs, use reasonable methods and allocate practical space based on developing network infrastructure and digital equipment, and strengthen instructors’ training and pay attention to users’ feedback.[Originality/Value]This research explores public libraries’ digital literacy education programs, contents and methods from the perspective of educational system, as well as stakeholders’ cooperation, which will help optimize the educational system and public digital literacy level.

Key words: Digital literacy, Digital literacy education, Public library, American state library