Dear Colleagues,

We encourage all public libraries to participate in the new Digital Inclusion Survey, which is available through November 15, 2013. The survey will generate unique and valuable data in the areas of digital literacy, economic and workforce development, civic engagement, and public access to the internet. You can access the survey by going to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu. The Digital Inclusion Survey is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and conducted by the American Library Association and the Information Policy & Access Center at the University of Maryland College Park, in partnership with the International City/County Management Association.

Why is your participation important?

Participation in the survey will allow your library to:

• Get a better sense of your community's needs, challenges, and opportunities through interactive tools and how your library's services add value to your community.
• Communicate with decision makers about the value of your library's technology-enabled services and public access technologies.
•  Articulate how your library helps build a digitally inclusive community, supporting 21st century workforce development, digital literacy, education, and a healthy community.
•  Identify where your library's services and resources are meeting community needs and where there might be room for improvement or a need for new partners to extend the library’s reach.

Results from the survey and speed test will provide valuable new data for advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Please complete the survey by November 15, 2013.

How do you participate?

Go to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/ and follow the Complete the Survey button (or visit http://digitalinclusion.pnmi.com/). In addition to the survey questions (which are attached to this message), libraries are requested to complete a speed test. Instructions are on the first page when you log in to the survey. Speed capture is automatic.

Can you see the survey questions before answering them?

Yes, you can access a PDF version of the survey sections on the survey project website (or attached to this message). Please note that the print and Web surveys are slightly different (not in terms of the questions, but in terms of layout and presentation).

Can you save your answers and finish the survey later?

Yes, you can save your answers at any time by clicking the ‘stop and resume later’ button at the bottom of each survey question page. To get back into the survey later, use your ID to login, find your library and click the button that says ‘resume’ or ‘completed.’ You can also print a copy of the completed survey for your records.

Best regards,

Bob Keith

Data Coordinator

New Jersey State Library

185 W State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

P: 609-278-2640x192

F: 609-278-2652

rkeith@PROTECTED