Limerick Libraries Digital Tablet Lending with Vodafone Foundation

Description

Limerick Libraries together with two other public library authorities have come together in a pilot project with Vodafone Foundation Ireland and Alone to help empower the older individual to access digital technology. Through this initiative older people can borrow age friendly digital tablets from the public library. These tablets have been equipped with mobile data thus enabling participants to connect to the internet and discover the resources of the online world from the comfort of their own homes. The older individual can try out a Digital Tablet without making any contractual or financial commitment to a service provider. Participants also have the opportunity to access the wealth of online resources available through the library such as audio and digital books, newspapers and magazines etc. In addition the fee Hi Digital learning course is available on the Tablets and features step by step lessons that teach people how to access the internet, use smartphones, stay safe online, and identify potential scams. The Hi Digital course has been developed by Vodafone Foundation in association with Alone with the older person in mind. Pop up tuition sessions are also available at the Library in association with both Alone and University of Limerick student volunteering. Ths initiative seeks to address barriers faced by the older individual in accessing digital services and to make the experience simple and straighforward. By making the digital tablets free to borrow at the Library the project addresses barriers such as:
LACK OF ACCESS – The project provides free ascess to the Tablet, equipped with mobile data, thus eliminated the requirement to have an internet service provider in place or access to a wifi connection. The Tablet can be borrowed from the Library and tried out at home.
DIGITAL SKILLS GAP – The Pop Up Tuition sessions at the Library and self directed Hi Digital course seeks to address the skills gap faced by many older individuals, enabling people to learn skills at their own pace.
Developing access and digital skills can help combat isolation and loneliness. Digital technology can be a bridge to both connection and independence for the older individual. Limerick Libraries are delighted to partner with Vodafone Foundation Ireland, Alone and University of Limerick Student Volunteering on this project. Libraries support people at all stages of their lives to help develop and maintain skills to navigate life in our changing world. This project and partnership enhances opportunities for older people to access the digital world.

Aim of Initiative

The objective of the scheme is to assist and enable the older person to access the digital world. The project seeks to address barriers to access by making digital tablets, equipped with mobile data freely available for the older individual to borrow through the library network. Furthermore the project seeks to support the older individual to develop and maintain the skills necessary to navigate our changing world.

Who is it aimed at

The scheme is aimed at the older individual who wishes to access the digital world or to develop skills to navigate the digital world.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Creating the partnership across three plus organisations
2. Charting the course to achieve the common goal. Addressing the practical issues arising. Putting the equipment, training and resources in place.
3. Launching and promoting the project to the target audience. Keeping operation of project under review.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Develop partnership across range of different organisations
2. Putting scheme in place and promoting to the target audience
3. Ongoing evaluation of the project to asses the effectiveness and reach.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Address some of the barriers faced by the older individual when seeking to access the digital world
2. Develop new partnerships with organisations having common goals and finding new ways to achieve same
3. Enhance the visibility of libraries supporting people at all stages of their lives to both make connections and to develop and maintain skills to navigate our changing world