The responses show that few libraries responding are linking technology and literacy. Only 16.5% of those responding use their website for adult literacy and adult literacy outreach. In addition, only 12.34% use computerized instruction in the delivery of adult literacy programs and only 8.39% use on-line or web-based literacy instruction.
This section builds on the reflections of 1995 Summit participants and the results of the survey on libraries and literacy work by providing examples of how libraries have changed. It exemplifies the changes, accomplishments and ongoing challenges that libraries face in their literacy work
In 2003, the CLA focused on libraries and literacy through a series of articles in its magazine, Feliciter.Footnote 2 The articles explore how libraries are changing to respond to the literacy needs of Canadians and ongoing challenges in library-literacy work. The issue includes opinions and writings from front-line librarians, teacher-librarians as well as researchers and academics.
The introduction to the series of 2003 articles emphasizes the important role of libraries in providing literacy services. Changing practices relate the changing role of public libraries in community literacy, and how they connect with and offer services that meet the needs of the literacy community. One example described is the Westpark Library (sic) in Saskatoon. This article stresses that “books are no longer the only game in town.” (p.19) The authors illustrate how the Internet and videos are important services and elements of the library accessed by young people. They also emphasize that electronic communication has been a catalyst for libraries getting into the “literacy business” including more formal programming for adult literacy. Thomas Quigley (Vancouver Public Library) also emphasizes that technology can help libraries reach out to the community and attract the literacy community. He notes that the literacy community is also expanding its use of technology. Technology can highlight the literacy services and resources that a library. He highlights other ways that libraries’ web pages can be used effectively with respect to their literacy initiatives such as making it easier to access literacy information , describing why libraries are involved in literacy, and providing links to local literacy organizations. . He also suggests using the web page to highlight selected literacy resources and explain how to access literacy collections.