Tech for All

Reviews / Votes

Even if your shelves are already stuffed with professional development titles, you should find space for this one. It's not another shopping list for your first makerspace or the same summary of computer basics you've already seen. Instead, Tech for All provides innovative ideas on topics like IT-centered training for library staff and methods to measure patron interest in potential tech offerings. It also includes sound advice on grant-seeking to fund it all. Clearly-written and exceptionally practical, the book also separates itself from the pack by addressing a variety of communities and demographics. The ideas here can be applied at libraries of all kinds, not just major metropolitan systems, and it doesn't neglect populations who are often overlooked when we talk about the digital divide. As solid a book on this topic as you're likely to find. - Craig Lefteroff * Booklist, Starred Review * This short but sweeping edited volume, the latest title in the well-established "LITA Guide" series, contextualizes and expands on access as a concept to help evaluate the increasing digital service model of libraries. The chapters collectively demystify technology adoption and training in the context of patron-facing services, with detailed and helpful case studies responding directly to diverse community needs. Of particular note for their uniqueness and utility to practitioners are the contributions on identifying funding, and designing and implementing an assessment of patron digital problem solving skills. Although the case studies primarily document ongoing work in public libraries, the essays are easily adapted to other library contexts, making this collection a particularly valuable contribution to the profession. The editor has made a thoughtful selection of texts collectively emphasizing that providing truly equitable access requires librarians not only to understand their communities but to engage in their own continual professional development around digital literacies. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals. * Choice Reviews * So many good ideas here! Comito and her team have created a great go-to guide of tech-forward ways to help libraries happily greet and engage with the 21st century. This is an exceptional collection of peer-tested tools and tips for libraries big and small wanting to work on digital inclusion. -- Jessamyn West, librarian, Vermont Mutual Aid Society & Librarian.net Tech for All takes a fresh look at one of the most important issues facing both libraries and society: how do we seek equity of access and training to technology when economic equity escapes us? Both important and approachable, this book is a must-read for librarians, staff, board members, and anyone with a connection to how their local libraries could better serve those most in need. -- Jason Griffey, affiliate, MetaLab at Harvard University Tech for All is a practical, shining example of a great how-to book. It concentrates on showing the reader multiple projects from start to finish with the results of each specific project, including how each of these projects engaged library customers and staff with the target technology. This book is not a "this is how you could do it" it is the more effective "This is how WE did it, and you can too." The success of the projects covered in the book can be the pebble that ripples in your community. Kudos to all of the project contributors and the editor. -- Maurice Coleman, host, producer, and creator, T is for Training; principal, Coleman and Associates