Digital Navigators
About the Program
The Digital Navigators program ended in September 2024.
The free, virtual, bilingual (English & Spanish) Connected California Digital Navigators service helped Californians:
- access free and low-cost internet and devices
- grow digital skills
- discover library and community resources
of community members helped in Spanish
tickets connected community members with internet, devices, and digital skills
library jurisdictions actively shared this service, along with community partners
of community members saw significant improvement, from no or very limited skills to proficiency, after being assisted by Digital Navigators
Why Digital Navigators?
Public libraries are key stakeholders in digital equity and inclusion efforts to ensure that everyone can fully participate in society, the economy, and democracy. The Connected California Digital Navigators service leveraged the connections that libraries have with their patrons and community organizations, extended the reach of the library, complimented the digital skills training already occurring in libraries, and helped provide an essential service to the community.
The Digital Navigators program supported California Broadband for All and State Digital Equity initiatives, which note that having the internet is critical to getting a better education, landing a job, accessing healthcare and other essential services, and increasing civic participation. Digital Navigators helped with internet, devices, and skills — essential elements of digital equity and opportunity for all Californians.
The core tenets of the Digital Navigators program, reinforced by the training curriculum, were the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. This ensured that Navigators had the cultural competence to provide relevant support for California’s diverse communities.
This service was provided to California public libraries at no cost, with no application, and no reporting requirements. The Connected California Digital Navigators project was in partnership with the Southern California Library Cooperative.
Program Timeline
The Digital Navigators program included five phases:
- Phase One (November 2021 – March 2022) Piloted Digital Navigators with select public libraries.
- Phase Two (April – May 2022) Trained Navigators and developed procedures.
- Phase Three (May – August 2022) Piloted the Digital Navigators program to the communities served by the pilot libraries.
- Phase Four (September 2022 – May 2024) Expansion of the program to additional library systems in California and engagement with statewide and local partners.
- Phase Five (June – July 2024) Project concludes; resources updated.
Resources for Public Libraries
- Digital Navigator Model from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
- Digital Equity Toolkit from Urban Libraries Council.
- Get involved and stay up to date on the California State Digital Equity Plan.
- The Home Connectivity Kit page provides general guidance, research, and resources for supporting or implementing a Home Connectivity Kit, or similar device lending program, in your community.
Community Members
California public libraries offer services and programs to support digital literacy and equity. Find your local library.
California’s Broadband for All initiative has partnered with EveryoneOn and the California Emerging Technology fund to help community members find:
- Low-cost internet service
- Computer offers
- Digital skills training (like computer and internet basics)