Net Inclusion, the conference of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, took place in Philadelphia from February 13-15 this year. METRO’s Executive Director, Digital Equity Research Center Director, and Digital Equity Research Center Program Manager attended. As we settle back in and return to work, we’ve gathered some reflections on the event.
An emphasis on research
This year, there was a noticeable emphasis on research’s role in digital inclusion work. Across plenary sessions, speakers reiterated the role of data and measurement in understanding the success of digital inclusion efforts.
There were several sessions where researchers discussed their work:
- Building Research and Data-Backed Digital Equity Strategies highlighted how research can be conducted and applied to planning, investment priorities, service delivery, and impact measurement. (view recording)
- How Can Researchers Support Practitioners & Policymakers? provided researchers with time to share recent findings that practitioners can use to inform policy, program design, and assessment.
- The Digital Equity Research Center’s Colin Rhinesmith moderated a discussion on Creating, Sustaining & Measuring Local Digital Equity Ecosystems. The session was livestreamed. (View recording)
Libraries and Digital Equity
There were many library workers in attendance at the conference this year, and staff from the Free Library of Philadelphia supported local conference organizing.
- Framing Access: Digital Navigators & Libraries explored libraries’ experiences with funding, creating, and implementing Digital Navigator programs.
- There was also a Meet-Up for Digital Inclusion in Libraries. At the session, NDIA staff member Lo Smith facilitated a group discussion on challenges being faced by those doing digital navigator work in libraries, the need to share resources across organizations, and next steps, which include meeting monthly via ALA’s Digital Inclusion Working Group meetings.
Looking Ahead: Utilizing Participatory Research Methods
Next year we hope to see an even larger presence from libraries as well as the continued integration of research findings into sessions that highlight practitioner work.
Thank you to the staff at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for their work and care in pulling us all together. See you at Gila River in 2025!
