#LibrariesAreEssential Case Study – Connecting Scotland with Elgin Library Learning Centre

Category: #LibrariesAreEssential, Blog, Case Studies, Librarians During Lockdown

In this #LibrariesAreEssential series, we’ll be sharing case studies and contributions from key figures that demonstrate the vital value of Scotland’s libraries, now more than ever, as we look to a brighter future post-pandemic. For details of how to submit your own case study, please click here.

Case study kindly submitted by Ann Owens, Learning Centre Coordinator

‘Staff in the Elgin Library Learning Centre have taken over the responsibility of distributing Chromebooks and iPads received from the Connecting Scotland project. The Connecting Scotland initiative aims to get 50,000 digitally excluded households online by the end of 2021. It provides iPads, Chromebooks and support to develop digital skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes. They are also providing the ongoing support and training for using the devices. To date we have received nearly 200 devices for distribution.

During this last year especially, we have all become more and more reliant on digital connectivity, not only to be able to work from home but to interact online for shopping, banking, paying bills, doing school work, using social media and the like. The provision of devices to individuals and families, who could not afford to purchase them, and offering the support to gain the skills to use the devices safely and effectively, has meant recipients have felt less excluded and isolated. This in turn has had a positive impact on their mental health during these very difficult times.’

According to a Moray Council Community Support Worker, ‘the devices received by the six families will enable the children of the families to access education while the schools are closed and using blended learning. One student is sixteen and hoping to study medicine, so this will be of huge benefit to her; many of the other children are in the early years of education and would otherwise have been at risk of falling behind their classmates and possibly losing vital skills and knowledge. Each of the families expressed their immense gratitude to all those concerned in providing the devices for them.’

The Essential Skills Development Officer for Moray Council adds that ‘Connecting Scotland has enabled learners to extend their digital skills and access different approaches to learning. Before receiving their devices, many were trying to access their remote learning on their phones which is not easy to do when working on your literacies. The new devices have opened up their options for learning.’

Feedback from a Connecting Scotland service user:

‘Thank you so much this will enable me to stay connected with my family during the lockdown and assist me in developing my digital skills.’

#LibrariesAreEssential to Connecting Scotland: Elgin Library Learning Centre staff support digital inclusion by delivering devices and sharing their skills.