About Digital Navigators
Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley
Digital navigators are trained, trusted guides who help deal with a variety of technology needs. Navigators work in libraries or community organizations as you can see from the directory page. They assist anyone in need with using a device, securing free or low-cost internet service, and much more. This service is free.
Digital navigators can help you connect to low-cost internet service and learn to use a device so you can:
- Find ways to purchase low-cost phones or computers
- Find resources for housing and submit online applications
- Manage healthcare, including: telehealth visits, patient portals, and other information
- Locate food resources
- Make a resume and fill out online job applications
- Make video calls with family and friends
- Connect with public information like local government meetings
- Apply for services and benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and more
- Access educational services, such as remote learning opportunities or connecting to a child’s school portal
- Deal with daily life tasks such as online grocery shopping or paying bills
The program is administered by Southeastern New York Library Resources Council (Southeastern) and supported with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to the New York State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
American Rescue Plan Act
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has provided the New York State Library with $6.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the LSTA Grants to States Program. The State Library has allocated $5,514,315 of these federal funds to New York State’s nine regional Reference and Research Library Resources Councils for collaborative regional projects that will advance digital equity, encourage library/museum partnerships, and expand student access to digital resources.
Southeastern’s allocation will be for projects that address the three required project components:
- Expanding student access to digital resources through school library systems
- Strengthening library/museum partnerships
- Advancing digital inclusion in collaboration with public library systems and public libraries
More information on each of these funding areas is available in the libguide tabs.
The State Library posted ARPA Library Subawards Guidelines, which outline the requirements for Southeastern and any member that participates in the projects.
Let's Connect
Resources
Are you a Digital Navigator looking for the LibGuide with resources for your program?