Title
Amending the 2021 Financing and Spending Plans in the Library Agency for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Digital navigators pilot grant.
Body
WHEREAS, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library received a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in the amount of $181,306.76; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the grant is to provide opportunities for local communities to identify barriers to access and develop innovative responses that improve access to home broadband internet, devices, and digital skill-building opportunities; and
WHEREAS, this grant will provide funding for SPPL staff time and benefits up to $171541.76 required to manage this project and form partnerships to support digital navigation; work one-on-one and in groups with community members to identify opportunities to access home internet connectivity; devices, and digital skill-building in pursuit of community member goals; and
WHEREAS, this grant will provide funding up to $6075 for SPPL to create and/or translate marketing materials for community members about connectivity, device, and skill-building opportunities; and
WHEREAS, this grant will provide funding up to $3690 for SPPL to purchase laptops and headset for three staff members; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor pursuant to Section 10.7.1 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, does certify that there are available for appropriations funds of $181,306.76 in excess of those estimated in the 2021 budget and recommends the changes to the 2021 budget described in the attached fiscal analysis; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Library Board approves the changes to the 2021 Saint Paul Public Library Agency Budget.
Financial Analysis
See Attachment.
Digital Navigators Pilot at Saint Paul Public Library will increase digital literacy and digital resiliency and reduce barriers to access to library services, resources, and programs for community members in Saint Paul’s most un- and under-connected communities in the North End and East Side. Funds will support a pilot program introducing two Digital Navigators, who will directly address the digital inclusion needs of households in our target neighborhoods, as well as a Project Manager who will oversee the work of these new positions and coordinate it with the work of Saint Paul Public Library’s WorkPlace and Community Services teams, as well as with emerging digital inclusion initiatives with community-based organizations and municipal partners. Digital Navigators will work with community through relationship- and culture-first strategies to build a more resilient and informed Saint Paul.