Digital inequity is a complex and multi-faceted problem, and closing digital equity gaps will require the coordination, cooperation, and intentional capacity-building of the many organizations supporting digital inclusion across New York. State government is an essential partner in ensuring that New Yorkers have both access to affordable, robust broadband internet service and the devices, training, and support they need to fully benefit from the opportunities the internet promises.
In 2021, the New York State Education Department and the Board of Regents convened a series of Digital Equity Summits to establish a shared understanding of digital inequity and create a joint vision toward achieving digital equity in New York State. From these discussions, the Department compiled the information shared, using an equity lens for analysis to highlight existing and emerging solutions that can serve as exemplars for digital equity work and identify opportunities for system and policy change. Achieving Digital Equity in New York: An Outline for Collaborative Change expands upon the ideas and strategic directions discussed during the Digital Equity Summits.
The New York State Library's digital equity work is ongoing. To learn more about digital equity work happening in New York State, join our email list or participate in one of our Digital Equity Roundtable Conversations taking place in 2021 and 2022. For more detailed information about the NYS Library's digital equity initiatives, recordings of webinars and summits, and links to helpful resources, check out our Digital Equity LibGuide.
Use this interactive, online data and mapping tool to generate snapshots of connectivity, device access, population/demographics, programming, and other digital equity resources from selected geographies across the state.