Alyson Tyler, Libraries Development Programme Manager for MALD writes about #LoveDigital campaign taking place across Wales this week. This post is taken from Alyson Tyler’s Welsh libraries blog https://libalyson.wordpress.com/

“Libraries of all types across Wales will be celebrating #lovedigital for a week from 21-28th Nov 2015, using the hashtag #lovedigital and #carudigidol in Welsh.

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The week builds on the success of last year’s #lovelibraries theme, but is focused on all the digital services libraries offer – each day of the week will be highlighting something different and the benefits of using the service e.g. e-books, e-journals for students etc.

The campaign will help to demonstrate the impact of libraries on digital inclusion in Wales, as well as raise awareness of the digital services available through Welsh libraries, and increase digital participation.

The daily focus with themed hashtag is listed below – not every library is able to offer every service, but many of these are offered across Wales:

  • #E-zines – 21st November
  • #FamilyHistory – 22nd November
  • #E-books / #E-journals – 23rd November
  • #JobSearch – 24th November
  • #E-audio – 25th November
  • #Gaming – 26th November
  • #FreeWiFi / #DigitalFriday – 27th November
  • #Coding – 28th November

Many libraries are holding themed digital events during the week, and a searchable database of them can be found on the Welsh Libraries website. Digital Communities Wales is also working in partnership with public libraries to hold events in libraries to help tackle digital exclusion.

As well as events and daily promotion of different services, there’s an all-Wales e-book reader competition for new people joining their public library service during the week and a digital library quiz! All the information is on the WelshLibraries website.

For library staff in Wales, all the themed bilingual materials and logos can be found in the WelshLibraries staff toolkit. The week is part of the audience development strand of the Libraries Inspire strategy for Welsh libraries. Check out their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Evidence from the Carnegie UK Trust shows that the best way to help people get online for the first time or use a digital service is to find out their interests and start with that. This campaign will hopefully reach new people who may decide to read an e-magazine for the first time, then may be tempted to try using other digital services, and so on”

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