CARIBOU, Maine — Newly received grant funding means good things for Caribou’s digital readers; the Caribou Public Library recently received a $900 grant from the Maine Community Foundation for digital literacy and greater access to web-based journals.
Library Intern Christine Kashian and Deputy City Manager Tony Mazzucco applied for the grant during the summer of 2014 with the goals of educating the community on new information-sharing technologies, reducing cost redundancies in the library’s print journal collection where newer and more accurate information is available online, and encouraging patron familiarity with reading technology.
The library staff plan to acquire age- and content-appropriate tablet and reader devices for the library and, in partnership with the Maine State Library, allow patrons to use these devices to access up-to-date information from vetted sources in both adult and children’s services.
“Digital literacy has become increasingly important as a necessary workplace skill as well as a crucial link to government and information resources,” said Lisa Neal Shaw, director of the Caribou Public Library. “Varying operating systems and licensing agreements can be difficult to navigate, and the library is committed to helping its patrons understand how to use technology to engage in greater community activity. We are grateful to the Maine Community Foundation as well as Christine and Tony for their help in furthering this effort.”
With offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
