Purpose of the Digital Navigator

The Digital Navigator is a grant-funded position whose goal is to meet the needs of McMinn County residents by providing accessible, holistic instruction and support to those lacking digital literacy skills and by assisting low-income residents with accessing resources for low-cost technology and internet access.

E.G. Fisher Public Library has provided patrons technology instruction for over five years. In that time, library staff and instructors have anecdotally found that building basic digital literacy skills requires sustained education and support. The project will ensure patrons can access the support they need to grow their digital literacy skills by providing a dedicated digital navigator.

While E.G. Fisher Public Library serves the broad public, the high poverty rate of McMinn County focuses library services on low-income families and individuals. More than 15% of McMinn County residents live below the poverty line.  Additionally, 21% of households do not have a computer, and 31% of households do not have broadband internet access. The project will assist low-income patrons with accessing low-cost technology and internet services.

Goals of the Digital Navigator:
    1. The project will meet the community’s digital needs in a robust and thorough manner that is outside the limitations of the library’s standard reference assistance and technology instruction classes.
    2. Patrons will build their skills and confidence using technology while accomplishing the tasks they need that require the use of technology, including bill payment, job searching, communication, and accessing social security programs.
    3. Patrons will be connected to and receive navigating guidance resources that connect patrons to affordable internet access and technology devices

If you or someone you know is interested in fine-tuning their tech skills or needs assistance with low-cost access to technology, internet service, or cell phone service, please get in touch with us! You can reach out at digitalnavigator@fisherlibrary.org or call the library at 423-745-7782.

 

Open Hours: Thursdays 5:15pm-7:15pm

  •  Drop in without an appointment for on-demand assistance!

By Appointment: Saturdays, time varies as needed.

  • Call or email to reserve a timeslot for one-on-one assistance.

 If those days and times don’t work for you, please reach out so that we may set up a session that will accommodate your needs!

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.

You can receive: 

    • Up to $30/month discount for internet service
    • Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and 
    • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. 

See if you qualify and apply:

Lifeline 

Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the monthly cost of your phone or Internet service. Eligibility requirements, application, and benefits information can be found at the site linked below.

See if you qualify and apply:

PCs for People

PCs for people a national nonprofit social enterprise working to get low-cost quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income. By recycling and then refurbishing computers, PCs for People provides a valuable service to businesses, families, and the planet by keeping computers out of landfills and repurposing them to advance digital inclusion.

See if you qualify and apply:

Human-I-T

Human-I-T’s goal is to create equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide—while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect our planet.

See if you qualify and apply: