A Dundee Library project to tackle social, digital and economic deprivation has been recognised for a national award.
The Opportunities Project saw an overhaul in how the service assisted job seekers, benefit claimants and anyone else experiencing digital deprivation to gain IT skills.
The library and information services scheme is now shortlisted for the O2 NextGen Digital Challenge Awards 2016, which celebrate innovation, success and leadership in the UK’s digitally transformed economy.
Judy Dobbie, head of library and information services at Leisure & Culture Dundee said: “We required a complete refocusing of the traditional reference service model with library staff adopting a new way of thinking and of working, which they have embraced wholeheartedly.
“This is a ground breaking model which not only provides a template for IT literacy delivery but also forges the way for library services as a whole to be inspired to try new ways of working.
“Through this project, our library service remains at the heart of digital literacy by providing impartial support and advice to individuals.”
Since the shake up, demand for digital literacy sessions has risen by 62%.
Central Library now has a dedicated space for these services, and the existing reference library has been re-branded.
The volunteer-coordinated project now receives referrals from a range of agencies including the third sector, welfare rights organisations and the Department of Work and Pensions for clients who lack digital confidence as a barrier to employment.
