Thanks to nearly £250,000 awarded by Arts Council England, we have launched Library DOTS (Digital; Options, Training and Support), our tablet computer lending project to help tackle social isolation and improve digital literacy.
We have purchased 120 3G enabled tablets which are available for eligible Hampshire residents for a four week loan period, during which training will be provided.
The tablets are pre-loaded with relevant online library services, and useful applications linking to themes such as health and well being and information about local communities and services.
Five part-time co-ordinators are running the project and training and supporting residents in using the tablets.
The tablets are targeted at people and places experiencing disadvantage, which include social and digital isolation, lone parenting, people on low incomes, and people for whom English is not their first language.
It’s estimated around 800 library customers and their families will benefit from the project. Residents will need to join the library to take part, if they’re not already members. Other tablet borrowing criteria include:
- Aged 18 years and over
- Attend 2 Hampshire Libraries ‘Get to Know Your DOTS tablet’ training sessions
- Agree to complete the DOTS project feedback form and return it along with the device at the end of the loan period.
For a referral to your local DOTS coordinator speak to staff inside your library.
Hampshire Libraries 