Broome Public Library has become Western Australia’s latest library service to achieve accreditation through the Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s e-Smart Libraries framework.
E-Smart Libraries, delivered in partnership with the Telstra Foundation, helps libraries to incorporate digital literacy and improve cybersafety while offering patrons ways to deal with cyberbullying.
Since its launch in 2012, 75 per cent of Australia’s public libraries have registered for e-Smart, a community initiative committed to broadening specialist digital skills and resources to promote positive use of digital technology in Australia.
Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Lesley Podesta, said being e-Smart meant having the knowledge to guard against security and privacy risks, to research and download content in an ethical and legal manner, and manage reputation and relationship-based issues online.
Shire of Broome Library Coordinator, Sally Eaton, said Broome Public Library was working with the community to provide safe access and education in using digital technology through initiatives such as offering free basic computing classes and free Wi-Fi.
“More and more services are going online, but a lot of people in our community don’t have their own devices or access so they come to us for help, and this is our response to be able to provide that safely,” Ms Eaton said.
“E-Smart Libraries accreditation gives us skills, information and resources to guide and educate all our users to enjoy using technology while understanding the potential risks.”
For more information on e-Smart go to esmart.org.au or amf.org.au
