Northstar for Libraries

Northstar for Libraries

Digital literacy has been a part of library service since the first public computers were installed nearly 40 years ago. Libraries are and have been engaged in the work of digital literacy, whether they have formally recognized that work or not. For many library staff, this work may feel like something “extra” that they have to do, especially if they don’t feel supported in that work. For library administrators, it is often difficult to find the resources to support their staff the way they would like. Northstar can and will be that support.

FAQs

How can my library use Northstar?

That is up to your library and your community. We believe strongly that Northstar can be an effective resource on many levels, and we think that it will save you and your colleagues time and effort with the digital literacy work you are already doing. Here are some ways that you might implement Northstar at your library:

  • Your library may choose to promote Northstar for your patrons to do self-assessment and self-directed learning via your website.
  • Your library may choose to use Northstar to guide your interactions with patrons.
    • You can start with the digital literacy Screener, available to staff among Other Resources in the Northstar staff interface.
    • You can use the Northstar Curriculum to guide your interactions with patrons in one-on-one or group settings.
  • Your library can offer Proctoring Services or partner with local community groups to provide proctoring services to your patrons, resulting in digital literacy certification that they can use for job searches and personal satisfaction.

How do library staff get Northstar accounts?

Your local Site Administrator will be able to answer your questions about how & when your library will begin setting up staff accounts.

Who is my Site Administrator?

Contact OPLIN Support to find out.

What functions do registered Learners have in Northstar?

Learners can take assessments and save their scores. Learners can also access the practice lessons for questions that they missed on the assessments. Anyone can take assessments without creating a Learner account.

Do Learners need an email address to set up an account?

Yes. That is the way the Northstar uniquely identifies each Learner. Each Learner must have a unique email address. That may be challenging for folks who are not yet firm in their digital literacy skills.  One way to deal with that is to follow your local processes for setting up patrons with personal email accounts.  Another way may be to set up an alias email and route it to your library, until the patron feels comfortable setting up their own email.

For example, Gmail has a built-in alias function. Multiple accounts can funnel to a single email address by using the + symbol and descriptive text afterward. Using that feature, one account (i.e. somelibrary@gmail.com) can become many email addresses (i.e. somelibrary+JohnDoe@gmail.com, somebody+JaneDoe@gmail.com, etc.). As far as Northstar is concerned, these are each unique email addresses, and Learners can update their email address when they are comfortable doing so.

Does my library have to proctor Northstar for our patrons?

No. It's up to your library, and your library can change that decision at any point in time.

Can Learners get Northstar certificates without proctoring?

No; the proctoring process ensures that the assessment was completed according to Northstar standards for certification.

Are the Northstar certificates recognized?

The Northstar certificates are not an industry credential, but they are becoming more widely recognized as documentation of digital literacy skill.

How can I review the Northstar proctor training?

If a staff person has been designated as a proctor, they will be prompted to complete a proctor training session in the Northstar system.  Once they have completed that training, the prompt will not return, but they can go back to review the training again. Your library can designate staff as proctors to learn more about proctoring without committing to proctor patrons.

How frequently are assessments updated?

The assessments are reviewed annually for needed updates, and they are also reviewed after the release of major software updates.

Can we use Northstar for our library staff training?

It is possible to use Northstar to help improve digital literacy skills among your own library staff. There are many local considerations to make in doing so, but there are libraries that have found success. One example is from Heights Libraries.

Can I learn about Northstar in less than an hour?

Yes! Check out this curated Northstar Quick Start playlist.  

What other resources are available to my library for Northstar?

Please remember that there is a lot of support available to you in the Resources tab of the Admin Portal of Northstar. Additionally, we have prepared some specific resources that you may find useful, including flyers, bookmarks, sample press releases, and digital assets.  

What comes next after Northstar?

Northstar is a tremendous resource for your library and your community, but it might be just the start for your community.  Many libraries are building on their long-standing commitment to closing the digital divide by working towards digital equity and digital inclusion.

Digital Equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.

Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies.

Digital Inclusion requires

  • Affordable, Robust Internet Service
  • Internet-Enabled Devices
  • Digital Literacy Training
  • Quality Technical Support
  • Applications & Content

Digital navigators can help people with many of these aspects.

Digital Navigators are trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices. Digital navigation services include ongoing assistance with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support.

There are several ways to think of digital navigation. Digital inclusion researchers have suggested four archetypes of digital navigation work:

  • Intervention Specialists - people who provide others with quick answers, basic support, and network referrals
  • Digital-Inclusion Specialists - people who are dedicated trainers to whom intervention specialists make referrals
  • Social-Change Agents - people who have trusted community relationships and a deep understanding of the systemic issues for their community
  • Functional-Skill Builders - people who align skills training with specific goals and outcomes

Many library staff find themselves in the roles of intervention specialist or digital inclusion specialist. Your library may want to partner with other community agencies to connect patrons with social-change agents and functional-skill builders.

Here are some other resources and potential partners for you to consider as you plan next steps in helping your community achieve digital inclusion for all:

oplin