Public Library Of Youngstown & Mahoning County: Northstar Digital Literacy Podcast

Press release from the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County:

Sara Churchill

March 13th, 2022

Tune into this month’s episode of the PLYMC Library Anywhere Podcast to hear about the library’s newest online resource provided to all Ohio residents by the state: Northstar Digital Literacy. Two librarians discuss what this resource is and its many features. Plus find out what it can do for you. 

For anyone looking to improve their skills with computers, software, or technology, this is a self-directed assessment and learning tool that covers a variety of technology scenarios. It comes complete with short lessons and practice exercises to improve skills on a number of common computer topics.  

Here’s a screenshot from the state’s webpage, digitalskillsohio.org advertising this new resource. 

Why has Digital Literacy become a priority for everyone?  

The answer can be found by reading this definition of Digital Literacy provided by Ohio State University. 

What is Digital Literacy? 

Digital literacy can be defined by one’s ability to effectively use the technological resources available to them. This includes using operating systems, the internet, social media, mobile devices, online banking, online shopping, etc. Digital literacy also encompasses safe and knowledgeable internet browsing. This means knowing how to differentiate true information from untrue information, in addition to protecting against online fraud. 

Why is it important? 

Technology has quickly come to dominate our world. It is now at the point where being able to use a computer is treated like being able to read. The world assumes that people living in developed nations already know how to use modern technology. In the near future, services like banking and transportation will exclusively be online. Many people, particularly older adults over the age of 60, have been left behind during this transformation. They are starting to fall behind, much like a someone who cannot read would feel in the 21st century. This same group of people is often the target of scams and other money stealing operations due to their lack of awareness when online. Digital literacy is essential in order to protect oneself from such scams. 

As you can see, Digital Literacy involves learning skills needed to succeed in today’s world! 

The Northstar resource is available 24×7 and library staff are available to help with the resource during regular hours. There are 14 free assessment tests and 6 online courses covering: Basic Computers, Internet Basics, Using Email, Microsoft Word, Windows, and Career Search Skills.  

To Find Northstar: 

Go to the library’s website at: www.libraryvisit.org 

It is linked on these webpages: 

What do you need to use all features of Northstar: 

Proctored assessment tests, which are setup by appointment-only, which earn a passing score of 85% will receive certificates.  

Ways to contact the library for a proctored Northstar Assessment Appointment: 

Check out the Northstar Digital Literacy blog posted March 1, 2022, for a detailed write-up and video walk-through of this new digital literacy resource. 

Sara Churchill

Sara Churchill is the Digital Services Specialist and Assistant Supervisor in the Information Services Department at Main Library. A major fan of technology devices and computer research resources at work, she enjoys helping everyone learn to use their devices and the library's many online resources.  She loves reading Science Fiction/Fantasy books, British cozy mysteries, True Crime and other true stories, plus a past reader of horror fiction by the likes of Stephen King and John Saul (among others).  Also, she’s a big fan of Sci-fi, action, horror, spaghetti westerns, and based-on-a-true story movies.  Her blogs are for adults and the entire family to enjoy reading and trying out the many online resources free for PLYMC library cardholders to use.

This press release was produced by the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County. The views expressed here are the author’s own.