Mission
Connecting communities to promote equitable access to technology and support the learning and application of digital skills in an increasingly digital world.
Vision
The Kansas City Public Library is a doorway to knowledge for all people in our community.
Origin
Tech Access is a special initiative within the Kansas City Public Library's Strategic Initiatives Department.
We began in 2016 as a grant-funded project to enhance the Library's digital inclusion services to the community. In the beginning, we realized library staff could not always provide in-depth digital literacy training and support services to patrons directly, so we turned to the diverse array of expertise of community volunteers. This is how the Tech Coach Volunteer program was born!
Soon after, we began developing partnerships with other organizations in the community to bring digital literacy resources right to the communities who need them most.
Our Services
Tech Access is now established as a permanent subdivision of the Library's Strategic Initiatives department, although, programming support is still made possible by charitable giving and grants. Additionally, our services are possible due to our volunteers and their generous contributions of knowledge, time, and service.
Tech Access is now a collection of resources designed by The Kansas City Public Library to serve adult learners and patrons in pursuit of digital literacy and workforce skills. Our resources include:
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Tech Coach Volunteers
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Mobile Computer Lab
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Learning Pathways
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Community Partnerships
Our Team
Wendy Pearson
Strategic Initiatives
Manager
Wendy manages all projects and teams within Kansas City Public Library's Strategic Initiatives department, including Tech Access. Tech Access began with Wendy. The team is guided by her passion and dedication to digital inclusion and her community.
Megan McNaughton
Tech Access
Partnerships Coordinator
Megan oversees and develops local, state, and national partnerships for the team. She ensures that Tech Access's resources are available for individuals and organizations that are interested in gaining digital literacy skills and sharing those resources with others.
Andrew Linn
Tech Access
Programming Coordinator
Andrew oversees Tech Access' library programming, volunteer program, and public relations. He provides direct support to patrons, volunteers, and staff to facilitate digital literacy and digital inclusion services within the Library.