Digital Literacy Resources for the Public

Find help at the Washington State Library’s Digital Literacy Gateway, open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Computing Skills

Interested in expanding your knowledge of computing? The below websites can help, whether you have basic or advanced skills.

• Academic guide to devices and electronic content. Provided by the Washington State University, this comprehensive academic guide covers eBooks to devices, reading and organizing, and more.
• Microsoft Office Training. Tutorials for Office applications, from Access to Visio, Excel, and Word. These free webinars can get you up and running with Microsoft Office in no time.
• Windows Basics. Designed to introduce you to personal computing and the Windows operating system, whether you're a beginning computer user or someone with experience using a previous version of Windows, these topics will help you understand the tasks and tools you need to use your computer successfully.
• GCF LearnFree. Free online learning on technology, reading, and math. Sponsored by the Goodwill Community Foundation.

Job Seeking/Resumes

Expanding your current career, or starting a new one? Resources are available to help.

• Living Well in Washington State. Resources compiled by the State Library to help you navigate and succeed in a tough economy.
• Worksource. Washington State's employment services portal. Find jobs, get help with resumes, and more from this online portal.

Online Security and Safety

Online security is an important issue in today's always connected world. These websites have great tips for staying safe online.

• Good to Know - Online Safety. Prepared by Google, these 5 tips will help to keep you safe and secure.
• Microsoft Safety & Security Center. Tips from Microsoft on keeping your computer secure.

Tech Tips & Terminology

Don't understand what a CPU means? What about all of those i-doohickeys? These sites will help you to figure out the jargon used in tech circles.

• Netlingo. NetLingo has thousands of definitions that explain the online world of business, technology, and communication including the largest collection of Internet acronyms and text messaging shorthand. Catering to students, teachers, parents, gamers, designers, techies, bloggers, journalists, and industry professionals worldwide.
• Find a Tech Definition. Tech definitions by topic: application development, computer science, consumer technology, data center, IT management, learning tools, networking, security and storage and data management.

Accessibility

Accessibility on the computer and internet are more important than ever. Use these resources to learn how to make accessing the digital world easier.

• Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) provides a free public library service which includes easy access to the informational and recreational reading materials needed by individuals in the State of Washington who are unable to read standard print material.
• Daisy. The DAISY Consortium is a global consortium of organizations committed to a common vision and mission, which pools and coordinates resources to deliver global change.
• CANnect. CANnect is a consortium of schools and philanthropists with years of experience.
• Washington Assistive Technology Act Program. Providing Assistive Technology resources and expertise to all Washingtonians with disabilities to aid in making decisions and obtaining the technology and related services needed for employment, education and independent living.
• AccessIT. AccessIT promotes the use of electronic and information technology (E&IT) for students and employees with disabilities in educational institutions at all academic levels. This website features the AccessIT Knowledge Base, a searchable database of questions and answers regarding accessible E&IT. It is designed for educators, policy makers, librarians, technical support staff, and students and employees with disabilities and their advocates.
• Northwest ADA Center. The Northwest ADA Center is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), and is part of the ADA National Network.