Digital Inequity Among Tribal College Students

Hannah Buckland

Leech Lake Tribal College


Abstract

Students enrolled at Minnesota’s four tribal colleges often lack the necessary tools to excel in digital learning environments. In turn, tribal college libraries take on a critical role in fostering student success by providing access to broadband, computers, and software; however, challenges including low staffing levels, an absence of stable funding, and unmet digital needs routinely impede these libraries’ services. This presentation will summarize the breadth and depth of digital capacities at the four tribal college libraries, highlight data describing digital inclusion among students at Leech Lake Tribal College, and provide recommendations for outside organizations interested in partnering with tribal college libraries.


Author Biography

Hannah Buckland, Leech Lake Tribal College

Hannah Buckland has been the Director of Library Services at Leech Lake Tribal College since moving to Minnesota in January 2014. She also serves as a member of the Bemidji Public Library Board and Governor Dayton's Task Force on Broadband.