Connect://able - innovating digital and social incusion

Project summary

The Connect://able project was funded by the Erasmus+ program and ran from 2021-2023. The aim of the project was to develop ways for libraries in Norway, Belgium and Denmark to work as connectors in local network building with the aim to promote digital and social inclusion for people with low digital skills. Social networks, both digital and physical, were seen as important for participation in society, and the aim was to make citizens "able to connect" and be socially included in the local community though participation in learning activities for digital competence. A research team concisting of Bodil Ravneberg and Reidun Faye HVL was in charge of researching the processes in the project. The research is based on data collected throughout the three phases of the project (planning, implementation and evaluation). The data is based on 1) participating observation in bi-monthly digital meetings with partner representatives in 2021-2023, 2) two interviews with each partner 3) nine self-report schemas from partners, and 4) five surveys filled out by 25 participants in the learning activities.