The digital equity program manager at the New Mexico State Library (NMSL), Bo Ford, is leading on-the-ground digital inclusion efforts across the more than 100 libraries it serves, to support residents with digital literacy programming and related services.

Public libraries play an essential role in bridging digital inequities, especially amid a changing financial landscape for this work. The role of libraries has evolved in recent years to support technology access and digital literacy.

In New Mexico, digital equity programming is coordinated through the NMSL and led by Ford, its inaugural manager. Coordination began with outreach to the state’s libraries to understand unique community challenges and strengths; NMSL’s role is to provide funding and resources. NMSL has an online repository with resources, including a digital access guidebook to support local libraries in asset mapping, device circulation, digital literacy training and more. Ford’s program is intended to complement existing library services.


The digital equity program’s work thus far includes a digital navigator pilot launched in Albuquerque in 2024, which offered digital literacy training and tech support. A GetSetUp software license supports residents in expanding digital skills. NMSL offers a Books By Mail program for rural residents and those with disabilities, and NMSL’s Tribal Libraries Program serves tribal libraries in the state through funding, technical assistance and partnerships.

Another digital inclusion program is focused on health. People in rural communities may not have access to the health-care services they need, and in some cases, may not have the devices or skills necessary to utilize telehealth. As such, NMSL partnered with the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center and the state Department of Health to meet people in the state where they are. This program was designed to serve those who must drive long distances to see a physician in person, by putting physical booths into libraries across the state where patrons can privately access telehealth services — or participate in other virtual meetings that may require a private space.

“Libraries are still always going to be considered community hubs,” said Ford, who became program manager in October 2023. Librarians, he noted, serve people accessing essential services who may not have access to broadband service or the skills to navigate devices on their own.

Currently, NSML has a cohort working to help libraries standardize these telehealth booths, establish policies and partnerships, and obtain the right equipment, to offer patrons more uniform services statewide.

The first such booth was constructed last April, and there were originally four throughout the state; the program has since expanded to seven. Participating libraries will provide information on how people are using these spaces, which is intended to inform the program’s growth.

Through hands-on outreach and engagement with librarians around the state, Ford is able to better understand unique needs. For example, some libraries have greater needs for computers. Other libraries do not have adequate space for a telehealth booth, and need to reimagine how other spaces may be repurposed.

Ford likened the work to shape NMSL’s digital equity program over the past three years to “being comfortable flying the plane while you’re building it.”

New Mexico is the fifth largest state by area, but is ranked 45th in population density, so outside of big cities like Albuquerque, the state’s makeup is very rural, Ford said. Each library and its community has personalized needs, and varied staff sizes and funding capacities.

“So, I believe that our program is able to outfit a library with the proper resources that they need to establish a digital equity program for themselves,” Ford said.

The role of libraries has evolved, he said, because today, many individuals have access to Internet service at home. Ford’s goal is to help library staff across the state “revolutionize the library to the 21st century,” which includes using technology and related programming to drive patronage.

Earlier this year, the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) released its three-year statewide broadband plan, which revealed that approximately 89.9 percent of broadband serviceable locations are considered to be “served.” As OBAE continues to expand broadband infrastructure, NMSL’s role is to enable “meaningful use of technology,” whether that be for health care or the workforce, through digital inclusion programming and resources.

“At the end of the day, we’re a library; so, what librarians do is provide answers,” Ford explained, emphasizing the role of the state’s digital equity program in sharing information and resources with libraries throughout the state. “We always want to make sure that libraries are at the top of the conversation when it comes to community impact.”



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