Digital Navigators are trained, trusted guides who help library patrons with various technology needs. Navigators assist anyone needing a device, secure free or low-cost internet service, and much more. To learn more about the work of Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley, you can view the website here.
Applications for the April 2026 cohort are open here! Applications are open until Monday, April 6 at 12:00 pm. This is the third Digital Navigator Cohort and will run from April 2026 – July 2026. Please note this is a competitive application as space is limited in the program.
Funding for this program has been provided by the Mid-Hudson Library System in partnership with the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council, Ramapo Catskill Library System, and Westchester Library System.
Who: Applications are open to individuals who work at libraries and nonprofit organizations in the following counties: Columbia, Greene, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. You must be currently employed or have regular volunteer hours and have the support of your institution.
What: Digital Navigators training is provided by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and staff from MHLS, Southeastern NY Library Resources Council, Ramapo Catskill Library System, and Westchester Library System. This training will focus on the digital inclusion ecosystem and the fundamentals of providing technical assistance to clients. We will provide updates on current programs, services, and resources to support a robust Digital Navigator program within your organization. Once trained, Navigators will meet with patrons and provide data on those interactions via intake and exit forms. We will meet twice a month as a group and maintain an active listserv.
Navigators who meet the requirements by the deadline will receive a $500 investment incentive that is payable to their organization. The investment incentive is open to a limited number of individuals; some applicants may be offered an opportunity to audit the program.
Where: All meetings and training sessions will be held online via Zoom.
When: This cohort will meet at the following times:
Tuesday, April 7: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm (Training)
Wednesday, April 8: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm (Training)
Thursday, April 9: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (System Staff Training)
Thursday, April 23: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Office Hours)
Thursday, May 14: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Office Hours)
Thursday, May 28: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Office Hours)
Thursday, June 11: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Office Hours)
Thursday, June 25: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Professional Development)
Thursday, July 9: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Office Hours)
Thursday, July 23: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Office Hours)
Qualities of Successful Digital Navigators
You don’t need to be a tech expert! But you do need:
– The ability to embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts related to internet services, computer and device characteristics, and common online services and applications.
– Excellent self-organization, language capacity, and cultural competency.
– Excellent telephone and online communication skills, including the ability to establish trust with clients of varied educational and cultural backgrounds.
– The ability to demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of humor in working with diverse customers, coworkers, and the community.
– The ability to creatively solve problems and negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
– The ability to provide excellent customer service, establish appropriate boundaries.
Questions? Contact: Kerstin Cruger, Mid-Hudson Library System, kcruger@midhudson.org.
