Mitigating the Digital Divide by Leveraging On-Campus Partnerships

COVID-19 disrupted all existing educational processes at North Carolina Agricultural University, the largest public historically Black college and university (HBCU). More specifically, students and faculty were required to complete all coursework in an online virtual setting. Many students faced a “digital divide” and needed access to technology. New virtual technology services and software applications were tested and launched to provide extended services to the students. A Laptop Lending Program was created to fully support distance and virtual learning initiatives. The success of this program is not only focused on the number of laptops distributed, the self-reported benefits to students, and validation of Library Services’ impact on campus, but also by the effectiveness of the collaborations and partnerships quickly formed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.