PhD Alum Michelle Connors’ Dissertation Research Published in Maine Policy Review

posted in: Campus updates, College of Management and Human Service, Educational Leadership & Adult and Higher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, Graduate Studies, Muskie School of Public Service, School of Education and Human Development |

Michelle Connors, a 2024 graduate of the PhD in Public Policy with a Concentration in Educational Leadership and Executive Director of the Kennebunk Free Library had an article synthesizing her dissertation research published in the Maine Policy Review. The article, Digital Literacy Education in Maine’s Public Libraries, describes her study of how Maine’s public libraries tackle digital literacy education, the required resources, and the associated opportunities and challenges. The findings highlight the urgent need for federal and state support to adequately fund digital literacy education as existing funding and staffing models struggle to meet community demands. Additionally, as digital literacy becomes indispensable for accessing essential services like medical appointments and government documents, addressing the gap between access and knowledge requires comprehensive educational initiatives.