North Carolina Department of Information Technology
HR&A collaborated with the North Carolina Office of Digital Equity and Literacy (ODEL) to create the NC Resource Finder, consolidating over 1,000 fragmented digital equity resources into a searchable, accessible platform. Our data strategy and stakeholder engagement transformed scattered information into a user-friendly tool that enables digital navigators, librarians, and community organizations to connect North Carolinians with essential internet services and digital literacy resources.
During statewide digital equity planning, ODEL collected extensive information on digital equity resources including public computer centers and digital literacy training providers, but the data remained fragmented across various sources. The office needed to transform this scattered dataset into a practical tool that stakeholders could use to help residents access critical services. HR&A conducted thorough data assessment to identify and fill immediate gaps, then collaborated closely with stakeholders through interviews to design a searchable, mappable, geotagged resource database. We determined which information should be displayed for optimal user experience, prioritizing simple language and accessible navigation.
HR&A provided technical assistance to help stakeholders verify data and fill gaps, integrating hundreds of additional resources into the platform and increasing information reliability. We developed a detailed data pipeline strategy outlining roles and responsibilities for continuous data collection, cleaning, verification, and updating, ensuring the resource finder remains current and relevant as a living tool. The NC Resource Finder now provides stakeholders across North Carolina with an accessible platform to connect residents with digital equity resources, laying the groundwork for ecosystem building and expanded digital access throughout the state.
