Sixteen libraries have been awarded funding by Tinder Foundation to run digital inclusion projects as part of a pilot designed to help people improve their IT skills.

The funding is part of an action research pilot run by Tinder Foundation, a digital inclusion organisation, which is aimed at developing the basic digital skills of people who are socially excluded.

The pilot will run from 1 October 2015 to 31 March 2016, and it includes 16 libraries that will investigate models of support that work best for their communities. They will share their successes with Tinder Foundation who will collect the research and case studies in order to influence and support the sector as a whole,

Helen Milner, chief executive of Tinder Foundation said: ‘We’re delighted to have been able to award funding to 16 library services, who all demonstrated innovate ideas for engaging with their local communities, reaching new people, and having a real impact on closing the digital divide.’

Ciara Eastell, Society of Chief Librarians president, welcomes the move. ‘Libraries are places of discovery and learning and it is fitting that they also offer the latest technologies and resources to the public, for free. We look forward to seeing the impact that these projects have on local communities.’

There are around 10 million people in the UK without basic digital skills. Many of these people miss out on job opportunities, savings that can be made online, the chance to improve their skills, and much more.