NorthStar Digital Literacy 

The Charles County Public Library is proud to announce that we are now a NorthStar subscriber site. 

What is NorthStar Digital Literacy?

Northstar is a free, digital literacy program to teach library patrons basic computer skills and tools to thrive online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included in NorthStar are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:

  • Essential Computer Skills – Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
  • Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
  • Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. Northstar allows end users to freely take the assessments from anywhere via our homepage, but individuals can instead go to an approved testing location. If individuals do not pass, personalized assessment results provide a roadmap to relevant instruction, allowing them to retake the assessment once they have mastered the necessary skills. Northstar also includes learning resources to support adult learners to master the standards outlined. Learning resources include classroom curriculum that can be used in person or remotely, and Northstar Online Learning, which provides self-directed instruction and practice for individuals.

Northstar is used by over 2575 Adult Basic Education programs, colleges, nonprofits, workforce centers, government agencies, and businesses. There is no cost to complete the assessments or any of the training modules. 

Learn more about NorthStar by clicking the button below.

In order to sign up for NorthStar, you must be added to the system by a member of our staff. Call or visit one of our branches to speak to a staff member for personalized help with NorthStar.

Change Assessment Language: A language toggle can be found on the assessment launch page:

Instructional videos in Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) do not have Spanish narration but do have subtitles. Users may need to select the Spanish subtitles the first time they watch a video, by clicking the gear icon.