The Digital Divide and Libraries

Libraries and the Digital Divide

In her article Digital Literacy for Kids, Shelley Lacey-Castelot used the American Library Association's definition of digital literacy as " the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills." This definition can be used to determine how a library and its staff might help to address the digital divide in the community they serve.

As a practical matter,  'digital divide' is a broad term, and what constitutes the divide and how to bridge it mat change as new technologies replace old. In its more narrow definition the Cambridge Dictionary states that the digital divide is '' the problem of some members of society not having the opportunity or knowledge to use computers and the internet that others have." The cornerstone of all digital access is the need of libraries to provide computers and the internet. E-Rate is a low cost program available to libraries, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the FCC. The program provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access (Wikipedia E-rate. n.d.). For some patrons, young and old, the public library is the entrance point to the realm of computing.

The services local libraries provide will vary as each strive to bridge the digital divide for their patrons. Does the library serve a rural or urban one? The graph above compares urban, rural and suburban visits per capita and computer usage during a visit( Morgridge College of Education Online 2018). Is it an older population or one with lots of youngsters? Are there bi-lingual needs? No matter the demographic, a well trained staff, savvy to the needs of their patrons is essential to a library. This may take the form of carefully selecting databases, then, teaching patrons to use them. Showing patrons how to scan, print and copy are basic but important skills as well. The know-how to assist in job searches and creating resumes online are indispensable. More comprehensive instruction may take the form of classes to teach computer skills or individual help with homework for students. No matter the guise, competent, informed library staff is essential. Library professionals are information professionals, and digital literacy is a vital component of all literacy in the 21st century.

Sources:

Online Master of Library and Information Science.University of Denver Morgridge College of

Education.2018. Libraries evolve to bridge digital divide. Retrieved from

https://morgridgeonline.du.edu/blog/libraries-bridge-digital-divide/