The Digital Divide

The Digital Divide

By Luke Tesluk

The digital divide is a multifaceted issue that underscores the challenges facing libraries today.

The literal meaning of the word is the gap between those with internet and those who don’t.   It also reflects the changing role of libraries. Providing patrons with a variety of resources beyond the traditional materials: books and manuscripts.  This word means many things including the current challenges libraries face.

Not all patrons have benefitted from these changes with some groups being left behind.  One of the more notable ones being the baby boomers. Patrons ages 55 to 62. Who use the library most frequently and are the fastest growing population in the United States.  The census predicts this population will double in the next decade. Which is one of the reasons it’s important to meet their needs with assistive technology and as library staff. This population increase will result in more patrons who will need to use assistive technology in libraries

There are a number of reasons why the digital divide exists between generations.  Baby boomers grew with libraries that were different including patrons with s different set of needs.

The digital divide has negative consequences for patrons.  They may not be aware of the resources available or how it can make their lives easier.  Baby boomers still need support from assistive technology and library staff despite the digital gap.  Which makes our efforts to engage them as staff even more critical.

Several libraries have spearheaded efforts to bridge the divide.  From working to include them in library decisions to having work groups to find out their needs.  While informing them about the technology that’s available. This is one of our most important toes as library staff: engaging patrons and finding out their needs.  Especially patrons that may be left out of the process.