The Digital Divide and Working Towards Digital Equity By Val Andalon
When you first hear of the digital divide you could think that
the solution is to simply get electronic devices into people's hands and give
them access to the Internet. There. Done Next.
But that's not enough.
For decades, Librarians have been attempting to provide access to up-to-date technologies for their communities. Libraries have a mission to connect with their communities and create opportunities for lifelong learning for patrons. With the recent pandemic bringing to light just how big the gap is in who does and doesn't have access to digital devices and internet, libraries are seeing slightly more funds available from the government to apply for to help bridge that gap (Broad Look at Broadband, 2022). Some libraries have been keeping their Wi-Fi on so patrons can access it through their own devices when sitting in the parking lot after hours. There has been an increase in libraries currently allowing patrons the opportunity to check-out tablets to use within the library to access eBooks and the Internet. There are also some libraries starting to allow patrons to check out Google Chrome Books and Wi-Fi hotspots. Libraries provide internet connectivity because they are aware not everyone has access, and it is important. For example, according to the article “A Broad Look at Broadband” from American Libraries, 4 in 10 adults who live in a household making under $30,000/ year do not have broadband services in their home. In the same article it states only 82% of U.S. able bodied adults own a desktop computer/laptop and even fewer disabled adults own a desktop computer/laptop at 62%, it is vital that libraries continue to provide computer and internet access to their communities. I believe these are necessary and amazing step towards creating digital equity.
As we go forward, we need to
make sure that we are not only providing more of these technologies but also fight for
funding to provide robust internet connection for our patrons to use to their
full potential. What good is it if we provide a hotspot but it has weak
broadband that drops connection every few minutes? Library staff must continue to sharpen our tech skills so we can continue to train patrons to use devices from smartphones to desktop computers and how to navigate an app to learning a new software. Library staff will need skills and training to trouble shoot and maintain digital devices to prolong its longevity in circulation (King, 2021). Library staff will need to continue to listen to their communities' evolving needs and
teach digital literacy as newer technology rolls out.
👀 Learn more 👀
If you are interested in learning more in how to help increase Digital Equity, check out these archived articles from American Libraries Magazine: American Libraries digital literacy archive
Here is a look at how a library in Kansas City is closing the gap of the Digital Divide in their community:
Lee King, David. “Chapter 4: The Digital Divide.” Library Technology Reports, vol. 57, no. 2, Feb. 2021, pp. 24–28. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=148951874&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
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