Libraries and the Digital Divide: Public Libraries Role in Public Internet Access
This article is a series on assistive technology in the library that I
did for a college assignment for a Library and Information Technology
Certificate. It's good information, so I'm publishing here on my book
blog.
Broadband digital internet access gives a way for people to access education at home, purchase household goods and medicine, find new jobs and advance current careers, and provides a way for families to connect. According to the Digital Literacy Initiative, part of the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, certain demographic groups in the United States are far behind other groups in home broadband use. (Digital Literacy). A digital divide then occurs, which is the uneven access to, or use of, technology between different groups.
One reason for households not having internet access is the cost of service. Public libraries play an important role in bridging this digital divide for groups without technology access. In neighborhoods where access to the internet is low because of cost, public libraries can help greatly.
Most libraries provide access to computer workstations with just a library card, along with different software programs and printer use. Patrons can even plan ahead and reserve a computer ahead of time. Some libraries offer reservations for computer use in their neighborhoods by signing up for technology slots. For example, the New York Public Library has Reservation and Print Management Stations at all library locations.
For those individuals that have a laptop but no home WiFi, public libraries offer free WiFi so that personal devices can be used (although most public networks are not secure). Libraries providing free computer access or WiFi service to individuals is a big step to narrowing the digital divide in many communities.
Sources:
Digital literacy initiative fact sheet (n.d.). In Digital Literacy.
Retrieved from https://digitalliteracy.gov/sites/digitalliteracy.gov/files/Digital_Literacy_Fact_Sheet_051311.pdf
Reserving a computer (n.d.). In New York Public Library. Retrieved from https://www.nypl.org/help/computers-internet-and-wireless-access/reserving-computer
Enjoy,
Renee Shelton
Succotash Reviews
:)
------------------------------------
Renee Shelton - Sand and Succotash Blog
Twitter: @121degreesC
Broadband digital internet access gives a way for people to access education at home, purchase household goods and medicine, find new jobs and advance current careers, and provides a way for families to connect. According to the Digital Literacy Initiative, part of the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, certain demographic groups in the United States are far behind other groups in home broadband use. (Digital Literacy). A digital divide then occurs, which is the uneven access to, or use of, technology between different groups.
 |
| Computer stations at Lafayette College. Photo courtesy Wikimedia via a public domain license. |
One reason for households not having internet access is the cost of service. Public libraries play an important role in bridging this digital divide for groups without technology access. In neighborhoods where access to the internet is low because of cost, public libraries can help greatly.
Most libraries provide access to computer workstations with just a library card, along with different software programs and printer use. Patrons can even plan ahead and reserve a computer ahead of time. Some libraries offer reservations for computer use in their neighborhoods by signing up for technology slots. For example, the New York Public Library has Reservation and Print Management Stations at all library locations.
 |
| Public libraries provide free WiFi to its patrons. Photo courtesy Unsplash.com via a public domain license. |
For those individuals that have a laptop but no home WiFi, public libraries offer free WiFi so that personal devices can be used (although most public networks are not secure). Libraries providing free computer access or WiFi service to individuals is a big step to narrowing the digital divide in many communities.
Sources:
Digital literacy initiative fact sheet (n.d.). In Digital Literacy.
Retrieved from https://digitalliteracy.gov/sites/digitalliteracy.gov/files/Digital_Literacy_Fact_Sheet_051311.pdf
Reserving a computer (n.d.). In New York Public Library. Retrieved from https://www.nypl.org/help/computers-internet-and-wireless-access/reserving-computer
Enjoy,
Renee Shelton
Succotash Reviews
:)
------------------------------------
Renee Shelton - Sand and Succotash Blog
Twitter: @121degreesC
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