Libraries and the Digital Divide
The
Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) defines digital divide as
“the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to
effectively engage online and those who do not. As technology constantly
evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all
parts of life, disproportionality affecting people of color, Indigenous
peoples, households with low income, people with disabilities, people in rural
areas, and older adults” (NNLM, 3:35).
During
the Covid-19 pandemic shut down, remote learning and remote work became normal,
adding stress to those who did not have access to computers at home and/or high-speed
internet. Many families had to share one household computer and internet access,
making school/work difficult at best. According to a 2021 Pew Research report, “24%
of adults don’t own a smartphone, 43% don’t have broadband services and 41%
lack a computer”
Older
adults may find that digital literacy is difficult to keep up with. The NNLM
defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication
technologies (ICTs) to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information requiring
cognitive and technical skills” (NNLM, 7:15). Often, older adults are isolated by
retirement or lack of family and are not exposed to new technologies. Many libraries offer classes to teach patrons
how to use technology, showing them basic computer skills. Librarians are also very
helpful to anyone who may need help in accessing websites, such as healthcare
portals or telehealth links that older adults may not know how to navigate.
Impairment
related digital divide is also common for many patrons with disabilities. Libraries
offer curbside pickup for individuals with physical disabilities, web
accessibility software for people with visual impairments, and microphone
systems for people with hearing impairments. Patrons can also access library
Wi-Fi in the parking lot when antennas or routers are used to extend the range
of their internet access. Some libraries create special rooms that have extra large
screens allowing patrons to use larger font sizes and special keyboards that
have bold, black letters and symbols on oversized bright yellow keys (Strunsky,
2025). It is also common for libraries to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
when holding special programs and may even have staff fluent in ASL and other
languages.
Libraries
have evolved with technology to meet the needs of its patrons. They not only
provide books but a community service that provides special services, programs,
technology and gathering spaces. If you haven’t been to your local library in a
while, you should make a special trip and have a good look at all the services it
provides.
What is ICT?
Works Cited
Awati,
Rahul. "What is the digital divide?" December 2024. Tech Target.
www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/digital-divide, Accessed 12 April 2025.
“Lack of Access 101: How public
libraries combat disparities and bridge the digital divide”, YouTube,
uploaded by Network of the National Library of Medicine, 12 May 2023, www.youtu.be/yg9pbRFL0aA, Accessed 12
April 2025
Salsbury, Meghan. “Bridging the
Digital Divide: Wi-Fi Hot Spots as a Means of Digital Equity.” Portal :
Libraries and the Academy., vol. 22, no. 1, 2022, pp. 199–219, www.doi.org/10.1353/pla.2022.0000, Accessed 12
April 2025
Strunsky,
Steve. "Newark library boosts tech to bridge digital divide for impaired
users." 24 Feb. 2025. NJ.com.
www.nj.com/essex/2025/02/newark-library-boosts-tech-to-bridge-digital-divide-for-impaired-users.html
Accessed 12 April 2025.
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