Libraries and the Digital Divide

 

Libraries and the digital divide

The digital divide describes the easy access to technology by some communities, while others face challenges in meeting the needs of the digital world. Ihsaniyati, describes the digital divide as “The gap between communities with access and those without access to communication and information technologies is called the digital divide” (2024). This description doesn’t account for the type of disparity some populations have to go through to access the same benefits as their peers. An example of this is in the article Understanding the Impact and Driver of Digital Divide to Support Rural Development Policy, " which describes the hardships rural areas must endure to have digital access. The article also discusses the importance of digital inclusion by stating that bridging this gap will help to improve social inclusion, quality of life, and well-being (Ihsaniyati, 2024). In addition, giving individuals access to digital technology will only result in the progression of technology.

Public libraries have cemented themselves in history and throughout time as institutions of higher learning that help level the playing field between the haves and the have-nots. Aside from public schools, public libraries are increasing the type of assistive technology available to patrons that is necessary in this digital age. An example is how many libraries stepped up and provided portable wi-fi hotspots and even lent out computers to patrons.

Works Cited

Ihsaniyati, Hanifah, et al. "Understanding the Impact and Driver of Digital Divide to Support Rural Development Policy: A Review." IOP Conference Series.Earth and Environmental Science, vol. 1362, no. 1, 2024, pp. 012016. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/docview/3081707773/8C05FF5EB50A4095PQ/3?accountid=35685&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals