Libraries and the Digital Divide - Riley Apon

Hi everyone,

This post will be about how public libraries are able to provide internet access to people who may not readily have access to the internet. I will be discussing and referring to an article I found using the Palomar library databases titled "Cutting the Cord" published by the Library Journal Magazine. I will also speak about my own experiences about this topic as a public library worker.

"Cutting the Cord" is an article about how mew technologies have found their way into public libraries, namely, the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts. Beginning in 2012, the Robbins library introduced to the public a vending machine system that let library users borrow netbooks for internet use. These 12 netbooks were available for public use within the library for 2 hours, in addition to 9 45-minute reservation desktops and two express 30-minute desktops.

By summer of 2013, the Robbins library had decided to install another vending machine, but this time with laptops, and replaced the existing vending machine that held netbooks with laptops as well. In total there were 24 laptops that library users could check out themselves using their library cards, with little to no assistance needed from staff as how this was previously managed. Shortly after, the decision was made by the Robbins library to no longer have the 45-minute desktop computers available to the public after these 24 laptops were put into service. One of the reasons why this decision was made was to "familiarize the community with new devices and encourage self-reliance."

A campaign was put into effect by the library to promote the use of the vending machine laptop service and also raised awareness about the reservation computers no longer being a library service. The library wrote about the change in the local newspaper, wore buttons, and posted signs on the older computers telling patrons that they were "Cutting the Cord" and making the transition to having self check out laptops.

Patrons were either eager and willing to give this new system a chance or were very reluctant about the change. For those who did not want to adjust to these new measures, the express computer systems was expanded and at the time included 5 30-minute public use computers.

I think this was a great article in displaying how libraries can act as catalysts between the public and learning new technologies. Reading this article made me appreciate how libraries can serve as an opportunity for people to learn about technology, in the very technological society that we live in, especially when we know that technology isn't going away.  

Now, as someone who works for a public library I have seen how important it is that libraries offer public access to computers. I have seen people come into the library regularly to use our computers to look for work. I have also helped others in printing resumes and have helped with people trying to type up documents or write emails. I have also witnessed some of our other library staff teach users how to check out eBooks.

It's nice to see someone pick up technologies unfamiliar to them, give it a try, teach them ways to use it and see them become more comfortable in using that technology. I am glad that public libraries are here to help them every step of the way.

"Cutting The Cord." Library Journal 139.10 (2014): 48. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.