Libraries and the digital divide

By Ying-Chun Wang

I thought libraries are the bridge to the digital divide because libraries provide computers, free internet and wireless to their customers. We see many people come to libraries using computers to look for jobs, check email, watch movies or play computer games. Therefore, I thought libraries are very helpful for the community members who need to use technology but do not have computers or internet at home.

http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/files/u266/Digital%20Divide.jpg

However, the article “e-book will widen the digital divide” has different view point about the relationship between libraries and the digital divide. Mims thinks there are “additional barriers [put] between readers and knowledge.” That is because with the public libraries’ favors towards e-books, the presence of physical books, including old secondhand books that may be the ways of education to some, diminishes. As accessibility to knowledge through books decreases, and e-books require “a secondary external device for playback”, the digital divide will be widened and will have negative impact on the education and socioeconomic equality.

I’m still undecided on the issue of e-books and their impact on the digital divide, but think e-book may not have much effect on the digital divide. Although the fact that accessibility to information through e-books do require e-reader devices and downloading abilities, library is willing and is financial backed in supporting e-books. For instance, some libraries are buying and lending e-books to customers and offer e-books petting zoo/ ebooks help, so patrons can have access to e-books and know how to use the devices.

Personally, I think there’s not too much we can do to change the trend towards e-books. The only thing we can do is to change ourselves. If we want to improve ourselves in technologies, there are many opportunities which don’t involve in money expenditure. It all depends on how hard you are willing to work on it, and not how much help is offered.

Work Cited

Mims, Christopher. "E-books Will Widen the Digital Divide." E-books. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Current Controversies. Rpt. from "Will E-Books Destroy the Democratizing Effects of Reading?" Technology Review (21 Sept. 2011). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

Here is the link to the article.

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