Libraries and the Digital Divide

We are living in a digital world. Most of the things we do require some form of technology. As I write this blog post, I’m arms length away from four different technological devices. So, one may think that there isn’t a digital divided in the United States, right? Well, it may surprise some that there actually is a digital divide. The digital divide refers to “the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don't or have restricted access. This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers and the Internet.”

Since we live in an age with so much technology and instant access to information, those without are at a disadvantage. Libraries help to close this divide by providing those who don’t have access the access they need. About 99% of public libraries provide free access to the internet. Through this access patrons are able to look for jobs, research topics for school, and gather information on any topic. Without this access, many people would be unable to access the information they desire. The digital divide can be a major set back for teens. Teens know a lot more about technology than some of their parents, but that doesn’t always mean that they have the access to it that they need. Providing teens with access to technology through the library can be a great way to change the digital divide gap.

In the article entitled, “Why Should Libraries Care about Teens and Technology?” there is a great example of how the digital divide can set back teens. The following is from that article. “A fictional teen, Cameron, is falling behind in school. It begins as a matter of simple access. Cameron’s family has only one computer in the home. This means that access is shared among
the whole family, with the youngest members of the family often getting less screen time. Unfortunately, Cameron has three older siblings, who each need the computer for homework
 in the evening.Their homework is more “complicated," and so their parents allow the older siblings more computer time than Cameron. Even in these situations of shared access, the impact of the digital divide can be seen. Cameron is consistently given a few hours less of computer time than the older siblings each week. Cameron could fall over one hundred hours behind each year. What begins as a small difference in the amount of access between teens can soon snowball into larger differences in competency. Over the course of several years, this adds up.”

I think this is a great example to see what the digital divide actually does for teens. So, what can be done to help teens like Cameron? Libraries have been working very hard to close this digital divide. Besides providing access to computers and the internet, libraries also need to find ways for teens and patrons to develop technology skills. This can be done through programs, workshops, and online resources. Libraries should also work closely with schools to find staff members who can help teens develop and use technology skills. This would be a great way for libraries to include some of the school curriculum in their programs. Libraries should also provide a generous amount of resources for both teens and patrons. This can include books, movies, audio, Ebooks, articles, magazines, online databases, and other web-based resources. These can be very beneficial in helping patrons learn more about technology as they prepare for a technology filled world. One reason it is so important to help close the digital divide is so that teens are prepared for the workforce. If teens aren’t able to have access to technology resources then they won’t be adequately prepared for the workforce. It is crucial to help them be better able to understand and use technology.

The American Library Association has made it one of their missions to help close this digital divide. In 2013, the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy and the Institute of Museum and Library Services worked closely with Federal Communications Commission to establish ways to close the digital divide. They have published a video that outlines what they’ve accomplished. What I think is so beneficial about this video is that it outlines what a great benefit the library is to millions of Americans. I liked the video because it was short and the message of how important the library is in closing the digital divide was easily described.

Works Cited

Williams, Tiffany. "Why Should Libraries Care About Teens And Technology?." Young Adult Library Services 12.2 (2014): 9-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.