Libraries and the Digital Divide By: Laura Berkey
What is the Digital Divide?
The definition of digital divide has continually evolved over the years. At its most basic, the term digital divide refers to the gap between those able to benefit from the digital age and those who are not. The high cost of computers creates a barrier between those who can and cannot afford one – and in turn creates a barrier to all the advantages that come with owning one. But it is more than that. The digital divide also includes the ability to make full use of the technology available, taking into consideration access, or lack of access, to the internet. (What is the Digital Divide? 2019) These technologies give us opportunities to join online communities, gain knowledge, learn skills, and find employment, making lack of access for certain groups of people an important issue.
How Does it Affect People With Disabilities?
The gap between those who do and do not have access to technology devices and high-speed internet is even further divided for people with disabilities who are unable to access technology because it was not designed with them in mind. For example, people with physical disabilities that affect hand dexterity are unable to interact with touch screens, mouses, or keyboards without assistive technology and unfortunately, these assistive technologies can be expensive. Due in part to this, individuals with disabilities use the internet at lower rates than those without disabilities. Pew Research Center data demonstrates 54% of households with a disability use the Internet, compared to 81% of households with no disability in the United States. (Fox & Boyles, Disability in the Digital Age 2020)
How Libraries Can Help Bridge the Digital Divide
“The American Library Association recognizes that people with disabilities are a large and vibrant part of society. Libraries should be fully inclusive of all members of their community and strive to break down barriers to access. The library can play a transformational role in helping facilitate more complete participation in society by providing fully accessible resources and services.” (Admin, Services to People with Disabilities: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights 2020)
Being able to use the internet to access information and communicate is
important for those with disabilities, it can help connect them to the rest of
the world and enhances their independence and autonomy. Libraries are in a
unique position to provide this access, access to products with accessibility
integration, and to assistive technologies as well as to provide assistance and
support to patrons with disabilities on how to use it all. This helps
to bridge the "digital divide" that prevents them from full inclusion
in our knowledge-based society. (Williams, Libraries Are Bridging the Digital
Divide 2021)
Admin. (2020, September
25). Services to People with Disabilities: An Interpretation of the Library
Bill of Rights. Advocacy, Legislation & Issues.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/servicespeopledisabilities.
Fox, S., & Boyles, J.
L. (2020, May 30). Disability in the Digital Age. Pew Research Center:
Internet, Science & Tech.
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2012/08/06/disability-in-the-digital-age/.
What is the Digital
Divide? Digital Divide Council. (2019, February 23).
http://www.digitaldividecouncil.com/what-is-the-digital-divide/.
Williams, A. (2021, March
17). Libraries Are Bridging the Digital Divide. Internet Society.
https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2021/03/libraries-are-bridging-the-digital-divide/.
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