The Digital Divide and the American Library Association

  

Because of its wide-ranging impact on libraries of almost every type, the Digital Divide has not gone unnoticed by the American Library Association (ALA).  Among its many publications on the topic, the ALA has released the latest "Fact Sheet" which spells out how libraries are tackling the problems posed by the unequal access to technology and the instruction on its use.  These problems include not only those suffered the user (patrons), but also the burden placed on libraries to maintain pace with the growing demand for computers, space, maintenance, and replacing advancing technology.

                                            Photo courtesy of University of California, Berkeley

The "Fact Sheet" contains links to dozens of surveys and statistics regarding public, academic, and school libraries which provide excellent starting points for anyone interested in investigating the topic further.  The publication also categorizes its contents into the aforementioned library types for easy reference.  It is clear to see the studies cited in this fact sheet is the basis for many other posts and publications on the Digital Divide, evidenced by the following excerpt:

• Virtually all libraries (98 percent) offer free public Wi-Fi access;
• 95 percent of libraries offer summer reading programs to forestall the “summer slide” in reading achievement experienced when learning takes a holiday between school terms;
• Close to 90 percent of libraries offer basic digital literacy training, and a significant majority support training related to new technology devices (62 percent), safe online practices (57 percent) and social media use (56 percent);
• 76 percent of libraries assist patrons in using online government programs and services;
• The vast majority of libraries provide programs that support people in applying for jobs (73 percent), access and using online job opportunity resources (68 percent) and using online business information resources (48 percent);
• A significant majority of libraries host social connection events for adults (61 percent) and teens (60 percent) such as book discussion groups or gaming programs;
• 45 percent of libraries provide early-learning technologies for pre-K children; and
• More than one-third of all libraries provide literacy, GED prep, STEAM and after-school programs.

It is clear that libraries are conveying a message when they provide such numbers:  libraries recognize the importance of access to technology (and all that entails) and are striving to provide it to as many of their patrons as possible.  This fact sheet is a powerful tool for librarians and library advocates in the battle for public opinion.