What is the Digital Divide?
The term digital divide began to show up in literature in
the late 1990s and at the time was used to describe the disparity between
groups who have access to computers and the internet and those who do not have
access. Studies show that while the gap between those
who have access to computers and the internet has narrowed, the digital divide remains
though it has evolved. Today the digital divide revolves around high speed broadband
access and learning how to use technology itself.
At its heart, the digital divide is a classic case of the
“haves” and the “have-nots.” The “haves” are those groups that live in
middle-to-upper class communities. The “have-nots” are groups that tend to be
socioeconomically disadvantaged or underserved such as racial and ethnic
minorities, unemployed individuals, and people on low incomes, those living in
rural areas, the elderly and so on. The
“have-nots” report that they do not have expendable income to put towards
costly internet packages or computers. In
a New York Times article, Susan Crawford states:
For a growing number of Americans, a library
is for Internet access. According to a
Pew survey in [June 2014], more than a
quarter of all adults used the Internet at a
library during the past year. The numbers
are higher for blacks and Latinos than they
are for whites. . . 92 percent of blacks and
86 percent of Latinos said it was very important for libraries to offer free
access to computers and the internet, while
only
72 percent of whites did.
How did libraries become involved in the digital divide?
Libraries have always been an epicenter for learning and
outreach in communities. It was,
therefore, a logical jump when the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) report of
1995 suggested that, “there is a pivotal role to be assumed in the new
electronic age by the traditional providers of information access for the
general public—the public schools and libraries.” Computers and internet access have since
become commonplace in libraries across the country. Access plays an especially important role in
under-served areas of the United States where patrons use technology to pay
bills, do homework, apply for jobs and benefits.
How is the San Diego Public Library system closing the digital divide?
One of the goals of the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is
to “provide opportunities for the public to explore technology.” There are many ways to do this. However, all libraries
must play a balancing act between shrinking budgets and the increasing demands
of patrons; the SDPL is no different. The SDPL is supported by the San Diego Public Library Foundation, the private fundraising division of the
SDPL. More and more public entities are establishing non-profit foundations to supplement their allotted yearly budgets. The combination of government
funding and donations allows the SDPL to offer services that directly combat
the digital divide.
The city offers free Wifi at all branches, a homework center at the central library and
other branches, 3D printers, computer classes, online homework help (in both English and
Spanish), and more. It’s all free—only a
library card is needed! For a
complete list and to view the Foundation’s vision and goals, visit the San Diego Public Library Foundation website.
While the SDPL and its Foundation have not completely closed the digital divide, there are success stories everyday. The Foundation highlights such stories that may not have
been possible if it were not for efforts to provide services to patrons. My favorite
success story is that of Cindy Juarez, a city employee who applied for a
promotion but was told a high school diploma is required. Through the library, she was able to
complete an online high school diploma program. Read Cindy’s story.
Works Cited:
Cancro, Polly. “The Dark(ish) side of Digitization:
Information Equality and the Digital Divide.” Serials Librarian. Volume 71. Issue 1. Pages 57-62. 2016
Cohron, Madalyn. “The Continuing Digital Divide in the United
States.” Serials Librarian. Volume 69.
Issue 1. Pages 77-86. 2015.
Crawford, Susan. “Libraries Struggle to Close the Digital
Divide.” New York Times. July 9,
2014.
San Diego Public Library.
“Library Department Tactical Plan.” Accessed from www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sdpl-tactical-plan-2017.pdf
2017
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