Libraries & the Digital Divide 

      What is the “Digital Divide” and how does it connect to libraries? These were the thoughts running through my head when I read the title, at first I thought it had to do with libraries and how they used technology but as I read further I found it was a entirely different topic. After researching the topic my understanding is that the “Digital Divide” has been created because there are people on one side who have access to the Internet, computers, or digital devices and then there are people on the other side who have limited to no access to the same things. While reading I found this video and want to include it because this lady Estella Pyfrom a former educator is doing her part to help bridge the "Digital Divide" by travelling the country in her "Brilliant Bus" filled with computers and using it to bring members of the community who have limited or no access to computers and the Internet access to it. 

          The issue of the "Digital Divide" really boils down to one problem which is "ACCESS" and this is where libraries come into play they help by providing library patrons free access to computers which they can use to access the Internet and for those who have limited to no access this is just the help they need. The digital services libraries are providing to patrons on a regular basis range from computer games for preschoolers to online research information for students to access to employment opportunities for adults. (Hunker 1) Although library patrons are grateful for the access a common problem that arises is that the amount of time patrons are allocated to spent on the computer isn't always enough but with limited funding in general there isn't much libraries can do to change it. (Hunker 1) Thankfully through funding from the federal government and donations from private contributors like Bill Gates more and more libraries are able to fill the "Digital Divide"  and use this type of funding to purchase more computers to more provide patrons with access to computers and the Internet.

How Libraries Can Help Bring the "Digital Divide"

References

ALA Washington Office (Director). (2013, January 25). Libraries, the digital divide and how we can bridge it [Video file]. Retrieved March 23, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vBNp0AdWgE

Brokaw, T. (Reporter). (2003, May 13). Bill Gates Helps Improve Rural Internet Access. [Television series episode]. NBC Nightly News. Retrieved from https://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse/?cuecard=2066

Carvin, A. (2007). There Is a Digital Divide. In D. Haugen & S. Musser (Eds.), Opposing Viewpoints. Techology and Society. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from School Library Journal, 2006, March, 52[3], 70-72) Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=OVIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&display-query=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Viewpoints&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=OVIC&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010234243&source=Bookmark&u=cclc_palomar&jsid=44e0dd349e7d1dd2dec18ba02b4a447a

Hunker, P. G. (2000, March 14). Digital Divide. Washington Times [Washington, DC], p. 1. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=OVIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&display-query=&mode=view&displayGroupName=News&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=OVIC&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CA60085814&source=Bookmark&u=cclc_palomar&jsid=6d1b6f83d0fdd64fdc54b3cf39d3412c

Sanders, K. (Reporter), & Williams, B. (Anchor). (2013, January 28). Brilliant Bus Erases Digital Divide. [Television series episode]. NBC Nightly News. Retrieved from https://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse/?cuecard=62877

Libraries in the Digital Age

When you think of libraries, what is it that you think of? Do you think of books, or do you think of using some of today hottest digital devices available. If you didn't pick the latter, you might want to go check out your local library. Libraries have long since been a way to get information you need to know. You just have to read the book to do it. However in today's digital era all it takes is a quick Google search and the information you desire is right there. So what are libraries doing to bridge this gap? They are going digital.

I know growing up, I used to go to the library, put my name on the list for a computer, wait my turn and once it was my turn I only got an hour of time before I had to stop what I was doing to let the next person on, even if I was not finished! In today's digital library you are encouraged to bring your own device. That's right, many libraries are loosing their funding and can't keep up with the devices. Don't have a device to use but need to get some work done? In some areas libraries have loaded up on some of the popular sought after devices to encourage patrons to come enjoy the library. And if you do not have the knowledge of how to use the Internet or let alone a computer don't worry, there's a librarian for that! Having a "digital commons" has become popular as well. This is a "hub" that helps you learn about new programs and technologies. 

One of the more extremely popular items at the library these days, is the e-book. It is so easy and convenient to rent a book on your tablet or e-reader and take it with you. You don't have to go searching the shelves, there is no way to "loose" the book unless you loose your tablet, and best of all  - not late fees!

So maybe its time to retire that old view of the library and head over to see what your missing out on.