While researching, it is becoming clear that there are many ways that researchers think about and measure “access.” In this blog, we have talked about “Access vs. usage” and “Access to labs vs. access to laptop carts” among other related issues. Today, I want to talk about equal access, or what has been dubbed the “Digital Divide” and our Libraries’ role in equalizing access to Information.We know that despite nearly 100% Internet penetration in our nation’s schools, there are certain groups of students that don’t have those same valuable tools at home. For example, while 79% of school-aged children in New Hampshire enjoy at-home Internet access, only 43% of Mississippi’s children do, The discrepancies can be just as stark when comparing children from different schools within the same district.
When creative, libraries can play an important role in helping to empower these groups by offering Internet access through various programs. Some high schools offer their students laptop checkout for up to three hours a day. Still others allow students who own computers but not Internet access to use the school’s network while at school. Some districts are opening up their computer labs to the community in the evening hours to make better use of all of those valuable resources at a time they are otherwise sitting idle. These innovation ideas, among others, are helping to narrow the digital divide.
Lack of substantive access to the vast and often unique resources of the Internet is no longer simply a lack of convenience for those not afforded it. It is reneging of the promise of equality of opportunity for all, a promise upon which our country was founded.
Russell, S., & Huang, J. (2009). Libraries'role in equalizing access to information. Library Management, 30(1/2), 69-76.
I agree about libraries. I have used Williston's library in the past. They have a wireless T1 and it is fast. The computers
ReplyDeleteare being used to full capacity. You actually have to wait sometimes and you only get 30 minutes on them. It is an option
but, again, lack of access comes into play (there are only 6 avialable). I don't know how Ocala's library is.
The College computer labs are an option. The Big Open Lab at the NW campus at Santa Fe College has copious hours and the
machines and the connection are really good. I encourage my students to use it. However, the Davis Center at Archer has a
computer lab that is not open on weekends or after hours. It would be such an addition to the community if the personel to
manage after hours access at the spur campuses of Santa Fe College were hired.
Out here in the sticks, there is only dial-up access except for some lucky pockets. I use Alltel's wireless modem which I
call my low-speed high-speed but it beats the heck out of dial-up. But it is prohibitively expensive. Clay electic company
launched a survey this month which indicated that they were considering launching DSL in my area. I hope so. I know people
that have DSL in their area but with no competition. It also is very expensive. Again, the digital divide.
As I type, I'm sitting in my hometown public library using my own laptop but borrowing their 3.5 MB/s connection. It's really fast! :)
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