scholarly journals Powering digital communities: How Public Libraries Can Foster Digital Inclusion and Digital Literacy in Ontario

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Panzarella
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Digital Communities ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The People

In the digital age, many aspects of life increasingly rely on the use of technology. In response to this shift toward digitization, it is important to ensure that the people of Ontario not only have adequate access to digital tools, but also the skills to operate such equipment. However, several segments of Ontario’s population, including seniors, low-income individuals, and those living in rural communities, face greater barriers to meaningful participation in the digital economy because of a lack of exposure to digital tools and digital literacy. Numerous institutions and community organizations in the province, including public libraries, are working to bridge the gap in terms of skills and access. As institutions that connect patrons to technologies and digital literacy programs taught by trained literacy professionals, libraries are a crucial resource for fostering a digitally inclusive environment that prepares Ontarians with the skills required to partake in the digital economy.

The Intersection of Public Policy and Public Access: Digital Divides, Digital Literacy, Digital Inclusion, and Public Libraries

2012 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul T. Jaeger ◽  
John Carlo Bertot ◽  
Kim M. Thompson ◽  
Sarah M. Katz ◽  
Elizabeth J. DeCoster
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Digital Divides

scholarly journals Closing the Digital Divide in Low-Income Urban Communities: A Domestication Approach

10.28945/3885 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Kanyi Wamuyu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Communities ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Low Income Households

Aim/Purpose: Significant urban digital divide exists in Nairobi County where low income households lack digital literacy skills and do not have access to the internet. The study was undertaken as an intervention, designed to close the digital divide among low income households in Nairobi by introducing internet access using the domestication framework. Background: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to help reduce social inequality and have been hailed as critical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). Skills in use of ICTs have also become a prerequisite for almost all forms of employment and in accessing government services, hence, the need for digital inclusion for all. Methodology: In this research study, I employed a mixed methods approach to investigate the problem. This was achieved through a preliminary survey to collect data on the existence of urban digital divide in Nairobi and a contextual analysis of the internet domestication process among the eighteen selected case studies. Contribution: While there have been many studies on digital divide between Africa and the rest of the world, within the African continent, among genders and between rural and urban areas at national levels, there are few studies exploring urban digital divide and especially among the marginalized communities living in the low-income urban areas. Findings: Successful domestication of internet and related technologies was achieved among the selected households, and the households appreciated the benefits of having and using the internet for the first time. A number of factors that impede use of internet among the marginalized communities in Nairobi were also identified. Recommendations for Practitioners: In the study, I found that use of differentiated costs internet services targeting specific demographic groups is possible and that use of such a service could help the marginalized urban communities’ access the internet. Therefore, ISPs should offer special internet access packages for the low-income households. Recommendation for Researchers: In this research study, I found that the urban digital divide in Nairobi is an indication of social economic development problems. Therefore, researchers should carryout studies involving multipronged strategies to address the growing digital divide among the marginalized urban communities. Impact on Society: The absence of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) inclusion policy is a huge setback to the achievement of the SDGs in Kenya. Digital inclusion policies prioritizing digital literacy training, universal internet access and to elucidate the social-economic benefits of internet access for all Kenyans should be developed. Future Research: Future studies should explore ways of providing affordable mass internet access solutions among the residents of low-income communities and in eliminating the persistence urban digital divide in Kenya.

scholarly journals Reducing Inequality through Technology Diffusion: The Case of 3D printing in Public Libraries

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Woodson ◽  
Nataliia Telendii ◽  
Robert Tolliver
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
3D Printing Technology ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
3D Printers

3D printers are hailed as the next revolutionary technology, yet few scholars have studied whether 3D printing will decrease poverty and inequality. This paper determines the availability and accessibility of 3D printing technology in low-income communities through public libraries and gives insights on how libraries use 3D printers. By examining the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey and conducting interviews, we found that libraries are quickly acquiring 3D printers; however, the technology is not being fully adopted by the patrons due to the lack of training, software and practical applications of the technology. Also, we found out that the cost to use a 3D printer in public libraries is relatively low, and does not prevent patrons from accessing the technology. Overall, we believe that libraries will only play a small role in providing availability and accessibility to 3D printing technology for marginalized communities.

scholarly journals Evaluating ICT Adoption in Rural Brazil: A Quantitative Analysis of Telecenters as Agents of Social Change

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Prado ◽  
Mauro Araújo Câmara ◽  
Marco Aurélio de Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Mountain Communities ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Information And Communication

This quantitative study surveyed 538 adults in isolated rural settings in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to examine whether telecenters operated by the non-profit organization Gems of the Earth in the area improve digital literacy and promote social change in those remote mountain communities. Using multivariate logistic regression, the study examined how individuals use information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the telecenter, and tested for predictors of their use. The findings confirm that these rural communities use ICTs for entertainment, to engage in civic participation, and to practice professional skills. Results also indicate greater odds of ICT use among individuals aged 18 to 24 and among those who seek diversion. The findings suggest that digital inclusion impacts these isolated communities by creating opportunities for entertainment, civic engagement, professional development, and education in ways that may positively impact human development.

scholarly journals TECHNOLOGY USE IN RURAL DEMENTIA CARE: PERSPECTIVES FROM FAMILY CAREGIVERS, PWD, AND SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S860-S860
Author(s):  
Lucas R Prieto ◽  
Fei Sun ◽  
Wenwu Zhang ◽  
Anastasia Kononova
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Technology Literacy ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Use Of Technology

Abstract Purpose: The use of technology in dementia care has shown promising benefits for both people living with dementia and their family caregivers, however, little is known regarding how technology is used among families affected by dementia who reside in rural communities. The purpose of this study was to explore technology use and barriers among people living with dementia, family caregivers, and service professionals who live in rural areas of Michigan. Methods: This study was based upon focus group data from six groups of family caregivers (n=32); one group of people living with early stages of dementia (n=4), and one group of service professionals (n=4) recruited from rural counties in Michigan. Results: Technology use included assisting caregiving tasks (e.g., monitoring a wandering care recipient), facilitating treatment (e.g., access treatment through telemedicine), and providing social connection and support. Themes related to strategies included addressing educational needs of young older and old-older caregivers, providing step-by-step toolkits, and collaborating with multi-sectors (e.g., public libraries, grocery stores, and churches). Discussion: Findings suggest a great need to facilitate technology literacy and competency for rural family caregivers to access caregiving resources. To effectively reach out to this population, technology methods such as local TV news network, radio, and newspaper are still beneficial. Health and social service professionals should consider collaborations with public service institutions (e.g. libraries) and faith-based organizations to include educational workshops about technology in their curriculum and training programs for dementia family caregivers.

A comparative study of public libraries’ contribution to digital inclusion in Korea and the United States

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younghee Noh
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Related Services ◽  
The Public ◽  
Systems Perspective

This research was designed to measure the level of contribution public libraries in Korea have made to digital inclusion in their communities. To that end, the study compared the degree of contribution to digital inclusion by Korean libraries with that by US libraries. Specifically, the following domains of digital inclusion were assessed: (1) information technologies and infrastructures that can be utilized by the users, as well as (2) digital literacy campaigns and programs that promoted digital integration (helping people to use technologies and library programs and know about other resources and events provided by libraries). Public libraries in Korea were surveyed using a questionnaire developed by the Institute of Museum and Library Service in the United States – FY2011 Public Library Survey, revised for the Korean context. From a systems perspective, Korean public library computers and Internet infrastructure surpassed those of their counterparts in the United States in terms of quality but the diversity of technologies, equipment, and technology-related services and the proportion of technology-related services provided were higher in the United States. In terms of educational content, libraries in both countries informed the public about diverse subjects but US libraries offered more, and more diverse, services than Korean. Library staff were responsible for running programs in the United States, whereas these were provided through collaboration with external organizations in Korea.

scholarly journals ‘It is unbelievable how many come to us’:

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 26-45
Author(s):  
Mariana Gustafsson ◽  
Elin Wihlborg
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Central Function ◽  
Democratic Communities ◽  
Community Library

In advanced, digitalized democratic communities the demands for literacy are a prerequisite for engagement and inclusion, at the same time different forms of divides are omnipresent. By providing access and qualified support to all citizens, public libraries play a central function in the building of democratic and inclusive local communities, being increasingly relied upon by governments to deliver access and support for e-services. Based on a case study of community library services in Sweden, Östergötland, this paper aims to study digital inclusion as reflected in daily practices through the perspective of librarians. In this paper we argue that while advancing digitalisation involves opening of new access and engagement opportunities through empowering digital tools and Internet, it also involves different challenges of exclusion for those who cannot use, choose not to use or have other needs

URBAN DISPLACEMENT AND LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF THE AMERICAN CITY FROM THE LATE TWENTIETH CENTURY

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 06 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Knight ◽  
Mohammad Gharipour
Keyword(s):  
Urban Communities ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Redevelopment ◽  
Minority Populations ◽  
The People ◽  
History Of ◽  
Late Twentieth ◽  
Cultural Connections ◽  
American Cities ◽  
Late Twentieth Century

How can urban redevelopment benefit existing low-income communities? The history of urban redevelopment is one of disruption of poor communities. Renewal historically offered benefits to the place while pushing out the people. In some cases, displacement is intentional, in others it is unintentional. Often, it is the byproduct of the quest for profits. Regardless of motives, traditional communities, defined by cultural connections, are often disrupted. Disadvantaged neighborhoods include vacant units, which diminish the community and hold back investment. In the postwar period, American cities entered into a program of urban renewal. While this program cleared blight, it also drove displacement among the cities’ poorest and was particularly hard on minority populations clustered in downtown slums. The consequences of these decisions continue to play out today. Concentration of poverty is increasing and American cities are becoming more segregated. As neighborhoods improve, poorer residents are uprooted and forced into even more distressed conditions, elsewhere. This paper examines the history of events impacting urban communities. It further reviews the successes and failures of efforts to benefit low-income communities.

Penerapan Weighted Sum Model (WSM) Dalam Penentuan Peserta Jaminan Kesehatan Masyarakat

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Mesran Mesran ◽  
Suginam Suginam ◽  
Surya Darma Nasution ◽  
Andsyah Putera Utama Siahaan
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Weighted Sum ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Head Of Household ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The People ◽  
Community Health Insurance ◽  
The Government ◽  
Simple Additive Weighting

Community Health Insurance is one of the government programs for the people of Indonesia in obtaining treatment services at Puskesmas. The program is very helpful for people who are low income and live below the poverty line. Indicators for the government in providing this service consists of 10 (ten) criteria that are House Ownership Status, Floor Area per Household Member, Type of Floor of House, Type of Wall House, Lighting House Used, Fuel Used, Frequency Of Eating In A Day, Ability Buy meat/chicken/milk in a week, Employment of head of household, Education of head of household. In the application, of course, has constraints in deciding who the participants who get the Jamkesmas service. With the application of one of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) able to overcome obstacles faced by government. Some methods of MCDM such as Simple Additive Weighting(SAW), Weighted Product(WP), Weighted Sum Model(WSM) can solve this problem. By applying the WSM is relatively easy and fast, is believed to be able to get the best results.

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