Reducing the Digital Divide

The Role of School Libraries

Abstract

Technology offers great potential but can also create inequities and problems. One such inequity is the digital divide. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who can effectively use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and those who cannot. Those who are on the less fortunate side of the divide lose out in education, training, shopping, entertainment and communications opportunities. The causes of the digital divide are numerous, and include costs, access problems, lack of skills, cultural issues, and personal factors. As a result, reducing the digital divide needs to take a multi-faceted approach, which includes creating awareness and promotion, facilitating access, developing necessary skills, providing reliable support, developing suitable content, and ensuring community involvement. The mission of school libraries is threatened as long as the digital divide exists, and it is important that school libraries take steps to reduce this divide. These steps should include the approaches mentioned earlier, as well as using coordinated national, regional or local strategies, and collaborating with other organizations.