The Digital Divide and Its Implications for Collection Development

The Digital Divide And Its Implications for Collection Development Wanett Clyde LS.501.W2 Clarion University Spring 2011

Technology will not be denied We are bombarded almost daily with new or improved gadgets designed to make life easier, better, faster.

This message is so pervasive it is quite easy to forget that this ease of access, this technology everywhere for everyone concept is actually a falsehood. There are many people for whom technology is completely inaccessible. Many who if presented with something technological would be unable to utilize it.

It is the responsibility of libraries to bridge the digital divide?

What is collection development?

The Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science (ODLIS) defines collection development as: The process of planning and building a useful and balanced collection of library materials over a period of years, based on an ongoing assessment of the information needs of the library's clientele, analysis of usage statistics, and demographic projections, normally constrained by budgetary limitations.

Why collection development policies are important Collection development policies exist to serve as a guide for both library staff and the patrons they serve.

(Johnson, 2009) Its purpose is to articulate the collection goals and objectives of the library. (BPL policy) Articulating the goals of a collection sets a standard by which success can be measured.

(Johnson, 2009) Having a set plan in place protects those responsible for the collection and its maintenance and guides them in making well informed decisions with regard to the collection.

What is the digital divide?

Former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Telecommunication and Communication Larry Irving, Jr. is often credited with coining the phrase “digital divide�.

(ODLIS)

The digital divide is â€œâ€Śthe gap in access to information resources and services between those with the means to purchase the computer hardware and software necessary to connect to the Internet and lowincome families and communities that cannot afford network access.â€? (ODLIS) Simply put, it is a term that references the separation between people who have ready access to a personal computer and those who do not. (Johnson, 2009)

Does it still exist?

There are differing opinions on the current state of the digital divide.  Does it still exist?  Is it expanding?  How has the definition changed with the times?

Romelia Salinas’ 2003 article “Addressing the digital divide through collection development” in the online journal Collection Building provides both insight into the changing definition of the term as well as working solutions on dealing with the issue.

People not Computers 

“The digital divide is about people not computers.” (Salinas, 2003)

Information Fluency Salinas describes information literacy as the ability to “…use critically and effectively these new tools to find information and communicate in a manner that fosters personal or community growth and health.” (2003)

Barriers to Information Fluency The Children’s Partnership’s report, Online Content for Low-Income and Underserved Americans, identifies four barriers to information literacy (or fluency) • • • •

lack of local information literacy barriers language barriers lack of cultural diversity (on the Internet) (Salinas, 2003)

Library Services and Technology Act LSTA is a part of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003. LSTA states that: “2008 statistics show that libraries hosted more than 1.3 billion patron visits. In times of economic downturn, libraries become even busier. More people, in more communities, in every state are turning to their local library for access to information and services to help them in today’s economy…. While Internet use has increased substantially in the United States, nearly half of all American households still do not have computers or Internet access.” (LSTA, 2010)

Museum and Library Services Act

The Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. It was signed into law by President Obama on December 22, 2010. With funding provided by this program, libraries across the United States are able to offer classes and workshops to assist those affected by the digital divide. (LSTA, 2010)

The information age is forcing us to redefine what a book is.

Digital Collection Considerations   

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Licensing and contracts Storage, will access be on site or off Does the acquisition of the digital version of a source render the physical version useless?

For non-fiction materials: currency and completeness Which format best fits the community the library serves (EPub, pdf books, MP3 or MP4 audio files?)

(Johnson, 2009; Library Journal, 2007)

Considerations specific to the digital divide 

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How will patrons without home computers utilize these materials? Phone? eReader? Library computer terminal?

Which format would best fit what may be available to them?

Are materials available in multiple languages?

Is the digital collection diverse enough for the skill and interest level of all the patrons served by the library system?

Can patrons download the necessary software when they have the hardware?

Are we providing the necessary workshops and seminars to teach patrons with home access how to use our catalogs?

Digital Collection Considerations One of the most pressing issues regarding digital information that has been on library “hot topics� lists lately, the restriction of library ebook loans by publishing giant Harper Collins and their distributor Overdrive Media.

What the ALA has to say “The advent of the digital world has revolutionized how the public obtains its information and how libraries provide it. Libraries help ensure that Americans can access the information they need – regardless of age, education, ethnicity, language, income, physical limitations or geographic barriers – as the digital world continues to evolve. Core values of the library community such as equal access to information, intellectual freedom, and the objective stewardship and provision of information must be preserved and strengthened in the evolving digital world.” (ALA)

Collection management staff are faced with the Herculean task of predicting their future needs along with the needs of all library patrons. They have to fit the pieces of the puzzle together without a clear idea of the big picture.

Consider the variables

Planning for the future No money in the budget?

Regional

programming Cultural considerations by program Expert consultants Observation, surveys, Q &A

Consider:  Interns as free experts  Idea sharing with other branches  Bartering/staff exchange  Outreach orgs to impart sensitivity

Continued Fluency It is important for library staff to continually update their skills with software and hardware and learn as much as they can about new tools available so that they may determine what is useful for their collection.

The ALA offers a host of Librarians may choose to enroll as non matriculated or non credit students at universities offering classes in new technology for librarians.

online learning sessions, which can assist library staff in furthering their knowledge on a given subject.

Become Involved Along with keeping their personal skills up to date, collection management staff must become involved with digital access debates. There are the yearly threats to library budgets. This impacts libraries in general and the collection management team as well. Becoming active in library advocacy and making time to participate in debates and other opportunities to share opinions and facts can ensure that multiple perspectives on the issues are heard.

Preventative Methods There are many works concerning the digital divide and there has always been talk of collection development. But, there needs to be more consideration for where the two overlap.

Who will pioneer new study into this specialized area?

Next Steps Library administration and collection management teams must remember: • Interns = possible doors to new communities • Outreach organizations = better your understanding of your patrons • Break down barriers to: • • • •

lack of local information literacy language lack of cultural diversity

Remain Mindful that the prevalent technology for all image is false. There are many people, residing much closer than you’d think, that face a very different reality. Their lives are not the better for it. I contend that it is the responsibility of libraries to bridge the digital divide and to continue their efforts to bring about digital equality in the areas of access, content and benefit to the lives of all library patrons.