Building Equity through Broadband: Bridging the Digital Divide

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Building Equity through Broadband: Bridging the Digital Divide

by Ashley Roane


What is the digital divide? Students from Stanford explain research has shown that certain demographics of people are more likely to struggle with having access to computers and/or the internet, thus creating what has been termed the digital divide between those who have easier access or can afford access to those who do not. 


As the importance of access to technology has become greater over time in education and society in general, this divide has further created inequities for folks who come from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, with a notable impact for rural communities. Kuelker explains that a lack of broadband infrastructure and low internet speeds are real challenges librarians in rural communities need to address.


A special report from American Libraries in 2022, explains the hope that libraries can bring in building equity and addressing the digital divide. The report expresses several ways that libraries can serve to bridge the gap including outreach and awareness of the issue itself, understanding the broadband needs of a community, knowledge of federal funding available, as well as tapping into community coalitions. 


The Toward Gigabit Libraries and Broadband Improvement Plan from Internet2 is a free tool to support libraries in improving their broadband infrastructure as a way toward bridging the digital divide and helping bring access to more people.


*Download the free toolkit here:

Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit


References:

Internet2


Kuelker, T. (2024). CROSSING THE DIVIDE: An Urban Librarian’s Awakening to the Digital Divide in Rural Public Libraries. Computers in Libraries, 44(4), 4–7. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=176817717&site=ehost-live&scope=site


Stanford: The Digital Divide


TOWARD AN Equitable Digital Future: Libraries are bridging the divide and empowering communities. (Cover story). (2022). American Libraries, 53(3/4), 26–27.

https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=155611238&site=ehost-live&scope=site


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