Libraries and the Digital Divide

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Libraries and the Digital Divide


Libraries around the world play a huge part in digital equity. This has become especially true within the last few years. “Over the past two years, the pandemic has exposed the widening gap in the US among those with and without consistent access to the internet” (Digital Equity 27). People and communities as a whole have come to rely on technology for almost everything and libraries have become a huge space for access to these resources. People not only use computer access at libraries for schoolwork, “but also for employment, public services, telehealth visits, social connections, or civic participation” (Digital Equity 27). Not everyone has access to computers or a stable internet connection, and that is why it is important for libraries to bridge the gap with their services. 

In his article, “Crossing the Divide: An Urban Librarian’s Awakening to the Digital Divide in Rural Public Libraries,” Tim Kuelker describes his time working in a rural library and how it shaped his views on digital equity. The article was interesting to me because, like him, I mostly have experience in urban libraries. Because of our experience we have taken stable internet connection and access to computer/computer services for granted. Keulker explains that while the rural library he worked at had computers, video game systems, printers, etc. it didn’t have a stable enough connection to provide access to more than one or two people at a time (this included staff). This is an issue I never really considered before. In cities, libraries can take advantage of the huge broadband networks available and usually don’t have a problem providing for their patrons. In rural libraries it becomes more of an issue and it is important for librarians and communities to work together to fight for higher speeds. 

Personally I think the library I currently work at and libraries in general do a good job of trying to bridge the gap in digital equity. More and more I am seeing people come to the library not browse our shelves or check out books, but to use our computers for all their needs. I think it is a wonderful service we provide for adults and children alike. One thing I would like to see more of though are classes or trainings dedicated to internet and computer use or digital literacy in general. Libraries are making strides in providing access to computers and a stable internet connection, but I believe there should be resources on how to use these resources. Some libraries have been providing classes when it comes to these subjects, so I am hoping that it will catch on more in the future. 




Works Cited

“Digital Equity.” American Libraries, vol. 53, no. 3/4, Mar. 2022, pp. 30–31. EBSCOhost,     

    search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=155611240&site=ehost-live

    &scope=site.


Kuelker, Tim. “CROSSING THE DIVIDE: An Urban Librarian’s Awakening to the Digital Divide in 

    Rural Public Libraries.” Computers in Libraries, vol. 44, no. 4, May 2024, pp. 4–7. 

    EBSCOhost, 

    search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=176817717&site=ehost-live

    &scope=site.


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