Public Libraries and the Digital Divide
By Jim Schneider, KSU SLIS
Public Libraries – a Part of the Solution
The digital divide remains a problem in the modern world. But we librarians are a significant part of the solution. According to Public Libraries and the Internet: Study Results and Findings[i], “virtually all public library outlets in the United States not only
have Internet access, but also allow public use of this access.” This broadband access goes a long way toward enabling all citizens to be connected to the “information superhighway.” Arguably the best feature of this free public access is the connection to so-called “e-government” functions. For instance federal income tax refunds can be obtained more rapidly when filed by Internet. This is a major convenience, and also reduces the temptation to take “instant refund” loans, which are often made at very high interest rates. Many government assistance programs needed by the disadvantaged can be accessed more easily from the Internet.
A major advantage to Internet access from a library is that the library has librarians! When people need information, especially help on how to find stuff, trained professionals are available. This help can be immediate help with particular software or web site usage, and also may take the form of library programs which teach about Internet access. Programs about what is online and especially programs about Internet security are always helpful, and for some the library is the best, or even the only, way to get them.
Many libraries provide more than simple access to the Internet, useful as this is. “…the most frequently offered public access Internet services by public library systems are licensed databases (82.8%), homework content (60.9%), digital reference or virtual reference services (55.1%), e-books (37.9%), and online instructional course and tutorials (35.6%). For most types of services, urban library systems and high poverty library system are most likely to offer the services.”[ii]
Problems of Libraries with PAC
PAC (public access computing) is not, of course, an unmixed blessing. For starters, PAC has added a new, large line item to the budget. Libraries who supply this feature must have well thought out policies, and enforce those policies. Public libraries are public, and this puts some restrictions on what is appropriate use of the public Internet facilities. Other considerations include:
- Information Security – both for the patron and for the library
- Equipment – quantity and quality of PCs and other facilities
- Patron Help – more than standard reference training for staff
Example – Dayton Metro Library
As an instance of how public libraries are bridging the divide, I submit my own library, Dayton Metro. DML has PAC at all branches. The main library downtown, where I currently work, has 20 PCs available for 2-hour sessions, and 6 express PCs available for 15 minute sessions. Patrons sign in to reserve a session at this terminal:
The patrons receive a reservation number from the printer, and if necessary wait til their PC is available. A librarian is always available at the desk right behind the divider. Off to the left is an Information Services desk, staffed by a reference librarian. These are the PCs:
The express terminals, with stools instead of chairs, can be seen in the background. These PCs are connected to the Internet, with a filtering system to comply with the Child Internet Protection law. They also have the basic Microsoft Office applications. Printing is available for a small per-page charge. According to the 2007 Annual Report, patron sessions set a record of 105,170 in 2007.[iii] According to Mr. Greenward, this was not a large increase over 2006, primarily because the PCs are occupied very nearly all day every day.
References:
[i] John Carlo Bertot, Ph. D., Charles R. McClure, Ph. D., Paul T. Jaeger, Ph.D. and J. D. and Joe Ryan, Information Use Management and Policy Institute, College of Information, Florida State University, September 12, 2006, pg. 31
[ii] Ibid. pg 44
[iii] Joseph Greenward, Dayton Metro Library internal document, January 2008
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