Libraries and the Digital Divide

By Angela Naranjo 

  Many libraries over the years have tried their hardest to keep up with the growth of technology and their trends. Some libraries have now added a 3-D printer and allow customers to design a project and a librarian will create it for them, and then it can be purchased by how much material they use. However, many libraries in rural areas are being affected by the digital divide, due to lack of technological equipment and funding. 

 In 2012, a survey was conducted by Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey (PLFTAS), finding that rural libraries have weaker technological infrastructure and fewer support services (Real, et. al.7). Because rural libraries are the only free internet or computer access points in many of their areas, they provide about 70.3% of services to their customers. And in present time, public libraries, especially libraries in rural areas are still the primary source of internet and device access. These issues stem from lack of funding and funds being allocated to more populated areas that can allow a faster reimbursement of funds (Real, et.al. 7). The US Government has attempted to put an effort into finding ways to solve this issue by dedicating $7.2 billion throughout the country to improve broadband access. Yet this support takes time to reach all the libraries in need and at this time it is unknown as to when broadband and technology will increase in these communities. 

Real, Brian, et al. “Rural Public Libraries and Digital Inclusion: Issues and Challenges.” Information Technology & Libraries, vol. 33, no. 1, Mar. 2014, pp. 6–24. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.palomar.edu/10.6017/ital.v33i1.5141.