Hey! Hey you!!! Did you know there is a digital divide?!? What's that you say? What is a digital divide and why have I never heard about it before?!? A digital divide is the behavioral norms when using technology and the rights and responsibilities one has when using the internet. It's the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communication, and those that don't or have restricted access. Are you thinking... That's weird! I have never heard of this before. I too thought the same thing!! That's because you are probably on the upper hand of the digital divide. You are reading this blog right now, you probably checked your email multiple times today and maybe even scrolled on TikTok.
Libraries play a GIANT role in bridging this divide. Most libraries offer free internet to all patrons. They offer classes and instructions on how to use technology and how to become more comfortable using digital items in everyday life. Not everyone feels comfortable using a computer or owns a smartphone they can use the internet on. Alot of people avoid technology and struggle with things that seem so easy to more tech savvy folks. Welcoming patrons into the library with open arms and non-judgmental hearts is the first step in teaching and encouraging the walls of the digital divide to lesson.
Can you imagine how overwhelming it is to be a senior living in a digital world? All I wanna do is pay my car payment but I can only do it online or by phone? What? I can't write a check or even yet, a money order?!? According to techtarget.com, the origins of the digital divide started "Well before the late 20th century, the digital divide referred chiefly to the division between those with and without telephone access. After the late 1990s, the term began to be used mainly to describe the split between those with and without internet access." Or how about a child living during Covid age trying to complete schoolwork from home with no means of "jumping" on the internet like their classmates. All of these situations, and more, are barriers to the ever going digital divide problem facing someone we may know in some way or another.
I agree that we play a crucial role in the bridging of the Digital Divide. I was just speaking to a friend of mine today about this, and we have shifted from a role of "givers of knowledge" into "teachers of knowledge". As we grow to fit into the world around us, it's important we do our part to help patrons bridge that digital gap and help them navigate this new and exciting chapter in history.
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