Public Library Version 2.0: the Forefront of Digital Equity
Explore how our resources are bridging the digital divide in our community.
Public libraries have always been a community’s access point to information and learning: obtaining books or journal articles, attending educational presentations, participating in civic discussions, joining in storytimes and reading activities.
But, in today’s digital media age, the access point to information is increasingly through the internet and on devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. People routinely turn to the internet to stay abreast of current events, to communicate via email, to conduct job searches, to search for government forms, to obtain health information, and for any number of other unique reasons.
However, with our daily reliance on computers and the Internet comes the challenge of equality of access and the continued “digital divide” in our community due to factors like cost, misconceptions about technology, or lack of skills or knowledge.
The definition of digital divide is, “Patterns of unequal access to information technology – primarily computers and the internet – based on income, ethnicity, geography, age and other physical or sociological factor; disparities in technology use, resulting from a lack of access, skills, or interest in using technology.”
To participate fully in today’s society – for education, business, economic, or social reasons – computer skills and internet access are required.
For our community members, both with and without quality access to a computer or the Internet, the Poudre River Public Library District serves as an essential public access provider.
“Public libraries have always been a great equalizer for people needing information and resources like books and research, and it’s no different for digital information and basic technology resources,” explains Kristen Draper, digital literacy librarian at the Library District. “Throughout today’s social, educational, and economic landscapes, things like computer and Internet access are no longer luxuries but are utilities.”
The Library District’s public access computers and workstations serve more than 13,000 users monthly. Additionally, library staff provide individual assistance daily to users whose perceptions about or reluctance to use computers previously prevented them from using the technology.
The Library District goes beyond simply providing public access to computers, the Internet, printers, and copiers. All three library locations also offer more formal training and instruction designed to strengthen our community’s digital literacy and digital citizenship. Digital literacy is defined as, “The ability to locate, evaluate, and use digital information effectively; the ability to effectively use a range of technologies (e.g. computers, mobile devices) and Internet-enabled services (e.g. social media, online video, blogs).”
The Library District offers free technology classes for community members at all stages of their digital learning and reflects the many needs of our participants. Computer skills classes range from introductory courses like Computer Comfort and Internet Searching to program-specific courses like Microsoft Word or Excel.
One recent computer class participant remarked, “Everyone I have asked for help or taken a class from has been knowledgeable, eager to help, energetic, and pleasant. Thank you for these class opportunities.”
Beyond the computer classes, the library also intermittently offers tutorials on downloading eBooks and other electronic materials to your iPad, iPhone, and Android devices using the library’s digital services like OverDrive and hoopla.
There are also a variety of courses that reflect current topics and trends like social media, blogging, coding, digital photo editing, and more. For more information about technology at the library, visit our Technology Learning page or visit our online Events Calendar.
One of the most important elements of the library’s digital resources is the collection of informational databases, research sites, and homework help. These online tools provide users access to everything from online journals, magazines, and scholarly research to automotive and small engine repair information and K-12 homework help.
For help using these resources, you can talk to librarians in person or call the Library’s Answer Center at 970-221-6740.
The Library District’s extended technology and digital literacy Media Mentors continually keep an eye out for what’s next on the horizon.
updated 2019
