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Tech for all : moving beyond the digital divide
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2019
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Library Journal Review
Librarians have gone above and beyond in combating the digital divide, or unequal access to technology, but there's still a long way to go. Comito (Brooklyn P.L.; LJ Mover & Shaker, 2015) has compiled an exceptional collection of lively essays highlighting libraries of all sizes across the United States that are attempting to bring their communities closer to digital equity, from helping patrons participate in online video interviews to giving them spaces to code. Short introductions to each section allow readers to choose the pieces that are most relevant to them. Contributors cover physical access, training, Maker spaces, and technology for employment and business and discuss both practical and aspirational program options. Though there is a piece on seeking funding, many readers may wish for more information about finding additional funding options once a program begins to cover materials cost. VERDICT While this volume is focused on the challenges facing public libraries, it offers insight to academic librarians as well. Essential for public libraries; highly recommended for academic and state libraries.--Candice Kail, Columbia Univ. Libs., New York
CHOICE Review
This short but sweeping edited volume, the latest title in the well-established "LITA Guide" series, contextualizes and expands on access as a concept to help evaluate the increasing digital service model of libraries. The chapters collectively demystify technology adoption and training in the context of patron-facing services, with detailed and helpful case studies responding directly to diverse community needs. Of particular note for their uniqueness and utility to practitioners are the contributions on identifying funding, and designing and implementing an assessment of patron digital problem solving skills. Although the case studies primarily document ongoing work in public libraries, the essays are easily adapted to other library contexts, making this collection a particularly valuable contribution to the profession. The editor has made a thoughtful selection of texts collectively emphasizing that providing truly equitable access requires librarians not only to understand their communities but to engage in their own continual professional development around digital literacies. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals. --Melissa Gasparotto, New York Public Library Research Libraries
Summary
How can libraries ensure that patrons from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds have access to advanced technology training and hardware? Everyone knows libraries provide access to computers and the internet for day to day use, but many libraries have gone beyond those basic services. Makerspaces and advanced tech training are often not equitably distributed between differing communities. The digital divide is still very real, and by not providing equal access to maker spaces and other similar services libraries may be unintentionally contributing to that divide.



This book examines how the unequal distribution of resources between communities can limit access to emerging technologies. Chapters from librarians across the country give real world examples of libraries going the extra mile to bring more than just email access to their communities, regardless of economic status or geographic distribution.



You'll find practical plans put forward by working professionals who have sought pragmatic solutions to issues of digital literacy. Access is a through line in this work as people look at the larger ideas of access as inclusive of training, diverse technologies, and the time and space to make genuine growth in tech literacy.



Chapters include:



working with immigrants, low cost laptops for library use, deep dives into the underpinnings of the maker movement, and developing community-focused technology training. After reading this book, librarians should have practical ideas to address the issue of equity in access to emerging technologies in their own communities.







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