Role of Public Libraries in Bridging the Digital Divide

Introduction

The United National Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2000) defined the digital divide as a phenomenon that results from the unequal application of, and access to, information and communication technologies leading to a global knowledge gap between information ‘haves’ and have-nots’ This dichotomy threatens to create an underclass of inform poor who risk further marginalization in societies where computer skills open the doors to economic success and personal advancement, entry to good careers and education opportunities, full access to social networks and opportunities for civic engagement (Norris, 2000). Public libraries offer three essential ingredients needed to ensure benefits in the digital era. Infrastructure, content and access (Newman, 2004). In the digital information age people who don’t have access to the internet and World Wide Web through the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly disadvantaged in their access to information (Culler, 2003).

Digital divide can be seen as the growing gap between those parts of the world which have easy access to knowledge, information, ideas and works of information through technology and those who do not (Deschamps, 2001). In the same vein, Salina (2003) sees digital divide as that disparity between individual and or communities who can use electronic information and communication tools, such as the internet, to better the quality of their lives and those who cannot.

Initially the ‘divide’ referred to the gap that was forming between the richer and the poorer sections of society. However, some people were talking about the digital divide as a complex and dynamic phenomenon’ while some denied the existence of a digital divide, others claimed that it would disappear on its own (Djik & Harken, 2003). According to World Bank (2002) quoted in Ani, Uchendu, and Astseye (2007) in its report contend that, in the rapidly evolving electronic environment, developing countries face opportunity cost if they delay greater access to and use of information technology (IT), which together make up ICT. According to the report, ICT is the key for economic development and growth; it offers opportunities for global integration while retaining the identity of traditional societies. ICTs can also increase the economic and social being of poor people, empower individuals and communities, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the public sector. However, in Nigeria, there is disparity in the level of accessibility to ICT, between the private and public sectors of the economy (Ani, Uchendu, & Astseye, 2007). This present study is therefore and attempt to investigate and examine the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide in Delta State.