The need for Digital Inclusion
As the world become increasingly digital, with many services, advisory and support groups moving online, the problem of inaccessibility and digital exclusion increases, particularly for people and communities who need these very services and support most.
To address this issue and audit how libraries help tackle digital exclusion, WSA director Wendy working with Leila Baker have been supporting Good Things Foundation and Libraries Connected research Digital Inclusion in Libraries. This work included a co-design process to create a framework around Digital Inclusion in Libraries which had five distinct areas: the libraries role in the eco-system, skills, connectivity and devices and EDI.
Once the framework was created interviews took place with 12 library services speaking to a range of people in each service to examine each of these areas in more depth and create some practice notes. Finally, an extensive survey was undertaken by the team, yielding responses from 114 libraries across England. Based on the information analysed so far, Leila and Wendy, along with Emma Stone from the Good Things Foundation presented their initial findings at Libraries Connected annual conference on 14th March.
Breaking down the Barriers
Part of the survey looked at how libraries deal with barriers to digital inclusion. The cost of living, access to digital devices and lack of skills are all recognised barriers. Along with the prohibitive financial burden preventing people from acquiring digital devices – poor internet access and lack of confidence in using the technology are known as contributing factors.
Access
What the research found was that most libraries are aware of digital exclusion issues and have taken steps to address this within their local communities.
Libraries are able to provide access to good internet connection and computers. They are also uniquely placed to provide access to people. Libraries are one of the few places in a locality where people can meet and interact directly with someone able to provide guidance on setting up online accounts, filling out forms or finding and using resources.
Accessibility in terms of geography is also important. The data strongly supports the notion that libraries are an essential part of the local ecosystem, being positioned in convenient locations where visitors can walk in off the street and not have to book in advance.
To help further help the financial pressures prohibiting access, some libraries also run loan schemes and gifting services, though gifting is not as yet widely established.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The very nature of libraries, as a universal service, is that they are open to all. The staff are also representative of the community around them, having awareness of those who could benefit from what libraries can offer, being sympathetic to their needs is a great advantage.
As a welcoming space, libraries serve as a hub of interaction and connection. The data shows that there are a number of activities arranged for refugees and underrepresented groups within library settings, which are tailored by staff to meet each group’s needs. This includes providing digital skills training to those who would not otherwise have access.
Skills
As mentioned earlier, with so many things becoming digitised, learning how to use technology has become a necessity. Many libraries report implementing initiatives to provide training and access to learning.
A particularly interesting point was raised during the presentation, where it noted that sometimes a false divide is created between staff and library users, which does not reflect the reality. Nervousness around skills is not limited to library users but can be an upskilling need for some library staff at some points as well.
The Full Report
As the preliminary findings demonstrate, there are a variety of interesting ways in which libraries provide digital support and many have indicated that given the time, space and funding, they are committed to improving digital inclusion for everyone within the community they serve.
The full report is likely to be available around June 2023.
Read more about the work of the Good Things Foundation and Libraries Connected.