Dear All,
 
I recently sent out an online survey to be completed as part of my dissertation course in MSC Econ Information and Library Studies at Aberystwyth University. The dissertation title and purpose of the survey is to find out the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide by identifying how they are assisting digitally excluded people and exploring the challenges in providing online access. I would like to thank those who completed it, your time is appreciated. Some of you were very generous and provided a lot of insight into what goes on in public libraries and the issues you face. The key findings are highlighted below:
 

• 75% said they were involved with Get Online Week
• 67% said they do not have enough resources to help the digitally excluded
• When asked how activities can help digitally excluded people, "access" was the key word, followed by "free", "technology/IT" and "training"
• 89% said they are hindered by government cuts in providing the an adequate service
• "Staff" was the most cited challenge faced by libraries, followed by "funding" and "technology"
• The top 3 ways libraries can involve to put emphasis on finding information online was "training for staff and users", "promotion" and "enhancing resources"
• The top 3 ways libraries can help bridge the digital divide was "trained and skilled staff", "courses for users" and "free PCs, internet and wifi"

 
It was clear that libraries are doing the most they can to help the digital divide with the limited resources. Staffing issues (lack of training, confidence and enough staff) and out of date technology (including slow internet connections) were reoccuring themes. This all comes down to lack of funding!
 
Thank you again.
 
Kind regards,
Nehal 
 

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