Local Context
The Australian government has recognised the digital divide within the Australian community and has taken steps to address the issues. The government lists people on low incomes, aged over 65, without tertiary education, or of Indigenous heritage as less likely to use ICT and have internet access.They are committed to supporting digital inclusion through infrastructure (NBN rollout) and presentation of basic ICT programs. http://www.archive.dbcde.gov.au/2008/01/social_impacts_of_ict/digital_inclusion. One current initiative is the Digital Hub program. This program 'is providing residents in local communities with free digital literacy skills training and support to help them realise the benefits of increased online engagement.' Other initiatives include delivery of basic internet and computer programs in partnership with Telstra to the over 50's age group.
Public libraries have a commitment to bridging the digital divide in the community and providing equitable access to resources and services for all members of the public. They do this by providing free internet access, information literacy, media literacy, learning programs and holding social inclusion events. Some public libraries present the over 50's programs and also have Digital Hub programs run by the library. Equitable access to resources ir provided through online databases, social media sites, e-books, e-audios all of which can be accessed remotely. This includes the ability to access the catalogue from home (anywhere with an internet connection) to search, reserve or renew items. Increasingly public libraries are adapting to customers' needs by adopting many mobile technologies and interfaces for delivery of their services. Examples include Borrow Box for downloading e-books and e-audios to mobile devices, and making their website interface more mobile friendly.
Global Context
Public libraries resources are accessible now from anywhere in the world. A local library customer can access e-books, databases etc while travelling overseas, accessing either via mobile devices or internet cafe. The NSW State Library can issue membership cards to any member of the public and provide access to e-resources increasing the number of resources available, members are not limited to what is available in their own local library. Similarly in rural areas customers may not visit the library regularly but still able to access e-resources from home in many cases using mobile devices. The access is also 24/7. With the use of Skype libraries in non-metropolitan areas can have access to authors they normally wouldn't for author talks or story times could be transmitted via Skype to remote communities. Many libraries have online reference chat or online ask a librarian facilities. E-Books and E-audios can be provided in other languages for LOTE clients or overseas partnerships.
Project Idea
My idea is for a public library to develop a program similar to the Tech Savvy program or basic Digital Hub programs but deliverable and accessible via mobile format. Once developed the programs could be used or disseminated to remote areas or clients with accessibility problems. This could be clients who can't attend the programs in person because they live too far away, or who have work commitments, it could be those with disabilities. The programs could be delivered by libraries to remote communities including remote areas in Australia or overseas such as Africa. Where necessary it could be customised to suit individual needs. I envision something with a user interface similar to the Better Beginnings website, easy to use and clients can access which area is relevant to them. To ensure the project works there would also be one-on-one online chat or telephone support available from a staff member to replicate as much as possible the delivery of the face-to-face programs. The mobile program also has the potential to be pushed out via mobile library delivery services with added options of loaning e-readers or mobile devices for those on the delivery circuit. Funding could be applied for via government agencies or the Bill and Melissa Gate Foundation. The pedagogical approach for these programs would be instructivist in nature as they are basic ICT programs. However to ensure success and to reduce the feelings of isolation their would be strong networking and support in place.The library could set up a remote online learning community group or they could be delivered via a central remote meeting place ie community care centre. The programs would be delivered with a mixture of audio, text and web links or as with Better Beginnings have a mobile friendly website with its own app that hosts all of the program. In the case of delivering the program for a group at a remote location a smartphone with projector capabilities could be provided so that it can be projected onto a wall. Included in the program would be information on how to access library resources. These could take the form of screen shots presented in slide form or animated tutorials. Translation tools could be enabled for LOTE clients. Although they would be basic courses they could graduate to intermediate levels if successful.
References
Digital Inclusion. Downloaded 13th October from
http://www.archive.dbcde.gov.au/2008/01/social_impacts_of_ict/digital_inclusion
Digital Hubs Program
http://www.communications.gov.au/digital_economy/programs_and_initiatives/digital_hubs_program
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