Digital divide or digital inclusion?? Librarians need to serve inclusion rather than the divide in providing digital technology

Abstract

As the economic divide grows, Librarians need to be sure to think about digital inclusion, the task of ensuring the ability of individuals to access and use information and technology. In this presentation we'll examine what Librarians can do which starts with planning, ensuring their Library is creating a desirable place for the community of users to physically or virtually visit and methods of broad collaboration that help address and improve digital inclusion. Then, as an example, we'll look at what we've done at the University of Oklahoma which includes remodeling physical spaces, to providing new web interfaces, to exhibitions, outreach to schools, open access, innovation spaces and collaboration across the university and globe with other cultural and educational organizations. Telling the story of digital inclusion is important as well, so that the public beyond the immediate community served, understand and utilize the value being provided by Librarians.