What is it about?
This paper reviews the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide in Delta State. It calls for the adoption of appropriate infrastructure and other innovative measures like introduction of appropriate computer related programmes in schools, encouraging citizenry to pick up carrier in the area of science and technology, embanking on enlightenment and awareness programmes and setting up regional/local information resource centers by government especially through the use of the internet also, the challenges of digital divide was revealed. The work concludes that unless appropriate measures are taken in Delta State and Nigeria generally they will be relegated to the background in this knowledge age.
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Why is it important?
What is the level of awareness of the concept of digital divide in public libraries? 2. What are the causes of digital divide? 3. What is the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide? 4. What are the infrastructures for bridging the digital divide? 5. What are the challenges faces by public libraries in bridging the digital divide?
Perspectives
I hope this article makes what people might think about Digital Divide, and to bridge it. 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.
Dr. Justice Owajeme Ofua
Delta State University
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This page is a summary of: Role of Public Libraries in Bridging the Digital Divide, IGI Global,
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2928-8.ch014.
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