Digital+Divide

=**The Digital Divide**=

“Digital divide is an information divide” (IFLA, 2010). This phrase is simply stated but sufficiently powerful, to make it a useful backdrop to begin this section which focuses on the “digital divide” as a special challenge faced by small island states in the provision of library services. The “digital divide” is a global phenomenon. A few descriptions that clearly place into context what constitutes the “digital divide” are as follows:
 * “Digital divide- the enormous and growing inequalities between rich and poor nations in access to ICTs” (IFLA, 2010)
 * “A term used to describe the discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools, such as the internet, and people who do not have the resources and access to the technology. The term also describes the discrepancy between those who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not. The digital divide can exist between those living in rural areas and those living in urban areas, between the educated and uneducated, between economic classes, and on a global scale between more and less industrially developed nations” (Webopedia, 2011).
 * “The digital divide or more bluntly, digital apartheid, is explained as a literal information gap, which divides countries and populations within countries into the information-rich and the information-poor” (DeGannes Scott, 2006)

A clear theme emanating from these definitions are the rampant inequality of access to information manifested by advances in technology.

Parent and Cruickshank (2009) cite three main factors attribute to the digital divide. One, low bandwidth, which results in developing countries being unable to access information needed readily and speedily. They further posit that “without high bandwidth connections to OECD country networks, where valuable information regarding finance, economics and human rights etc are stored, internet accessibility will be limited” (p. 93). Two, high cost of computer equipment and three, lack of training in the use of computer technology which the authors state maybe the “most significant factor of the digital divide, particularly with the explosion of Web 2.0 software...” (p. 94). DeGannes Scott (2006) outlined a “shortage of infrastructure necessary for the transfer of information”, “illiteracy and competing roles between addressing basic needs and providing access to technology” as other factors contributing to the digital divide. Cullen (2003) posits a type of self imposed barrier as another, which is based on cultural context.
 * What factors contribute to the “digital divide”?**

Small states like the pacific islands only recently got access to the internet (Reade-Fong & Gorman, 2005), a critical component in thedissemination of information. Further, the use and development of ICTs are mostly in urban areas (Reade-Fong & Gorman, 2005) which needless to say is alarming considering a large number of pacific islanders live in rural areas (Jones, 1998). Cullen (2003) reports individuals unable to access the “internet and the World Wide Web through the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly disadvantaged in their access to information” (p. 247). In a review of school libraries in the pacific region, Jones (1998) found inadequate funding for libraries, a lack of policies at the government level for developing the information sector and the view by some societal members that “libraries are a luxury” (Jones, 1998).This latter point is supportive of the self imposed barrier eluded to by Cullen (2003) termed “attitudinal barrier” which she describes as “culturally based” particularly in societies that place greater value on “oral culture” (p.251). Moreover, charges relating to connection fees to the internet are regarded as “among the highest in the world” (Reade-Fong & Gorman, 2005) thus the issue of affordability is also a matter that affects the context in which libraries in the pacific islands must operate.
 * Pacific Islands Context**

The initiatives presented here were repeatedly mentioned in the literature perused in regards to addressing the “digital divide”. These may well be the most widely known but by no means are they the only ones.
 * Global Initiatives to Address the Digital Divide**
 * **Information For All Programme (IFAP**): An initiative of UNESCO, created in 2000. It is UNESCO’s “response to the challenges and opportunities of the information society”. According to IFAP, “it exists to advocate for all people on the wrong side of the information divide…”
 * **Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP)**: According to its website, it was founded in 1997 and operates globally with over 100 members spanning more than 50 counties”. Some general aims are to 1) “facilitate mobilization of investments in ICT for development at local, national and global levels” 2)”promote innovation in the use and appropriation of ICT for development initiatives and knowledge sharing” 3) “influence policy, regulatory frameworks and public opinion” 4)” broker multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) for knowledge sharing and increasing effectiveness of ICT for development initiatives”.
 * **Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation**: “we are working on narrowing the digital gap in the United States and many developing countries around the world”. The foundation does this by “funding programs based on local needs, purchasing equipment and training of library staff, and also help build public support to ensure sustainability”.

Bill and Belinda Foundation (2011), //Global libraries//. Retrieved from []
 * References**

Cullen, R. (2003). The digital divide: A global and national call to action. //Electronic library//, //21//(3), p.247-257

DeGannes Scott, B. J. (2006). Can developing countries overcome the digital divide? Information technology in Trinidad and Tobago. //Western Journal of Black Studies//, //30//(2), p. 75-83

Global Knowledge Partnership (2011). Retrieved from []

IFLA (2010): Bridging the digital divide: making the world’s cultural and scientific heritage accessible to all. Retrievd from []

Information For All (IFAP) (2011). Retrieved from []

Jones, Paul. (1998). School libraries in the south Pacific Islands nations: An update report, //School libraries worldwide//. //4//(2), p. 67-80

UNESCO (2002). UNESCO outlines strategy to combat digital divide. Retrieved from []

Webopedia (2011). Digital divide. Retrieved from []

media type="youtube" key="_myOdEmXx_s" height="390" width="480" Digital Divide Montage, Part 1
 * Additional Resources**

media type="youtube" key="pGwqDQNERk4" height="390" width="480" Digital Divide Montage, Part 2

media type="youtube" key="aknH948kzr8" height="390" width="480" Digital Divide Montage, Part 3

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