The multifaceted role of information and communication

The Internet

Received from https://justcreative.com

Development in the 21st century demands access to information. Before books were enough to inform patrons however there is now a need to connect online. Public libraries increasingly offer public access to the Internet and all of the information resources it can provide (Hamilton, 2013).  When we look at third world countries, Internet is still unable to reach the majority of patrons. A study in 2013 showed 35% of the global population as being online (Hamilton, 2013). With this shift it is no doubt important that public libraries are able to provide as many patrons access to the Internet.

The international federation of library associations (IFLA) and institutes has begun to raise awareness through the Beyond Access initiative (Hamilton, 2013). This initiative is helping developing countries connect public libraries to the Internet. “Over the last few years, IFLA has been actively involved with the creation of the UN 2030 Agenda, advocating for the inclusion of access to information, safeguarding of cultural heritage, universal literacy, and access to information and communication technologies (ICT) in the framework” (IFLA.org).  They have library projects all over the world; Nepal, Serbia, Kenya, Bhutan, and Uganda to name a few.  Their mission is to provide community’s access to free Internet as a way to access information, provide community literacy, and employability.

Some of the current projects they are working on:

                                                       Advocating for access to information

Beyond access Myanmar

Contest for libraries and digital inclusion- Uruguay

Pictures received from https://beyondaccess.net/projects/

With more pressing matters in third world countries, Internet access doesn’t seem to be a priority. I feel they do not want to spend millions of dollars running wires and cables across the country like they do here in Canada. It is cheaper for these countries to have a hub (public libraries) where people can come and have access to Internet.

I was lucky enough to travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania eight years ago. When I was there I notices how many people had cell phones, iPhones, and other mobile devices. This highlights the question where do mobile devices come into play? I did not realize this but mobile Internet is actually cheaper and easier to distribute within these third world countries. Internet Kiosks was one of the first solutions for addressing the digital gap back in 2006 (Lally, 2018) These were Internet hubs set up in rural locations, providing Internet access to whole communities rather than individual access.

 Overall Internet provides everyone with equal opportunities. “As mobile phone networks spread to cover all rural areas, we have the chance to affect the lives of people who need the help most, making big changes to how people handle money, work, learn, and participate in government” (UNISEF innovation, 2015). It provides the opportunities to build up literacy and community, helping their quality of life. Not only in third world countries but also in my own backyard. This summer I spend the majority of my time at my regional library. I notice familiar faces every day while waiting for the doors to open. I saw the internet helping many different people whether is be as a way  to communicate with family or print off resumes.  It also provided patrons with a safe and warm place to come. Libraries are magical places and it’s nice to see the impact they are making within my own community and in third world countries.

References:

Hamilton, Stuart (2013) Stamping out poverty as well as books? How libraries can support development. Received from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2013/mar/12/libraries-power-global-development

Lally, Anna (2018) Internet access in developing countries: A took for sustainability. Retrieved from https://borgenproject.org/internet-access-in-developing-countries-a-tool-for-sustainability/

UNICEF Innovation (2015). How mobile phone are changing the developing world. Received from https://blogs.unicef.org/innovation/how-mobile-phones-are-changing-the-developing-world/

Websites:

https://www.ifla.org/news/7409

https://beyondaccess.net