Role of Public Libraries in Bridging the Digital Divide

Study of Kerala State Central Library

Abstract

The study investigated the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide in the Kerala State Central library (KSCL), Thiruvananthapuram. The study employed a descriptive survey method using a structured questionnaire distributed among library users. The study discussed the use of ICT and internet services in the library, the purpose of using the internet, digital services, e-governance services, e-resources provided by the library and factors that cause the digital divide. The findings revealed that the majority of the users are not aware of ICT (47.0%) and internet services (39.4%) provided by the library. The users preferred photocopy (43.2%) and OPAC (31.8%) services. The library users are accessing the internet for education, reading news, and employment purposes, and mostly use computers (52.2%) to access e-journals and e-books provided by the library. M-governance (12.8%) and E-district (12.0%), were the most frequently used e-governance information services provided by the library. The users opined the primary factors that causes digital divide are lack of ICT skills and illiteracy. Non-Parametric test showed that significant difference between the purpose of internet usage and the place of living, as well as the factors driving the digital divide. Public library services are essential for common people to overcome the digital gap and the library can bring new technologies to reduce the digital gap of public users and can assist them in getting education, employment, and government services. The respondents suggested that the library should conduct user awareness program about emerging technologies and orientation for users to familiarize the services provided by the library.