Public Libraries and Networked Information Services in Low-Income Communities

Abstract

This article presents findings from an empirical study of community information exchange and computer access and use among low-income, predominantly African-American residents in one locale. Data were collected through household interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Results indicate that, while computer use is minimal, many low-income community members are poised to participate in the local development of networked information services. The article emphasizes appropriate roles for public libraries in community-wide efforts to bridge the digital divide that cuts computer use along socioeconomic lines.With decreased costs of basic computing technology and recent federal emphasis on supporting universal telecommunications service, a growing number of public libraries can play a key role in addressing the "digital divide" that separates users of networked information services in their communities along socioeconomic lines. Primary components of networked information services that target disenfranchised local groups include the creation of online local content, the establishment of public access computing sites, and the delivery of outreach, training, and support. Libraries, however, are faced with entrenched difficulties in their attempts to reduce the access and use barriers associated with the provision of networked information services to disenfranchised groups. One difficulty lies in knowing how to collaborate effectively with other community-based institutions in developing digital information content and services. Another is achieving a rich understanding of the social context surrounding the use of networked information services, especially for traditionally underserved segments of society. This understanding is a necessary prelude to another critical form of collaboration for public libraries: working with members of target groups in the co-creation of networked information services at the local level.

Public use of digital community information sstems

“…This confirms a tenet of information behavior, namely that all individuals require community information at one point or another and that it is the individual's situation that reveals most insight into information seeking and use (Harris and Dewdney, 1994 Social Services • Volunteerism These categories are markedly different from those traditionally used to classify CI needs. Moreover, they also broaden findings reported by Bishop, et al (1999). Notable differences between our categories and those reported in CI studies conducted prior to the Internet are: (1) a strong emphasis on employment opportunities, volunteerism, and social service availability; and, (2) the inclusion of such new categories as: sale, exchange and donation of goods, local history and genealogy, local news, computer and technical information, and other people (residing both within and beyond the community).…”

“…In this sense, the digital CI system literature has been akin to the general public library literature that Zweizig and Dervin (1977) criticized as providing little insight into the uses that people make of information and information systems. One study of particular note, however, is Bishop, et al, (1999). Through interviews and focus groups in low income neighborhoods with users and potential users of the Prairienet community network, they identified the following categories of digital CI need: community services and activities, resources for children, healthcare, education, employment, crime and safety, and general reference tools.…”

On the Web at home: Information seeking and Web searching in the home environment

“…Consequently, work roles of scientists, engineers, scholars, and health professionals have provided the most common structure for investigating information seeking behavior (Case, 2002). Only a few studies have explored the information seeking behavior of ordinary people such as low-income African Americans (Bishop, Tidline, Shoemaker, & Salela, 1999;Spink & Cole, 2001a) and impoverished people (Chatman, 1991). The increase in information available on the Web has affected information seeking behavior, demonstrating that Web resources have become integral to people's lives and work (Hsieh-Yee, 2001).…”

Preparing students for post-secondary success : exploring the efficacy of an information technology certification program.

“…Researchers also noted the benefits of having a, "safe" place where self-esteem, empowerment, trust, education and hope flourished. This study confirmed existing research trends, particularly relating to social exchanges (Bishop, Tidline, Shoemaker, & Salela, 1999).…”