The more they change, the more they stay the same: public libraries and social inclusion

The Intersection of Public Policy and Public Access: Digital Divides, Digital Literacy, Digital Inclusion, and Public Libraries

“…It is a challenge to solve a problem you cannot define, and the inconsistency of definitions has affected policy-making processes that attempt to address these issues. One caveat-this article focuses on definitions and policies in the United States, but it is important to note that different nations have taken differing definitions of and approaches to digital divides, digital literacy, and inclusion (Barzilai-Nahon 2006;Craven 2011;Dolan and Kahn 2011;Harle and Tarrant 2011;Meneses and Momino 2010;Salvador, Rojas, and Susinos 2010;Stevenson 2009). A review of this literature suggests two conclusions.…”

Organisational practices and social inclusion: Inclusionary place‐making in the library

“…Similar observations may be made in relation to ethnic minorities (Vincent, 2009). More generally, design features (e.g., security gates) can alienate those with negative experiences of authority (Dolan & Khan, 2011; Gehner, 2010). Growing awareness of such practical and symbolic barriers has prompted awareness that although libraries have the potential to be inclusive, “whether this is reflected in the realities of service prioritisation, the manner in which services are delivered, and the institutional culture must be continuously questioned” (The Working Together Project, 2008, p. 11).…”

The National Year of Reading

“…Public libraries were identified as central to the NYR campaign and there was a 100 per cent sign up from the 149 public library authorities in England (Thomson, 2009). The 2008 NYR campaign involved many partners and it gave libraries a bigger stage on which to perform (Dolan and Khan, 2011, p. 85). The inclusion of public libraries as key partners built on three themes identified as priorities in the 1998 campaign held a decade earlier.…”