Reading Assignment #4

Title: Closing the 'DIGITAL DIVIDE'

Author: Aaron Krebeck

Publisher: Information Today

URL: Krebeck, A.. (2010, October). Closing the 'DIGITAL DIVIDE''. Computers in Libraries, 30(8), 12-15.  Retrieved July 9, 2011, from ProQuest Computing. (Document ID: 2157148761).

Abstract of the article:

This article discusses about how the Charles County Public Library addressed the nation’s “digital divide” during the lean economic times. By providing public computing centers, library statistics showed that in the last fiscal year, computer usage at CCPL's three branches has increased 67%! Recently, the University of Washington surveyed users of public access computers in libraries and found this service has dramatic impacts. Since the community center is a county facility, the library is able to take advantage of a robust fiber-optic network backbone already in place. This streamlined system eliminates some of the complex rules, oversight, and staff involvement that result from access policies enforced in the branches.

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment:

• To cope up with the technological advances and the increasing demand of information seeking using the internet, librarians need to devise ways on how to address these needs. One way is by means of establishing a computing center, or providing additional workstations with an internet access.
• Expanding public computer and internet access is not always easy. There are factors to consider, such as the physical space, electrical power and broadband data/internet connections. If these factors hinder the plan for improvement, finding another/available venue should be taken into consideration.
• Being an innovative librarian coupled with the knowledge in information technology is a must to all information specialists to be able cope up with this fast-changing information age.

Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work / to me as a person:

To become an effective librarian nowadays, the knowledge in information technology is a must. Therefore, I will see to it that I am updated with the current trends, know the applications which will benefit our library and the users, and will maximize the use of those resources.