2.
What is equity of access, and what implications does
this core value have within public libraries?
How has the Internet and other digital resources
affected, or even hindered, the accessibility of
resources for under-served, or marginalized
communities?
Equity of Access
3.
Equity access is defined by Michael Gorman (2000)
as “unfettered access […] to libraries and their
services that is unconstrained and free.”
Unesco Public Library Manifesto, (1994): “the services
of the public library are provided on the basis of
equality of access for all, regardless of age, race, sex,
religion, nationality, language, or social status.”
What is it?
4.
Public libraries in the 21st century continue to be
affected by state budget cuts, preventing information
seekers from accessing the necessary educational
materials and from acquiring effective service from
librarians.
While most public libraries provide free access to the
Internet and other digital resources, many library
users remain excluded due to the “digital divide,”
thus creating disparities between the “haves” and
“have-nots” (Jaeger, et al. 2012).
Issues with Equity of
Access
5.
The economically and intellectually disadvantaged
in poor, rural or inner city areas
Multilingual and immigrant communities
Senior citizens not trained in utilizing digital
resources
The incarcerated
Who is Affected?
6.
LIS professionals equate equity of access with social
justice: “there is no such thing as a free society
without free and equal access to information (ALA
1999).
Values in LIS
7.
Policy makers and information specialists must
incorporate digital inclusion through access of
equity, by ensuring that access to information is free
and readily available to all, regardless of
socioeconomic or educational background.
LIS professionals need to demonstrate knowledge of
materials and digital resources and act as guides and
instructors, fostering life-long learners.
Mission of Public Libraries
