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Information professionals in hyperlinked communities can lead in powerful and innovative ways with digital services and programs. This week, as I read about the nuances of community access gaps, technology tales of caution, and seriously cool ways to help others through hyperlinked communities, I reflected on how quickly everything is changing and how rapidly we are learning in these spaces. It appears essential to maintain regularly revisited awareness of community digital needs and broader “what is going on in the domain — good and bad” to lead with our profession’s core values. Things are going very wrong or profoundly right in the blink of an eye!
Equitable Access for Communities
Stephens (2019) writes, “People need to learn about digital literacy just as much as they need other services” (p. 79). Information professionals should not question whether digital literacy has value on a spectrum of competing needs; it is assuredly valuable because it is required to access many life essentials in today’s world. Equitable access to digital programs and services faces unique barriers. West (2014) details many potential barriers that informational professionals should be aware of, including lifestyle, language, physical, and cognitive/emotional challenges. Information professionals should regularly reassess their awareness of current community needs to bridge these gaps because digital barriers are continually changing.
Ethics and Algorithms
“Data is power” (Boyd, 2016, para. 26). The technological power and interconnectedness of hyperlinked communities open up the amplification of services like never before. It is essential for information professionals creating digital programs and services to be aware of ethical considerations. Boyd cites multiple examples of inequality and prejudice accidentally slipping into private sector services or perceptions of services and explains, “We didn’t architect for prejudice, but we didn’t design systems to combat it either” (para. 22). Information professionals should endeavor to be aware of the major missteps of others in the past when designing for the future.
Global Reach with Innovations
Innovation in hyperlinked communities can span great distances. A fantastic case scenario with the power of hyperlinked communities is the ability to share access to vital information around the globe. Baute (2013) writes about an EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (PLIP) project that provides maternity information to mothers in rural Ghana via digital services and programs. The effort aims to help reduce this area’s high maternal mortality rate. This program is a moving example of how access to information can save lives. Awareness of such programs could inspire information professionals to dream big with their offerings and to consider serving a broader community than ever before.
References
Baute, N. (2013). How a modern library keeps mothers healthy in rural Ghana
Boyd, D. (2016). What World Are We Building?
Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted Librarianship.
West, J. (2014). 21st century digital divide.
@alexisljohnson so glad you focused on digital services in this post. You highlight some important considerations for information professionals as they build resources virtually. I think Boyd and West are so on target with their ideas.