Reflection Blog: New Horizons
Having never heard of the Horizon reports before, the materials for the New Horizons module this semester are very informative. They emphasized to me that the only constant is change, and change seems to be happening faster than ever. The generative AI boom is one example of this. Additionally, rapid technological changes often bring uncertainty and fear. Libraries are well positioned to introduce patrons to new, lasting technologies in a guided environment built on empathy rather than money-making.
Libraries are no strangers to adapting to change. It is how the institution has survived for thousands of years. While libraries are not typically at the forefront of technological innovation, they can come up with creative ways to integrate technologies that are here to stay into the communities they serve. Further, libraries are in the perfect position to help bridge digital divides. The Pew Research Center noted that one of the biggest concerns individuals have regarding future technology is the worsening of economic inequality due to lack of access to digital tools and training (Anderson et al., 2021). Through creative initiatives and outreach, libraries are uniquely positioned to mitigate these gaps, especially in rural or lower-income areas.
One example of libraries using innovation to close the digital divide is the digital navigator program. Originally piloted at the Salt Lake City Public Library (SLCPL), this program took place during the COVID-19 pandemic closures when patrons were unable to access the library’s computers and Wi-Fi (Zappie-Ferradino, 2021). Partnering with the Institute of Museum and Library Services allowed SLCPL to give away computers, internet hotspots, and other digital supplies to those most in need. Staff went door to door (while maintaining social distancing guidelines) to inform patrons of the service. The program then assigned patrons to a digital navigator who not only connected them to the necessary devices, but also taught digital literacy skills. Rather than simply providing technology, the Digital Navigator program equipped patrons with the confidence and skills to continue participating in an increasingly digital society.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Digital Navigator program, SLCPL released this YouTube video.
As more and more of our daily tasks turn to technology, it can be hard to maintain the human element. This is especially true when major businesses look to make a profit over providing empathetic services for people. Keeping on top of the emerging technologies and societal changes can help me as a librarian better guide patrons through the uncertainty. After all, how can I help my community be informed if I myself am not?
References
Anderson, J., Rainie, L., & Vogels, E.A. (2021, February 18). Experts say the ‘New Normal’ in 2025 will be far more tech-driven, presenting more big challenges. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges/
Zappie-Ferradino, K. (2021, September 7). Salt Lake City Public Library publishes digital navigator toolkit. National Digital Inclusion Alliance. https://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/salt-lake-city-public-library-publishes-digital-navigator-toolkit/
2 Comments
Laura Skorczeski
@inasamuel, I appreciate how you point out that libraries are coming at technology without a mind toward profits (unlike a lot of other parties). I also really resonated with this comment: “while libraries are not typically at the forefront of technological innovation, they can come up with creative ways to integrate technologies that are here to stay into the communities they serve.” So true—I wonder if not being at the forefront actually serves us (and our patrons) well sometimes. Here I am thinking of AI: in light of thebreakneck speed that generative AI was thrust upon us and the current backlash we are seeing to it in some populations (especially younger people), I wonder if our tempered reaction to new technology in this case is allowing libraries to be more thoughtful about what it has to offer than some (for-profit) organizations have been in the past few years.
Michael Stephens
@inasamuel you shared such an excellent example with the digital navigator program at Salt Lake City Public. A lot of innovation seemed to come out of the pandemic years because libraries had to step up to reach their users in a way that we might not have ever thought about. This is fascinating stuff.