Public Libraries and Digital Equity
Public libraries play a key role in advancing digital equity in communities across the United States and around the world. This role became even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people were forced to visit public library parking lots where they could access wireless internet service when the library buildings were closed. Libraries of all sizes and types in tribal, rural, suburban, and urban communities serve as anchor institutions particularly for individuals and communities who cannot afford internet service at home. Ongoing research is needed to understand the existing and novel uses of public library spaces to address people’s unequal access to technology and to each another.
Contribute to our survey on Libraries and Digital Equity Coalitions
As efforts grow, we seek to better understand the role of libraries in supporting digital inclusion and equity coalitions across the United States. Take our brief survey to share information about how your (academic, public, tribal, special, or other!) library is involved, or what you’re considering as you look to get involved.
To learn more about public libraries and digital equity research produced by those affiliated with the DERC (in bold), please visit the following links below.
Publications
Colin Rhinesmith. (2023). “It’s one of the most important things we carry for us”: How mobile hotspots support people experiencing homelessness. Mobile Media & Communication, 0(0).
Colin Rhinesmith. (2023). “Missing Pieces: How the FCC’s Broadband Map Misrepresents Public Libraries.” School, Libraries, Health and Broadband Coalition and American Library Association.
Chris Ritzo, Colin Rhinesmith, and Jie Jiang. (2022). “Measuring Library Broadband Networks to Address Knowledge Gaps and Data Caps.” Information Technology and Libraries, 41(3).
Sharon Strover, Brian Whitacre, Colin Rhinesmith, and Alexis Schrubbe. (2020). “The Digital Inclusion Role of Rural Libraries: Social Inequities Through Space and Place.” Media, Culture & Society, 42(2), 242-259.
Colin Rhinesmith, Jo Dutilloy, and Susan Kennedy. (2020). “The State of Broadband Connectivity and Related IT Infrastructure in Montana’s Public Libraries.” Montana State Library.
Colin Rhinesmith. (October, 2019). “Networks, Knowledge, and Power in U.S. Public Libraries.” Global Media Technologies & Cultures Lab, MIT.
Colin Rhinesmith and Christiana Lynne Urbano Stanton. (2018). “Developing Media Literacy in Public Libraries: Learning from Community Media Centers.” Public Library Quarterly, 37(4), 420-440.
Brian Whitacre and Colin Rhinesmith. (2015). “Public Libraries and Residential Broadband Adoption: Do More Computers Lead to Higher Rates?” Government Information Quarterly, 32(2), 164-171.
Colin Rhinesmith. (2012). “Free Library Hot Spots: Supporting Broadband Adoption in Philadelphia’s Low-Income Communities.” International Journal of Communication, 6, 2529-2554.
