IFLA: Providing Access without Connection

Tackling the global digital divide

By Raymond Pun | August 28, 2019

From left: Muy-Cheng Peich, Jim O'Donnell, and Ann Okerson

According to the United Nations, only 48% of the world’s population uses the internet. What does this mean for the 52% who lack access? Presenters in the session “Offline Internet: Providing Access without Connection” tackled the problem of the global digital divide at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ (IFLA) 2019 World Library and Information Congress in Athens, Greece, August 28.

This session, chaired by Ann Okerson, senior advisor on electronic resources at the Center for Research Libraries in Chicago, featured presentations by members of the Offline Internet Consortium: IFLA, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (BSF), and Arizona State University (ASU). Presenters showcased initiatives and programs that bridge the digital divide by providing resources and access to networked information remotely.

Muy-Cheng Peich, deputy director of education and content at BSF, described how free, open source software can be downloaded by any mobile device to turn it into a hub to access the internet. Peich demonstrated projects and use cases of how the app connects those who lack internet access because of political, cultural, economic, or social reasons, including providing support to primary education in Burundi, having offline access to online educational content, and fostering legal literacy for migrants. The app’s benefits include being open source, free, easy to install, compatible with any device, and using a single sign-on. The goal is to share content online and openly access it offline, particularly by rural and marginalized communities, she said.

Ahmad Ahmadian, business manager from NetFreedom Pioneers, appeared by video speaking about Knapsack for Hope, which provides such digital content as music, PDFs, and educational resources through satellite transmission. Subscribers can access online content through digital television, which is particularly helpful for those with limited internet access or living under censorship.

Jim O’Donnell, university librarian at ASU, provided an overview of various US library projects that promote digital inclusion, such as Wi-Fi hotspot and laptop lending programs, broadband access through TV white space, digital skill trainings, and community digitization programs. O’Donnell highlighted the Gigabit Libraries Network and its support for creating new access opportunities for rural communities.

RAYMOND PUN is instruction and research librarian at Alder Graduate School of Education in Redwood City, California.

Tagged Under

Illustration of library in field receiving signals from towers (Illustration: © Auguste Lange/Adobe Stock)

Wi-Fi in the “White Space”

Unused TV spectrum offers libraries potential for rural broadband

From left: Peter Collins, Perrine de Coëtlogon, and Sandy Hirsh

IFLA: Smart Cities and Blockchain Development

How can libraries contribute?

Latest Library Links

17h

“A new Taylor Swift album is always a big event on the internet, including fans carefully reading into every line for hidden meaning—a little like close reading poetry. But while Swifties have celebrated Taylor Swift’s lyricism from the beginning, no album invites comparisons to literature quite like The Tortured Poets Department, if just for the title. Already, outlets have been putting together reading lists to pair with each song on the album. Here are just a few to get you started.”

Book Riot, Apr. 22
22h

Chris Hoffman writes: “When I was younger, I was told ‘never use your real name on the internet.’ But the world has changed, and I don’t follow that advice anymore. Likewise, there’s a lot of well-meaning online security advice that has outlasted its usefulness. There’s a core of truth to each one of the security practices I criticize below, but you shouldn’t blindly follow these old tips. At best, you’ll be wasting your time. At worst, you’ll be putting yourself more at risk. Read on to learn more about the five outdated security practices you shouldn’t use anymore.”

PC World, Apr. 17
2d

Bobbi L. Newman writes: “This week, an article from the BBC caught my attention: ‘Without support, many menopausal workers are quitting their jobs.’ Supporting employees going through menopause is important for those experiencing it and for everyone’s wellbeing. It reflects a commitment to employee wellbeing and a strategic approach to workforce management. Libraries can adopt strategies to support employees experiencing menopause, enhancing their wellbeing and workplace productivity. Remember, with all wellbeing, the goal is to support and empower staff to make the choices that best improve their health. Here are some practical approaches.”

Librarian by Day, Apr. 19; BBC, Apr. 9
2d

Libraries have a long history of helping to deliver on a wide variety of development goals, from literacy and school readiness to research productivity and urban cohesion. Their unique potential has been recognized not just by the governments or others that traditionally fund them, but also by a range of other funders, private and public alike. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions has created a dataset to help librarians easily discover examples of private philanthropic grants, as well as other funding sources, that other libraries have been able to leverage.”

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Apr. 22
3d

Jackie Jennings writes: “It feels like the debate over whether #BookTok is bad has been raging since the moment the term was first coined. I’m starting off with a strong stance: BookTok is indeed bad. However, the problem with BookTok is not crappy books or bogus influencers. The problem with BookTok is TikTok itself. BookTok isn’t actually a community driven by fans, writers, influencers, or even publishers: it’s part of a social media corporation, controlled by the most mysterious, fickle god of all, the algorithm.” Not surprisingly, librarian recommendations can overcome some of BookTok’s limitations.

Jezebel, Apr. 18; Book Riot, Apr. 22
3d

ALA announced the launch of its state Intellectual Freedom Helpline grant program April 22. Over the next two years, 10 pilot program sites will operate a confidential reporting system that will help connect those experiencing censorship attempts with professional support, in-state peers, or referral to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, as appropriate. State or school library associations or agencies wishing to either establish an Intellectual Freedom Helpline in their state or expand existing efforts may apply for $10,000 grants through July 14.

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Apr. 22
3d

In celebration of the release of his latest nonfiction title, The Secret Lives of Booksellers & Librarians, bestselling author James Patterson is honoring select American Bookseller Association and American Library Association members with bonuses. He announced plans April 11 to give $200 each to 250 library workers across the country. The deadline for ALA members may nominate members to receive bonuses through April 30. Winners will be announced at ALA’s 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego.