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Bridging the Digital DivideThe Role of Librarians in Bridging the Digital Divide in New MexicoA LIBR 285 PresentationBy Adrienne A. MathewsonAdrienne Mathewson 2013

What is the Digital Divide?

The digital divide, which is often referred to in the context of social exclusion/inclusion, is the gap between those who have Internet access and those who do not have access.Why is this an important issue?

Research studies indicate that the lack of access to the Internet creates information poverty which results in an economic gap.

Why should librarians be concerned about the digital divide?

Equitable access to information is a critical part of the services libraries provide to the general public.

The social exclusion caused by the digital divide is a complex issue spanning deep-rooted political, economic and social issues. In order to narrow down the topic, this research study focuses specifically on public libraries in the State of New Mexico. RESEARCH QUESTIONS:How are public librarians in the State of New Mexico addressing their perceived responsibility of providing the bridge over the digital divide to their patrons? What are the differences between librarians roles in rural vs. urban areas?

Another consideration:

In what ways do New Mexican librarians provide access to e-government services?

LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY

There is extensive research about the social exclusion created by the digital divide globally.Very little research has been conducted addressing it in New Mexico

Due to the lack of any type of extensive research in New Mexico, it appears this area is an excellent opportunity to contribute original research. As this issue is so complex, it needs to be researched at the local level. Informal discussions with New Mexico librarians indicate this is an area of interest for them.

Primarily rural with a population of just over 2 million. There are 17 people per square mile compared to U.S. average of 87.4

Over half the population lives within the Greater Albuquerque Metro area.

New Mexico has one of the highest percentage of Native Americans in the United States, following Alaska and Oklahoma:

19 pueblos 2 Apache Reservations1/3 of the Navajo Reservation lies within its borders.

There is a majority Hispanic population in New Mexico.Less than 10% of the population is foreign-born as most Hispanics in New Mexico are descendants of the original Spanish Land Grant founding families and trace their heritage back to the 1500s. Language barriers may be an issue but not a primary one.

Lack of critical infrastructure in rural areas.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW MEXICO

METHODOLOGY

Exploratory Research

To determine whether this topic needs more study. Research results will be useful in identifying further research goals.Narrow down problematic areas

Study Population:

Public Library Directors in New Mexico115 public libraries in the stateincluding 18 Tribal Libraries

Sampling Design:

None needed due to small amount of participants. Surveys will be sent to all public libraries in the state.

Data Collection Instruments:

Mixed-methods:

Survey1. Mailed via email utilizing the New Mexico State Librarys contact list. 2. Questions will be open-ended3. After 30 days, a follow-up survey will be sent to non-respondents.

In-depth Interviews1. Four library directors will be selected to participate in in-depth interviews.2. Interview questions will be based on coded responses from survey.3. One librarian from each of the following areas: Tribal, Metro, rural and a mid-sized city in Southern NM.

Operational Definitions

Urban:

The Census Bureau identifies two types of urban areas:

Urbanized Areas (UAs) of 50,000 or more people; Urban Clusters (UCs) of at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people.

Rural:

"Rural" encompasses all population, housing, and territory not included within an urban area.

This study will reference the actual Census Bureau maps for each area in which a library is located to determine whether it is rural or urban.

*As classified by the U.S. Census Bureau

DATA ANALYSIS

Survey responses will be open-codedIdentify key concepts

Key concepts will be axial-codedIdentify core concepts

Data will be distilled into a coherent, cohesive group of data This distilled data will be analyzed to determine if or what key issues should be researched further.

A spreadsheet application will be used to hand-code the responses.

Interviews:In-depth interview questions will be composed from the analyzed survey data. Interview questions will be hand-coded by the same method.

Ethical Concerns and Limitations of ResearchThis study is subject to IRB approval as it involves human subjects.All efforts will be made to protect the respondents privacy.

Questions will be clear and short. No Double-barreled questionsNegative itemsBiased terms

As the survey and interview questions are open-ended, avoidance of researcher bias during the coding process will be kept at the forefront.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

Little existing research in the State of New Mexico

Indications are that due to its unique geography and cultural aspects, the digital divide is large.

This exploratory research is potentially useful in identifying further research goals.

Research must be broad-based in order to gather in enough preliminary data.

The digital divide contributes to social exclusion and is tied into information poverty and economic poverty.

In order for libraries to effectively address the issues arising from the digital divide, research must first determine the issues.

Conclusion

As research is scant in the State of New Mexico, this research project will provide a basis for further research in the digital divide. Informal conversations with NM librarians indicate there is definite interest in this subject.

I believe this research project could be a significant project in order to open up the doors to further research and, perhaps, create a dialogue in which ways to assist the socially excluded enter into the digital age.

Thank you for listening to my presentation. I hope you can learned something today.

-Adrienne A. Mathewson