Inclusion and ICT

Speed‐networking, table 6Speed networking, table 6

Topics

• Many people see their local libraries as a h th d t t dresource when they need to use a computer and 

the internet. Libraries must however find a suitable structure for this kind of support Onesuitable structure for this kind of support. One solution is that libraries and adult education organisations work together to involve a larger g g ggroup of people in the digital society.  

Problems and issues1. Digital exclusion in Sweden and Östergötland

A growing digital divide ‐ Entry of new users unexpectedlylow1,7 million people do not use Internet (or use it rarely).

+ 1,5 million people make little use of it = 1 out of 4

Regional survey in 2007/2008:1300 residents of this county – 35 % did not use the Internet at all.

Anne Hederén, Länsbibliotek Östergötlandanne.hederen@ostsam.se

Problems and issues2. People turn to the libraries to optain support

”How can I send an e mail?”How can I send an e‐mail?

”How shall I attache a file in support of anHow shall I attache a file in  support of anapplication for a residence permit?”

”Please help me pay the bills over the Internet”

”How can I create my own blogg?”

Anne Hederén, Länsbibliotek Östergötlandanne.hederen@ostsam.se

Problems and issues -Problems and issues3. E‐service increases in society ‐ and in the libraries

Essential civic functions are relocated to the   InternetInternetLibraries offer an increasing number of Web servicesE‐service producers need to focus on the usersE service producers need to focus on the users

Anne Hederén, Länsbibliotek Östergötlandanne.hederen@ostsam.se

Solutions –1 Free Internet courses on the right learning level1. Free Internet courses on the right learning level

Courses in basic Internet use led by  library staff:

Internet for beginners –an Internet course in four stagesan Internet course in four stages1. Computer basics2. Writing using a computer3. What is Internet?4. E‐mail for beginners

Solutions –2. Coach individual needs

Individual tuitionOffered as booked appointmentOffered as booked appointmentor drop‐in, e.g.: Help getting started to use the 

i i f ilInternet, signing up for e‐mail or using the library cathalogue or databases

Solutions –3. Temptate with content

C i b h ? Th dCurios about the net? ‐ Themedreviews, e.g.:TravelTravelTelephone, addresses and mapsHealth

d blNewspapers, magazines and blogsSocial media 

Solutions –4. Cooperation with adult education associations to maximize efficiency

Free study circles offered on librarypremisespremises‐ Tutors providing their services free of charge (unemployed or students butmostly active pensioners)‐”Old teaching old”‐ Libraries find the tutors through theirLibraries find the tutors through theircontact network‐ Expanding into rural districts

Solutions –5. Coordinate and market the efforts

Internet for everyone – benefit and ypleasure in everyday lifee‐campaign at the libraries, October 2009Di it l ti i ti iDigital participation, e‐serviceInternet for beginners60 societal actors demonstrated theire‐services

Solutions –5. Coordinate and market the efforts

”It’s good for the brain to t s good o t e b a tolearn about the Internet. Maybe it helps you liveMaybe it helps you live longer”

Gun 77 yearsGun 77 years

Findings so far-Libraries are an excellent forum for introducingbeginners to the Internet‐ a modest surrounding , widespread premesis and library staff is often

competent in both ”content” on the web and tuition

Co‐operation and coordination between the libraries and adult education associations increase learning effeciencyadult education associations increase learning effeciencyand utilization of resourses.

Need of sustainable solutions ‐ local, regional and national coordination and dialog ‐ national project : ICT‐lift forcoordination and dialog  national project : ICT lift for Sweden

Questions

• How can the citizens find and use public e‐services?

• Whose responsibility is it to increase the• Whose responsibility is it to increase the digital participation in society?

• How do you handle these questions in your municipality?p y

ConclusionsFactors for success for increasing digital participationFactors for success for increasing digital participation:• Informal learning is essential‐ Coordinate public resources and support organisations such asCoordinate public resources and support organisations such as non‐profit associations, libraries, adult education associations to reach the citizens‐ People who can act as intermediary such as nurshing staff and volunteers need competence development and support .R h th t th h th hild‐ Reach the parents through the children

• Don’t talk about ICT‐ temptate with content‐ focus on benefit and meet individual needs

C l iConclusionsWhose responsibility is it to increase the digitalparticipation in society?

‐Who is irresponsible? ‐ Everbody is responsible.‐We need actions both top down and from below, they are  equalimportant.City authority must provide the infrastructure but then we all have a‐ City authority must provide the infrastructure , but then we all have a 

collective responsibillity.