ror.org/03c4mmv16
Abstracts
Abstract
This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on computer and Internet access services in Canadian public libraries as well as the implications of this lack of access for people facing socioeconomic barriers, and how Canadian public libraries could address digital divide issues in the post-pandemic era. Recommendations on future pandemic preparedness for public libraries are also discussed in this article. This research project conducted a bilingual (English and French) online survey targeting public library technicians, librarians, and library board members across Canada. From 1,631 research invitation emails sent to public library staff across Canada and three Facebook posts on Canadian public library staff groups, over a one-year period from November 3, 2021, to November 6, 2022. 226 individuals participated in the online survey questionnaire. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social inequalities in Canada, including access to computers and the Internet. The digital divide could lead to poor health outcomes and put existing disadvantaged populations at greater risk in terms of future employment opportunities. The digital divide needs to be addressed so that Canadians in low-income households and those living with disabilities do not get left behind. Importantly, public libraries in Canada have been working tirelessly to equalize access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training and support. Their determination, social responsibility, and professional ethics need to be acknowledged. Finally, this article's recommendations for future pandemic preparedness in Canadian public libraries may also be applicable and beneficial to public libraries globally.
Keywords:
- Canadian public libraries,
- COVID-19 pandemic,
- digital divide,
- future pandemic preparedness
Résumé
Cet article examine l'impact de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur les services permettant d'accéder à un ordinateur et à l’Internet dans les bibliothèques publiques canadiennes, ainsi que les implications de ce manque d'accès pour les personnes confrontées à des barrières socioéconomiques, et comment les bibliothèques publiques canadiennes pourraient aborder les problèmes de fracture numérique à l'ère post-pandémique. Cet article discute également des recommandations concernant la préparation future aux pandémies pour les bibliothèques publiques. Ce projet de recherche a mené une enquête en ligne bilingue (anglais et français) ciblant les techniciens de bibliothèque, les bibliothécaires et les membres des conseils de bibliothèque à travers le Canada. Sur 1 631 courriels d'invitation à participer à la recherche envoyés au personnel des bibliothèques publiques à travers le Canada et trois publications sur Facebook dans des groupes de personnel de bibliothèque publique canadien, sur une période d'un an allant du 3 novembre 2021 au 6 novembre 2022, 226 personnes ont répondu au questionnaire de l'enquête en ligne. Les résultats suggèrent que la pandémie de COVID-19 a exacerbé les inégalités sociales au Canada, y compris l'accès aux ordinateurs et à l’Internet. La fracture numérique pourrait entraîner de mauvais résultats en matière de santé et exposer davantage les populations défavorisées à des risques en termes d'accès à des opportunités d'emploi futures. La fracture numérique doit être traitée afin que les Canadiens provenant de ménages à faible revenu et ceux vivant avec un handicap ne soient pas laissés pour compte. Il est important de reconnaître les efforts inlassables, la responsabilité sociale et l'éthique professionnelle des bibliothèques publiques au Canada qui travaillent sans relâche à promouvoir l'accès aux ordinateurs, à l’Internet, ainsi qu'à la formation et au soutien en matière de littératie numérique. Enfin, les recommandations de cet article pour la préparation future aux pandémies dans les bibliothèques publiques canadiennes peuvent également être applicables et bénéfiques aux bibliothèques publiques à l'échelle mondiale.
Mots-clés :
- bibliothèques publiques canadiennes,
- pandémie de COVID-19,
- fracture numérique,
- préparation à une future pandémie
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Appendices
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