Bridging the Digital Divide: Dublin City Libraries

Description

Dublin City Libraries: Bridging the Digital Divide

It is estimated that 47% of adults in Ireland lack fundamental digital skills. Older people in particular have challenges accessing the wide range of services (including library services) that have moved online.
Dublin City Libraries has embarked on a branch-wide programme to bridge the digital information gap, especially among older persons. The strategy has centered on three critical aspects of digital literacy: (i) development of digital skills (ii) access to digital technology (iii) access to digital resources.

(i) Development of Digital Skills
In autumn 2023, the library service embarked on a programme of developing ‘Library Literacy Champions’ among staff who would specifically address all aspects of literacy provision in the public library environment. This has led to the organisation and support of digital literacy courses in eight of our branches. The courses are co-ordinated with Age Action Ireland and the City of Dublin Education & Training Board.
(ii) Access to Digital Technology
Access to technology has been identified as a major obstacle to increased digital literacy. Dublin City Libraries have digital devices for use within libraries including access to PC’s and laptops and tablets that can be used within the libraries. People can practice skills learnt at courses delivered within libraries or indeed just carry out their daily business. In response to particular needs of some older people who may struggle with challenges of new technology, Dublin City Libraries have made Acorn Age Friendly tablets available for borrowing by adult members throughout the branch network. Acorn tablets are also provided to patrons of our Home Delivery Service who have challenges with physically accessing their local library. These tablets have proved popular with residents of Day Care Units and Nursing Homes. Acorn Tablets have been borrowed 43 times since their introduction to the service in February 2024. C-Pens are pocket-sized items that read text aloud in a digital voice. Primarily designed for people with reading difficulties, the C-Pens have presented another means of bridging the digital divide whereby technology eases access to learning and culture. C-Pens are available at all library branches in Dublin City.

(iii) Access to Digital Resources
Between September 2023 and May 2024, Dublin City Libraries’ outreach service has provided information sessions on online resources to 734 older persons in 27 locations. Library staff instruct groups on how to access the wide range of online services provided by Dublin City Libraries, including e-books, e-magazines and newspapers, online music, and courses. Staff also instruct patrons on how to use the online library catalogue so they can order and reserve library items independently. The information sessions help develop a sense of agency and helps remove the fear factor for people navigating the online environment. The session have been held in a number of diverse locations including retirement associations, nursing homes, senior citizen’s housing complexes, men’s sheds, and hospitals.
Staff have also organised a number of digital clinics where they instruct library visitors on how to access online resources.
Dublin City Libraries’ programme has tackled the digital literacy challenge on a number of fronts. Members of the public can learn how to use digital devices in a safe and friendly environment. Free access to technology allows people to develop their digital skills regardless of their economic status. Access to the wealth of online resources and services is provided by information sessions facilitated by designated ‘Library Literacy Champions’. These are held in the library but also, crucially, in community locations beyond the library walls. In this way, Dublin City Libraries has implemented a significant and sustained strategy to bridge the digital divide.

Funding for this ongoing project has been provided by SOLAS, the Dormant Accounts Fund, and the Dublin City Council Age Friendly Office.

Aim of Initiative

To increase access for older persons to digital resources through the Dublin City Libraries service.

Who is it aimed at

Older persons resident in the Dublin City Area.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Increased awareness among Dublin City Libraries staff of the digital literacy needs facing the public and the resources and services that are available that could meet these needs.
   This was achieved through the SOLAS funded ‘Library Literacy Champions’ programme that was completed by 25 staff from Dublin City Libraries. This led to an increase in free computer courses and electronic resource clinics throughout the branch network.
2. Access to technology is a significant barrier to digital literacy. Dublin City Libraries introduced Age Friendly tablets for borrowing by older persons who are housebound and cannot access their local library. Library staff trained these patrons on how to use the devices and access the free online resources provided by Dublin City Libraries. Given the success of this outreach service, further Age Friendly tablets were made available for borrowing throughout the Dublin City Libraries branch network.
   Funding for the tablets was provided by Dublin City Council’s Age Friendly Office and Dormant Accounts Funding.
3. It was important to communicate the information that Dublin City Libraries is an Age Friendly service that can provide free access to both technology, online courses, and training.
   Our Library In The Community outreach service has provided a number of information workshops in diverse locations including nursing homes, retirement associations, older person’s housing complexes, and hospitals.
   In doing so, information on how to overcome the challenge of digital literacy was promoted to older persons in their own communities.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. To make sure a commitment to improving digital literacy for older persons remains a consistent objective of Dublin City Libraries.
2. To ensure that Dublin City Libraries could provide the relevant digital technology through applications for public funding.
3. To gain an awareness of the challenges facing older persons in terms of unmet digital literacy needs. One of the important aspects of our outreach Library In The Community service is that the team engage with older persons directly in their own environments and can respond to their needs.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Increase in the number of digital literacy courses and workshops made available to older persons in the Dublin City Libraries network. Courses were provided at Ballyfermot, Ballymun, Cabra, Coolock, Central Library, Dolphin’s Barn, Rathmines, and Walkinstown branches.
2. Age Friendly digital devices borrowed 43 times since their introduction to the library service in February 2024.
3. Information sessions on free online resources provided to 734 older persons in 27 locations between September 2023 and May 2024.