"Because I'm Old": The Role of Ageism in Older Adults' Experiences of Digital Literacy Training in Public Libraries. Issue 4 (22nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barrie, Hannah; La Rose, Tara; Detlor, Brian; Julien, Heidi; Serenko, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Journal of technology in human services. Volume 39:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 379
• Page End: 404
• Publication Date: 2021-11-22
• Subjects: Library and information systems -- public libraries -- digital literacy training -- older adults -- ageism; Human services -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Human services -- Information services -- Periodicals; Social service -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 361.0028
• DOI: 10.1080/15228835.2021.1962477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8835

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the experiences of older adults attending digital literacy training sessions offered by the public library system in one city in Ontario. Semi-structured interviews with 12 older adults (age 60+) demonstrated the significance of societal and internalized ageism in shaping the experiences of participants, as well as the construction of the training as a "safe space" for experimentation. Implications for participants and future public library digital literacy training sessions are discussed, with particular attention to asset-based approaches, the need for skill development, and addressing the effects of ageism on participants. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2021.1962477 .