Mobile Libraries and Digital Inclusion: A Study from Aotearoa New Zealand. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Rachel; Goulding, Anne
• Is Part Of: Public library quarterly. Volume 42:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Public libraries -- mobile libraries -- digital inclusion -- digital skills -- digital access; Public libraries -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; 027.405
• DOI: 10.1080/01616846.2022.2029223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-6846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Mobile libraries serve communities in a range of ways throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally but their contribution to supporting digital inclusion in non-urban areas has not been explored in depth. T his paper presents data from an exploratory research project focused on how mobile libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand extend digital services to those who cannot access public library building s services conveniently. The findings show that the mobile librarians provide a range of digital inclusion services, predominantly access to technologies and skills development and, by so doing, contribute positively to digital inclusion in non-urban areas of Aotearoa New Zealand.