Getting ready to reduce the digital divide: Scenarios of Lithuanian public libraries

Abstract

Abstract Digital exclusion is high on the international agenda and covers a variety of inequalities in access to and use of digital technologies, and in the skills and motivation needed for their adoption. This research contributes to the discussion on solving digital exclusion issues by addressing the emergent roles and challenges of Lithuanian public libraries in reducing the digital divide. The article combines a multilevel model of the digital divide with the concept of business idea and analyzes the future scenarios of Lithuanian public libraries. The findings highlight the public libraries' importance in conducting training, consultancy, and experiential learning to stimulate digital inclusion. Potentially, libraries can motivate users to adopt digital technologies, but this role is still not sufficiently visible. The findings show that libraries face challenges of redefining their social value and obtaining the sustaining funds, skills, and infrastructure necessary for digital inclusion programs. However, they can use collaboration networks, effective cost management, and external expertise to overcome these obstacles.

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