Solutions to the Digital Divide

The digital divide between rural and urban, young and old, white and non-white, poor and non-poor should be made a community concern. Places where people gather could offer access to computers and the Internet. These locations should not be limited to the public library but could include: community centers; churches; school libraries and computer centers; boys' and girls' clubs; YMCA/YWCA; and retirement homes.

This summer while driving in the mountains, I passed by a public school in a rural area and noticed a sign advertising the availability of the library for public use during the summer. The library wasn't open all the time, but on a designated night each week. Still, I thought it was a great idea to use these otherwise idle resources not only to help educate the children but offer a place for social interaction. The same concept could be applied to computer and Internet resources that schools have but may be left idle during the summer or other breaks.

My research also led me to sites that presented partnerships between technology companies and human services organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America. In my non-virtual experience, I am know someone who accesses the Internet and his email at his credit union.

If the need for computer literacy and Internet access is made a priority, community members and groups may start helping to make it a reality.