[MNASIS-L] Susan Nemitz: On the front lines of the digital divide ...(St. Paul Pioneer Press C 02/18/2010)

[VanCura, MaryAnn]

Even before our communities faced tough economic times, libraries were
on the front lines of the digital divide, and that continues to be the
case. Take a look at this important commentary on the role of libraries
in addressing the digital divide, by Ramsey County Library Director
Susan Nemitz.

Susan Nemitz: On the front lines of the digital divide ...
<http://www.newspaperclips.com/npcapp/bounce.aspx/publisher/30657/29/UHV
ibGlzaGVyIFVzZXI~/381619878> 
(St. Paul Pioneer Press (c) 02/17/2010) 
At 3 p.m. on a weekday in the Maplewood Library, teens begin to sweep
through the building to access the public computers. When asked why they
choose to use the library, they cite required group projects, the need
to access specific software programs like PowerPoint, the competition
among three siblings fighting over access to the sole computer at home,
the dial-up modem access that fails to provi... 

For more information and to add your own experiences, visit
http://webjunctionworks.org/mn/blog/?p=240.

Upcoming program session on the digital divide:
If you are attending the Library Technology Conference
<http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/libtech_conf/2010/program_overview
/>  at Macalester College next month, consider participating in the
Technology Dialogue and Panel Discussion, "Toward Digital Inclusion: The
Role of Libraries and Other Communities Technology Centers", Thursday,
3/18/10, 3:40-5pm.


Mary Ann Van Cura
Library Development & Continuing Education Coordinator
State Library Services
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
651-582-8632 voice   651-582-8752 fax
maryann.vancura at state.mn.us
education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/Library_Services

If we are to assess the impact of our libraries, we must engage in
evaluation leading to an understanding of the outcomes of what we do. --
Michael Gorman