Enabling libraries to play their best role in supporting digital inclusion is vital
“Digital Inclusion in Libraries” is a collaboration between Good Things Foundation, Libraries Connected, and WSA Community Consultants, generously supported by an Arts Council England grant of £85,065.
Research found library services – described as positive, trusted, universal, and free – are already playing an essential role in fixing the digital divide alongside community organisations and others in communities.
Additional findings showed that digital inclusion is already happening in libraries, but that there's a strong appetite to evolve their services:
- Over 80% of library services expressed confidence they were meeting the right needs
- 3 in 10 library services are found to be early adopters of digital inclusion innovation, registering for schemes like the National Databank
- 7 in 10 library services already use the free digital learning platform Learn My Way to help people learn basic digital skills
- All library services offer free public WiFi in most of their branches
- 60% of services reported they are developing, or want to develop, offers of giving devices to people for use outside the library, and providing free mobile data connectivity
Some libraries have seen a growing demand for help with things like online form-filling for health, benefits, or council services. But limited staff, volunteers, funding and, for some, outdated IT infrastructure – were found to limit what libraries can offer.
Yet, enabling libraries to play their best role in supporting digital inclusion is vital in a context where, in the UK today, around 10 million adults lack foundation-level digital skills; around 2 million households have no home internet access, and at least 2 million households struggle to afford broadband or mobile data connectivity.
Calling on Government for a new digital inclusion strategy
These findings challenge Government and local authorities to do more to recognise and resource the essential work carried out by libraries, community organisations, and others across the country in supporting digitally excluded people.
That’s why Good Things Foundation and Libraries Connected are calling on the Government to develop a new digital inclusion strategy for England, which recognises, values and funds this critical work in communities across the country.