the other twenty percent

Of all the reasons non-profits such as schools, libraries, archives, and museums to use a technology plan, one stands out to me above all the rest: narrowing the digital divide. The changing nature of technology means that when one area of the divide is narrowed (say, mobile phones), another widens (currently, high speed Internet access). As gaps slim, but don't meet completely, some people are satisfied that the digital divide is closing, citing statistics such as over half of Americans now have Internet access at home. First of all, as if over half is an acceptable amount, and second of all, as if it were that simple.

This is where the 80% rule usually comes in to play. Some people convince themselves that if most people benefit from technology, that's the best we can do. Many people in all walks of life do strive to satisfy 80% of their constituency. And that's a good start. But, as John Carlo Bertot says,

It is one thing to design programs that work for most; it is another task to go back and ensure that the intended benefits of a program have reached those who are most in need, often despite the system's design, regulations and procedures.

The other 20%, or those whose needs are not met by the initial design of the technology plan of a non-profit, are just as important as the majority of the constituency.

I'm pleased that Arizona's five year LSTA plan does acknowledge that libraries are one place to balance the inequity of the digital divide. Some of its programs, such as instruction that introduces its constituents to computers and the Internet, address the imbalance. Arizona's technology plan, while comprehensive, isn't very specific. In some ways, this benefits the description of the programs, which can be modified to fit the needs of the users of particular libraries.The questions are, of course, in what manner will these programs be implemented? Will the Needs Assessments done by the libraries really define what the constituency needs? Will the 20% avail themselves of the programs? How will local politics affect the effectiveness of the programs?

Where ever I am fortunate enough to find employment after I finish my graduate work, I hope to be able to narrow the digital divide as much as possible. Outreach has to be a major part of that work. The knowledge and skills I'm learning and fine-tuning in both SIRLS and the DigIn program will arm me with the know-how to at least be a part of that conversation.

I'm lucky to belong to the 80%. It's time to take luck out of the equation.