Jul 16th, 2003
Digital Divide Network
Do you know about The Digital Divide Network? ?There has always been a gap between those people and communities who can make effective use of information technology and those who cannot. Now, more than ever, unequal adoption of technology excludes many from reaping the fruits of the economy.? When I started working with the Gates Foundation US Library Program four years ago, the program was often conversationally referred to as a domestic Peace Corps for technology. The folks at The Digital Divide Network seem to work to help carry that mantle internationally.
Also found a great and familiar story written by Wanda Gardner, the Director or the Decorah Public Library. She talks about sustainability, community building and technology. My favorite Library issues! If only she talked about training too! 
I found these pages via a link from Kathleen de la Pe?a McCook (what a cool name!) and the latest issue of ALAET (A Librarian at Every Table). Kathleen sends out a short ALAET email just about every week that discusses Librarians and community building.
5 Responses to “Digital Divide Network”
The August issue of Scientific American has an interesting article on the Digital Divide. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=000112F0-AB93-1F09-97AE80A84189EEDF&pageNumber=1&catID=2 Just a teaser is here but you can get an idea.
Did you see the Benton Foundation mention? BMGF is all over that I’ll bet. Outside of the US and Canada it gets so much more complicated. Even here, without breakfast or a roof over your head, who cares about an Internet connection? Then there is the infrastructure issue and about 50 other things. Personally, it seems like family planning is the thing to give to in the poorest of countries. Should I have said that or just thought it?
I had that thought too. I think that’s an OK thing to say. Actually, that is why Uncle Bill is working with global health. Did you get to go see him speak on his views on philanthropy a couple years ago? He concluded computers were not the thing give folks in the developing world, yet. First you have to help them stay alive, so yeah, you’re good.
WE are good, sister!
You know what’s interesting about Washington? It’s the kind of place where second-guessing has become second nature.