Missingham, R. (2009) Encouraging the digital economy and digital citizenship. Australian Library Journal, 58 (4), 386 -399
The key concepts of Missingham’s article is that Australia is a nation that is becoming more reliant on digital content and accessibility for its economic and social growth, but there are major issues faced by its citizens which need to be addressed. In order for people to be fully included in the global digital environment, issues such as lack of access to digital content and skills to find correct digital content are areas where public libraries can be involved, as long as funding and support were apparent.
The author uses many Governmental references such as Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008a), Senate (2003), Australian National Audit Office (2009). This reinforces the facts given that reports on how Australia is lagging behind other comparative countries, in regards to being involved with digital services and opportunities, despite our wealth and stature as a first world nation. Although the author uses 2006 data, it seems incomprehensible that almost half of commercial businesses have no online presence in this modern day. The author’s listings of where Australia sits in the digital world compared to other OECD countries, shows a definite weakness in our country’s uptake of digital inclusion.
In order to provide the reader with where libraries are becoming involved, the author references a four year journey of a committee focussed on providing accessible online content through libraries. Electronic Resources Australia (ERA) was launched in 2007 as a national purchasing consortium. This is able to deliver quality information regarding Australian news, economics, referencing and health. Missingham states that by 2009, approximately 8.5 million Australians have online access through nearly 1,200 libraries; public, educational, special and state and national libraries (2009 p 394). An extensive listing of national library groups involved shows the value of providing the public with the digital information they require.
This country will always have issues that arise with the large size of our land compared to the small number in population. Missingham states that the ‘combination of limited access because of connectivity and content issues’ (2009 p 389) is a major reason for frustration amongst those who particularly live in more regional areas of the country.
The author’s focus on three major issues which are barriers to digital knowledge and access are succinct but not extensive-
· Connectivity; the author discusses the National Broadband Network, which is designed to reach the majority of the population, especially those in remote areas but does not mention other forms of network accessibility such wireless broadband eg 3 and now 4G network –offering high speed and high capacity. In 2011, this is still a subject of debate especially amongst politicians and commentators (zdnet.com.au 2011) as wireless technologies are taken up increasingly in the community.
· Content; despite the extensive reporting of how ERA was born, and is used nationally, the author states that the current content model is ‘very fragile’ (2009 p 397) with no evidence to support this statement, though does make suggestions for a more cost effective national funding to provide more consistency and usability.
· Capability; educating and upgrading user skills which could be achieved through training and support through public libraries, as well as online applications and services being user friendly for all. There are no other references to what skills are actually needed ie basics such as use of mouse/keyboard, computing definitions or more complex digital usage such as web-browser searching, tertiary research or social media setups. What training does the librarian need in order to teach the public these skills?
The author’s conclusion is strong in reinforcing that the Australian community needs assistance to reach its full potential in regards to having full access to online data, having current, user-friendly and informative content and being skilled in obtaining that data; all which can only advance our growing digital based society. For libraries to have a significant role in this advancement, funding is imperative.
References:
AAP, Taylor, J. (2011) Telstra 4G makes NBN unviable: Turnball. ZDnet as retrieved fromhttp://www.zdnet.com.au/telstra-4g-makes-nbn-unviable-turnbull-339309209.htm
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008b) Household Use of Information Technology, Australia 2007-08, ABS Publication 8146.0 Canberra ABS Retrieved from http://abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/ACC2D18CC958BC7BCA2568A9001393AE?opendocument
Australia National Audit Office (2009) Online Availability of Government Entities' Documents Tabled in the Australian Parliament, Canberra ANAO, Retrieved from http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2008 - 09_Audit_Report_37.pdf
Senate, Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee (2003) Libraries in the online environment, Senate Canberra. Retrieved from http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ecita_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002 - 04/online_libraries/report/report.pdf
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