The growing role of digital technologies in almost every aspect of the life of cities is a certainty; what is not certain is how far they will contribute to – or undermine – the goal of sustainable urbanisation.
Whether the digital urban future that we are catalysing is one that delivers individual and community fulfilment will depend on how well local and regional governments put in place not just an infrastructure of cables and masts, but also one of institutions and services that enable inclusion.
Cities and regions already benefit from one such infrastructure – networks of public and community libraries. With centuries of experience in making the connection between people and information in order to enable the enjoyment of human rights and the fulfilment of human potential, many cities are already working through their libraries to achieve success here.
Drawing on the experience of the world’s nearly half a million public and community libraries, this article identifies just five roles that these institutions can play as part of wider urban digitalisation strategies.
Inclusive primary and secondary connectivity:
Bringing almost 2/3 of the world’s population online is clearly something to celebrate. However, this neither reduces the urgency of giving the remaining billions access nor the fact that many of those counted as connected still face low speeds, unreliability, and a lack of devices. For example, people who need to share devices may be held back in searching for the information they need due to a lack of privacy.
Also Read | Revolutionising Sanitation Service Delivery Using Digital Monitoring Systems in Odisha
This is where public access in community centres, outdoor spaces, and, of course, libraries can come in. As well as being a stepping stone towards home connectivity, it gives citizens options in how they get online. In times of disaster, connected libraries can be essential backups, making it possible for people to carry on as far as possible as before.
Venue for social connectivity: Closely linked to the above point are the possibilities that libraries offer for people to make the most of the internet collectively. Internet-enabled group learning – either in informal or non- formal settings – community archiving initiatives, and support for local media initiatives can all be enabled through the work of libraries and their staff.
These help illustrate, importantly, how the internet can be a driver of new connections and collaborations, rather than a splintering of society. In parallel with this are, of course, the steps taken by libraries to build media and information literacy, contributing to efforts to bust filter bubbles and build open-minded and communicative societies.
Making the internet people-centred:
While tech-centred approaches may take physical connectivity as the start and end point, if we want a digital urban environment that is people-centred, we need to think first about what matters to citizens. At the top of the list, undoubtedly, come the possibilities to access relevant content and the skills and confidence to use digital tools effectively.
Already in the analog world, libraries built collections in response to the needs of communities – in the digital world, this is no different. On top of this, programming to build digital skills of all types, from basic computer use to coding, aims to make sure that everyone feels at home online and can be part of the digital urban environment.
eGovernment services one-stop shop:
Libraries have a crucial role to play during the digitalization of citizen- government interactions, serving as a safety net to prevent the exclusion of individuals who rely on non-digital means. They offer targeted support to various groups, such as newcomers, people with disabilities, or those experiencing homelessness. Libraries organise and host specialised programs that facilitate access to eGovernment services, ensuring that these individuals can benefit from the opportunities provided by digital platforms.
Enabler of evidence-based local government decision-making: Local and regional governments, too often, do not have the same opportunities to access research and knowledge exploitation services as their national counterparts. However, their need is equally important, considering the significant role they play in determining living conditions.
Libraries, whether they are larger public libraries or those affiliated with universities, can assist in addressing this issue by providing access to research databases and offering practical support to urban policy makers, enabling them to extract key insights effortlessly.
Selecting only five roles barely scratches the surface of the valuable contribution that libraries make in realising our desired urban futures. These roles may vary from one city or region to another, responding to specific priorities and needs. This adaptability is a fundamental aspect of the library’s core values.
Importantly, these roles align with any broader strategy aimed at harnessing the potential of digital technologies to foster sustainable urbanisation. By integrating libraries and library services into such policies from the outset, local and regional governments can effectively enhance their actions in this domain.