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It is a very widely shared view in many societies that being literate is essential to one's career, to self-guided learning, to political participation, and to Internet usage. There are a variety of arguments as to why closing the digital divide is important. The major arguments are as follows: -

Economic Equality

It is thought that the access to the Internet is a basic component of civil life that some developed countries aim to guarantee for their citizens. Telephone is often considered important for security reasons. Health, criminal, and other types of emergencies might indeed be handled better if the person in trouble has an access to the telephone. Another important fact seems to be that much vital information for people's career, civic life; safety, etc., are increasingly provided via the Internet. Even social welfare services are sometimes administered and offered electronically.

Social Mobility

It is considered that computer and computer network play an increasingly important role in learning and career, so education should include computing and use of the Internet. Without such offerings, the existing digital divide works unfairly towards the children in the lower socio-economic status. In order to provide equal opportunities, governments might offer some form of support.

Democracy

Some think that the use of the Internet would lead to a healthier democracy in one way or another. Among the most ambitious visions are of increased public participation in election and decision making processes.

Economic Growth

It is thought that the development of information infrastructure and active use of it would be a short-cut to economic growth for less-developed nations. Information technologies, in general, tend to be associated with productivity improvements. The exploitation of the latest technologies may give industries of certain countries a competitive advantage.

Role of Libraries in Bridging Digital Divide

The Benton Foundation estimates that there are an estimated 429 million people online globally, but this staggering number is very small. It represents only 6 per cent of the world's population. Moreover, 41 per cent are in North America alone. Apparently, large segments of the world's population have no way of participating in the information economy. Without Internet access, economically marginalized populations will suffer and exacerbate existing inequalities.

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Dr. Gursharan Singh Kainth specializes in Quantitative & Development Economics, and is currently Director of GAD Institute of Development Studies, Amritsar, a self-financed research institute. Has been honoured with various awards, including Guru Draunacharya Samman, Vijay Rattan Award, etc.
Ms. Kamalpreet Kaur is Research Scholar at GAD Institute of Development Studies.
Article posted on December 28, 2008.