April 29, 2021
The world is awash in data—by 2020 it is expected that there will be approximately 40 trillion gigabytes of data in existence, with that number doubling every 2 to 3 years. However, data production is not equal in all places—the global data landscape remains heavily concentrated on English-speaking, urban, and relatively affluent locations within the…
Public libraries and development organizations share many common goals that make them strong potential partners in the Global South. In spite of these commonalities, libraries are often overlooked as development partners. This is unfortunate because these partnerships could allow librarians to more fully and effectively participate in the development of their communities. This paper explores…
This article proposes an analytical framework to better understand the role that information and communication technology (ICT) skills play in improving employment opportunities for low-income groups. It draws on research conducted with more than 70 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that provide ICT training and other employment services in 30 countries around the world. It explores the…
Economic empowerment for marginalized people is one of the core interests driving ICTD practice and scholarship. Many non-governmental organizations state that improving the economic livelihood of their communities is one of their most important missions. Many training programs, from those which are donor- and public-supported to those which are privately operated, have been built with…
This special edition contains reports from the Harvard Forum II, a two-day event held September 2009 at Harvard University. Sponsored by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and hosted by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, the Forum assembled a prominent group of thinkers and practitioners from around the globe, including…
This paper aims to offer early insight into ongoing research comparing public access venues such as libraries, cybercafe´s and telecenters in 25 countries around the world. The authors studied information needs and uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in these public access venues, with a particular focus on underserved populations. Understanding trends, differences and…
