New publication highlights the role of eInclusion actors on improved digital literacy in the European Union

November 14, 2013

eInclusion – access to ICTs, ICT skill development, and digital literacy – is becoming increasingly important in both developed and developing contexts for social and economic participation. Strategies for shared access (telecenters, libraries, cybercafes, etc.) by eInclusion actors are particularly important for including marginalized populations. Successful investment to support eInclusion actors requires an understanding how venues operate. Commissioned by the European Union’s Joint Research Centre Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS), Telecentre-Europe and the Technology & Social Change Group conducted an online survey aiming to provide a ‘map’ of telecentres, libraries, and other eInclusion actors operating in the European Union (EU). The report presenting the findings of this survey, the first of its kind in Europe to collect data from eInclusion actors, is now available.

New publication: Public libraries connecting people for development

August 13, 2013

Last month, we released the final report of the Global Impact Study of Public Access ICTs, Connecting people for development: Why public access ICTs matter. In addition to the overall analysis presented in the final report, TASCHA researchers also conducted analysis specifically related to ICT access in public libraries in Botswana, Chile, and the Philippines. The report based on this analysis, Public libraries connecting people for development: Findings from the Global Impact Study, is now available for download. Using data from Botswana, Chile, and the Philippines, the report summarizes the study’s key findings with a focus on libraries, situating these venues in the context of national development, discussing some disputed issues, and providing recommendations for policymakers, library practitioners, and researchers.

TASCHA at Spark 2013

May 23, 2013

The 4th Global Forum on Telecentres, Spark 2013, will take place in Granada, Spain May 28-29. Four TASCHA researchers are looking forward to attending the forum to participate in conversations on technology and development and present on various TASCHA research projects. Chris Coward & Maria Garrido will be presenting on TASCHA research, and Melody Clark & Chris Rothschild will attend, participating in various sessions and live Tweeting from the event.

Mapping eInclusion actors in the European Union

December 10, 2012

Commissioned by the EU Joint Research Centre IPTS, Telecentre-Europe and the Technology & Social Change Group are conducting an online survey that aims to provide a ‘map’ of telecentres, libraries, and other eInclusion actors that operate in the European Union. The survey will be available in 13 languages and is part of the larger research project MIREIA: Measuring the Impact of eInclusion Actors on Digital Literacy, Skills, and Inclusion goals of the Digital Agenda for Europe. The online survey will be launched on January 2, 2013.

TASCHA faculty member off to Seville for research residency

September 20, 2012

TASCHA Research Assistant Professor Maria Garrido leaves today to participate in a five-week research residency at the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) in Seville, Spain. Maria will be working with researchers at the Information Society Unit designing a study to better understand the role of eInclusion intermediaries, such as telecenters and libraries, in advancing social and economic policy goals.