April 29, 2021
This working paper describes the methodology for the Global Impact Study’s five-country surveys of public access ICT venue operators, users and non-users. The surveys collected detailed information about the conditions of public access to ICTs, characteristics of public access users, patterns of usage, as well as information on non-users. Local research teams in Bangladesh, Brazil,…
For billions of people coming online around the world – many in Africa – mobile phones (and increasingly smartphones) is their point of entry to the internet. This is true in both developed and developing countries. However, the user experience on a smartphone is very different from that on a PC or a feature phone….
November 9, 2020
This article describes the curation and use of open demographic data to inform public library services. A case study of census data curated for the Seattle Public Library (SPL) system is described. To understand the information needs of library branches, a set of SPL regional managers were interviewed, a set of use cases were created,…
October 27, 2020
Misinformation, or fake news, has exploded across social media platforms and communities over the past few years, with serious social and political implications. Many library practitioners and organizations have argued that libraries can and should play a central role in educating the public about this emerging issue. However, serious gaps exist in understanding how libraries…
October 21, 2020
While perceptions of African libraries as development partners remain low and limited by development organizations, it is possible to change these perceptions. Quantitative data are necessary but insufficient in demonstrating library development value. Possible development partnership roles for African libraries are as community-embedded institutions, and development resource hubs.
October 3, 2020
Across Africa, libraries are contributing to development in their countries. However, this work remains largely unrecognized by international stakeholders in development. To bridge this gap, this research examines the current perceptions of libraries among development organizations and asks how libraries may gain visibility as partners. Interviews with development practitioners indicate that perceptions of libraries remain…
July 30, 2020
Investigating the data needs of public library staff and determining which of those needs can be met through the use of open data.
November 15, 2019
Thought leaders from libraries, civic media, collective action, peace building, media and data literacies explore civic engagement.
February 1, 2019
How do you identify and address technology accessibility and education gaps for refugee women in Seattle?
