A review of the effectiveness of Collaborations and Partnerships in sustaining a Digital Literacy

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present era, digital literacy is becoming a necessity. The fast development of technologies and their appropriations is taking over our everyday lives. As such, there is a need to adopt and have prerequisite digital skills. In developing countries, especially in Africa, the advocacy of digital literacy is important if the digital divide gap has to be bridged. Therefore, it is imperative to share knowledge through various collaborations and partnerships by establishing appropriate strategies to explore the efficiency of enhancing digital literacy as a social and cultural capital that can reduce the gaps between societies. This paper reviews the significant position of collaboration and partnership in developing countries and how they can initiate and participate in the development of digital literacy. Besides, it explores the difference between digital literacy and its impact and how it changes users’ behaviours. Furthermore, it tackles how collaborations and partnerships enhance digital literacy by creating new opportunities for sustaining digital literacy knowledge. This paper carefully reviews existing literature in order to identify common conflicts or tensions that undermine collaboration and exacerbate digital literacy disparities between developing and developed countries. This paper also provides recommendations on how to effectively implement digital literacy initiatives. Finally, the paper explores the important roles the library and other digital literacy collaboration facets play in the sustainability and development of a country’s digital literacy society.