Chapter 5 - Investigating Information Poverty at the Macro Level: Part 1

Abstract

This first ‘findings chapter’ considers the macro (strategic)–level approaches to addressing information poverty. It looks at how public libraries provide access to information through their infrastructure (information and communication technology facilities, library buildings, staff) and can contribute to alleviating information poverty by developing strategies to create a more socially, culturally and digitally inclusive society. The UK government's digital inclusion strategies and the burgeoning role that public libraries are expected to play in supporting the government's Digital by Default agenda are discussed. Current UK Internet usage statistics are presented. Internet access and poverty statistics for Northern Ireland are outlined briefly. Following this, I discuss how public libraries contribute to government priorities to alleviate poverty and social exclusion by developing strategic partnerships with government departments. The chapter then considers Libraries NI's current community engagement strategy, Targeting Social Exclusion. In addition, I review the skill sets needed by library staff to support social and digital exclusion.