Inquiry Blog Post #4 – Libraries Advancing Equity Through Technology

     When looking at literacy and the technical divide through a global lens, it is very eye-opening to see the disparities between different regions of the world. This blog will reveal how some libraries and literacy organizations are being creative and persistent in discovering ways to implement and provide access to literacies through technology in places of need.

(Image from Roschelle, J and Weaver, D, Digital Promise)

     Equity of access to information includes the need to access both physical resources and virtual spaces. Technology infrastructures need be in place and teacher training supported. In order to bridge equity gaps, literacy advocates must consider cultural relevancy and facilitating learning approaches tailored to the specific needs of the community. “Learners vary in the ways that they engage in learning, how they perceive and comprehend information, in the ways in which they navigate the learning environment, and in how they express themselves” (CLA 13). When researching empowering examples globally (explored below), these organizations model efforts and actions that inspire me to get involved in global outreach (even if simply through donating). Exploring these organizations has also remind me to continually take a closer look at ways to reduce inequality in my own community.

     Library for All is an Australian based organization the provides education through digital resources in the form of a Spark Box. This large box comes full of digital tablets that can be used offline for learning. These tablets come preloaded with learning apps, ready to go without any need for internet. The Spark Box is delivered to marginalized communities in remote areas of the world and is provided in some cases with solar panels to make learning possible when electricity is unavailable. Using technology, the Spark Box presents vast amounts of books, apps, games and learning resources available on each hand held device. Understanding the space for physical books and resources is often not available, this solution resolves that problem. A specific thing that I liked about Library for All and their Spark Box initiative was their commitment to providing texts that are meaningful to each community, Texts that including “culturally relevant, age appropriate books in languages children understand” (Library for All). This relates directly to the Canadian School Libraries pedagogy that emphasizes “focusing on the needs of the learner, in order to decide on tangible steps for improvement and growth” (Kirkland 1:35).

    Libraries Without Borders is another organization that provides something similar to Library for All. This international company also focuses on bridging resource gaps and bringing access to knowledge where its most needed. They have created pop-up multimedia centres called Ideas Boxes. An Ideas Box is a “pop-up multimedia centre and portable library that can withstand the most difficult circumstances” (Libraries Without Borders). The Ideas Box contains a digital server and power generator, 25 tablets and laptops, 6 HD cameras, 1 large HD screen, board games, arts and crafts materials, hardcover and paperback books, and a stage for music and theatre. Much like the Spark Box, the Ideas Box is customized to meet the local needs of the community. We know that library services are “relentlessly focused on learning” (Kirkland 3:24) and so I admire that both of the aforementioned companies consider it imperative to focus on the specific needs of the community of learners that they are outreaching to. For example, an Ideas Box was recently created to focus on implementing health prevention activities for children, adolescents and young adults in an area where this knowledge was lacking. Customizing the content meant that participants were able to understand and manage heath and emotional concerns better. A particular thing that I admire about the Ideas Box is that there are materials included to also produce creative content (arts and crafts, maker spaces, videos, theatre platforms, etc.). We know that libraries are meant to offer multimodal resources to enhance both critical and creative thinking, to support both intellectual and emotional gains, and to encourage both independent inquiry and collaborative engagement. The Ideas Box considers engaging learners in a variety of ways and it models how a physical LLC cultivates and supports a variety of different kinds of participatory learning. Libraries are meant to include a “focus on creativity [critical thinking through creativity] and focus on innovation” (CSL 6).

     Bookmobiles have become another way to provide access to and distribute information. In an effort to reduce inequality, bookmobiles aim to provide access to books, magazines, newspapers, and other library materials to people who live in rural or underserved areas where a physical library may not be easily accessible. The video below tells of the incredible personal impact that a bookmobile can make for an underprivileged person.

     Although this video doesn’t mention technology or digital resources, bookmobiles have evolved to include digital devices with audiobooks and elibrary apps. Worldreader is an organization that understands the need for digital reading solutions across the globe. They created the Booksmart app which is a digital library of over 2700 books that anyone can enjoy for free. Booksmart books have been translated into several major and local languages and have been used in over 120+ countries. The Booksmart app recently won the 2024 EdTech award for literacy/reading solution. A specific quality of this app that I admire is the value and attention put towards providing diverse text where readers can see themselves represented in the books they read. Booksmart stories are curated to support different ethnicities, social justice and gender equity. This mirrors the framework for success in a LLC where “common values of equity, diversity, and cultural identity are reflected” (CSL 4). Perhaps most remarkable is their ‘changemaker’ collection that inspires readers unlock their potential to make change.

     Technology has been a powerful tool for education equity. The three organizations mentioned above have given incredible effort to reduce or eliminate inequality in access to literacy education and resources. Their aim is to promote fairness and equity within society, each through some means of technology tools. Research shows that “using technologies increases students’ learning gains, social skills, motivation, independence, accessibility, and inclusion” (Crompton).

     These organizations that are providing global solutions have got me considering how my own SLLC might harness technology to bridge equity gaps within my own school community. This could mean that I make sure to provide both clear instruction and easy access to an elibrary or various other digital resources for students, staff and families to access 24/7. This could be provided through a teacher-librarian website, a school website or even a district link. I could also ensure that my school library was open before and after school to allow those who may not have access to devices or home internet services the ability use school devices to explore ebooks, literacy apps, educational reading games, etc. This time might also provide opportunities for patrons to learn or hone their technology usage skills. I could also host a lunchtime EdTech club where students could come to explore and play educational games specifically aimed to support literacy learning. These would each be potential ways to provide open opportunities for those students and families who maybe do not have equity in access to literacy learning through technology.

     Regardless of the perceived affluence of the area in which your school is located, digital inequities exist. Providing open access to tech. tools and mobile devices will support democratizing access to information. By embracing technology and purposing to make it available to all patrons, libraries can bridge gaps, promote literacy, and empower individuals. “All schools…need to provide access to teaching expertise in the library as well as best resources, technologies and physical and virtual learning spaces to support learner needs as they evolve.” (CSL 4). Knowing that “school libraries everywhere are focused on supporting and advancing student learning” (IFLA 16) we can be inspired by these global initiatives and aim to make technologies equally accessible to everyone in our own school community.

Works Cited:

Canadian Library Association (CLA). Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School

Library Learning Commons in Canada, 2014. llsop.canadianschoollibraries.cawpcontent/ uploads/2016/09/llsop.pdf. Accessed 13 June 2024.

Canadian School Libraries (CSL). Foundations for School Library Learning Commons in Canada: A Framework for Success, 2023. https://www.canadianschoollibraries.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CSL_Foundations-Frameworks_ FINAL_ Nov2023.pdf. Accessed 13 June 2024.

Crompton, H. “Evidence of the ISTE standards for educators leading to learning gains.” Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, vol. 39, no. 4, 2023 pp. 201–219.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). School Library Guidelines. IFLA, 2015 pp. 1-69.

Kirkland, A. “Leading Learning.” Youtube, uploaded by Anita Brooks Kirkland, 4 Oct. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMGML3cppjI.

Libraries Without Borders. “Ideas Box.” Libraries Without Borders International, https://www.librarieswithoutborders.org/ideasbox/.

Library for All. “Library For All’s Spark Kit.” Youtube, uploaded by Library for All, 4 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ytKCgVKt0&t=56s.

Roschelle, J and Weaver, D. “How Can Educational Leaders Strengthen Digital Equity in an Age of AI?” Digital Promise, 21 March 2024, https://digitalpromise.org/2024/03/21/how-can-educational-leaders-strengthen-digital-equity-in-an-age-of-ai/.

StoryCorps. “The Bookmobile.” Youtube, uploaded by StoryCorps, 13 April 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11OvHcgh-E4.

Worldreader. “Let’s get children reading!” Youtube, uploaded by Worldreader, 28 Sept. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ws3fzufXGo.