Moving Access to Equity: Digital Literacy in Lower-Access Communities

In an increasingly digital economy, access to the internet and digital resources is crucial to ensuring what can be considered a fundamental right to information, essential services, and opportunities for betterment. The digital divide prevents many from assuming this right because a lack of access to the internet and technological devices also means a lack of access to important information, resources, and services. This divide entails the gap between those with digital skills and those individuals who lack digital literacy in the digital world and therefore are unable to participate in or benefit from interactions with technology. As more resources and services move online and technology becomes more pervasive and complex, the divide grows. This Association of College and Research Libraries resource discusses the digital divide and challenges faced by lower-access communities, as well as the importance of digital literacy to equity.