Internet equity
- 1. Libraries, Internet, and Equity of AccessBecky Borsheim • Laura Deshler • Christie Schultz
- 2. Areas of FocusNet NeutralityRace and ClassDisability
- 3. Not in scopeAgeUrban vs. RuralGlobal Perspective
- 4. What does Equity mean?The ability to access the internet and content available on the internet regardless of age, race, class, gender, disability, and geographic location
- 5. Why should we care?The internet is becoming the primary form of communication and transmission of information:Health CareGovernment ServicesEmploymentEducationSocial Interaction
- 6. Net Neutrality and Equity of Access
- 7. Race, Class and Equity
- 8. Internet Equity and Disability Nearly 1/3 of all Americans have a disabilityThose with disabilities use the internet less than those without
- 9. Internet Equity and Disability Reasons for disparity of use:AgeIncomeAccess to Assistive TechnologyWebpage design
- 10. Internet Equity and Disability Income, Disability, and Internet Access:Tend to be lower income individualsCost of broadband +Cost of assistive technology =Greater reliance on libraries for access
- 11. Internet Equity and Disability Web Content Accessibility GuidelinesGuidelines for all websites, private or publicNot enforceable Based on four overarching principles:PerceivableOperableUnderstandableRobustSection 508For FEDERAL websites only (i.e. gov’t agencies and organizations doing business with the gov’t)
- 12. Internet Equity and Disability Google Apps for EducationNFB filed a complaint on 3/15/11 against Universities and public schools using this programGoogle Apps has severe usability issues Guess what other University uses Google Apps for Education??? (hint: you’re sitting in one of their buildings…)Video
- 13. Internet Equity and Disability Discuss:What can we do as library professionals to:Enforce guidelines developed by the W3C, the UN and the ADA to ensure web inclusion?Advocate for funding for technology resources?Increase positive experiences for library patrons living with disabilities, age-related or otherwise?
- 14. References