Mobile Libraries and Digital Inclusion: A Study from Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Mobile libraries serve communities in a range of ways throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally but their contribution to supporting digital inclusion in non-urban areas has not been explored in depth. This paper presents data from an exploratory research project focused on how mobile libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand extend digital services to those who cannot access public library buildings services conveniently. The findings show that the mobile librarians provide a range of digital inclusion services, predominantly access to technologies and skills development and, by so doing, contribute positively to digital inclusion in non-urban areas of Aotearoa New Zealand.

KEYWORDS:

• Public libraries
• mobile libraries
• digital inclusion
• digital skills
• digital access

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Te Reo Māori: grandchildren or descendants.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rachel Bell

Rachel Bell is a recent graduate of the Master of Information Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in Aotearoa New Zealand, specializing in archives and records management. She works as an archivist, and has a particular interest in rural and agricultural issues and history.

Anne Goulding

Anne Goulding is Professor of Library and Information Management in the School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her main research interest is the management of library and information services, with a specific focus on public libraries and on how GLAMR organisations demonstrate their impact and value. She also has a research focus on community-based approaches to digital inclusion.