Democracy, the role of government and the development of the digital citizen
Sue McKerracher, CEO, ALIA12 November 2015
Democracy = social equity= the absence of systemic disparities
Digital access in Australia is far from equitable
One in five Australians is not online
Four in 10 of the lowest income households in Australia are not connected to the internetOf people aged 65 or more, only 46% are internet users and 75% feel confused about using technology
The digital divide
With no internet at home, kids need to go somewhere else to do their homework
1.6 million seniors are unable to benefit from online banking, grocery orders, bill payments, ebooks, email, skype
Jobseekers can’t find and apply for jobs online
The digital divide
People with a profound or severe disability requiring assistance with core activities have significantly lower access to the internet and broadband than other Australians.
The digital divide
“Remote Indigenous communities can potentially gain some of the greatest benefits from the internet. They are however also the most poorly served across a range of facets: lack of network access and poor connection speeds; expensive internet plans and the relative paucity of free community internet opportunities; language barriers in accessing complex government websites; reduced access to opportunities for digital literacy and digital skills development.”
Northern Territory Library response to current Telstra digital inclusion conversation
Digital inclusion in the library contextSupport for cybersafe online experiences
High speed broadband internet connection in a safe, friendly community space
PC terminals, tablets , ereaders wifi
Spaces for exploring innovative digital technologies
Training and informal help for people to develop digital literacy skills
Necessary and engaging content
What is going well
eSmart program has 40% coverage of public libraries; Children’s eSafety Commissioner
National Broadband Network will connect 9.5 million premises in 2018
Free wifi in 70% of public libraries;97% of libraries have internet terminals
27 of the 30 first-round Digital Hubs were sited in public libraries
Tech Savvy Seniors, Everyone Connected; 66% of libraries offer formal internet training sessions
456.5 million items on Trove
Opportunities for improvement
Joined up approach to cybersafety from federal government
Focus on internet speeds outside metro areas and funding of last mile connection
Further government investment in libraries as community technology centres
National policy framework for digital access to cultural collections
Recognition of cost-shifting from federal/state to local government
2015/16 – a big year for digital citizenshipFederal government
Digital Transformation Office
Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner
NBN roll out
Enterprise
Telstra Digital Inclusion Index
National Year of Digital Inclusion
Libraries
eSmart Libraries
GLAM peak bodies digital access to cultural collections conversation