It’s 2011, and the world is rapidly changing. More and more people are reading digital books, skimming the Web on their phone, and streaming video rentals rather than hitting up Blockbuster.
And those changes are front and center at the Oak Park Public Library, as the agency’s role in the community is constantly evolving. As such, the library is looking at leading an effort, trying to bridge the “digital divide” and make technology more readily available for Oak Parkers.
“Jobs are much more interactive and creative, and competition is not just local, it’s really global,” said Dee Brennan, executive director of the library.
About 62 percent of working Americans use the Web as an “integral” part of their jobs, according to library officials. In Illinois, workers in “high-tech” industries earn an average of $31,044 more than those who don’t.
Library officials added that schools and workplaces consider computer skills increasingly essential. But roughly 41 percent of library computer users say the library is the only place they can access a computer, according to officials. In addition, low-income individuals have less access to technology, and the library and local schools believe that has a direct correlation with the “achievement gap” at Oak Park and River Forest High School.
At a recent “council of governments meeting” — which includes all governmental bodies in Oak Park — officials started brainstorming about ways to help close the digital divide. Each agency is filling out a survey on what resources they have. Their technology and communication staffers also hope to meet in the near future to determine what they can share.
Brennan believes there’s grant money available to help make Oak Park more “digitally inclusive.” Ways that could happen, she added, could include creating “media labs” for the community, or making wireless Internet available at local parks. Gary Balling, executive director of the Park District of Oak Park, said they’ve thought about bringing Web access to their open spaces, though the funding and technology aren’t there yet.
“We support anything that will increase the technology base for our residents,” Balling said. “How all the pieces and parts come together to give greater access to anyone, that’s where we’ll be looking to the library to help put those pieces together.”
The council of governments plans to meet again in September.