Libraries and Digital Information: How Library Services Impact Digital Equity

This mixed-method study explains how public library services impact patrons’ access to digital technology. Working with a county stakeholder, the research team developed an online questionnaire for distribution to library staff in two public library systems. The King County Library and Seattle Public Library executive administration representatives worked with the research team to determine the sample of participants: those library staff who regularly interface with patrons needing or requesting access and use of digital technology. Participants provided demographic, Likert scale agreement, and narrative responses to 29 questions. Using statistical software and hand-coding processes, responses were categorized to find alignment with the conceptual framework Informational Justice. Quantitative data suggested moderate strength relationships between independent and dependent variables, especially related to “computer access is the most popular service my branch provides.” Six overall themes were developed from qualitative data: Ability to Access Technology, Identity Based Skill, Interpersonal, Technology Training and Knowledge, Digital Equity in Systems, and Advocacy. Results from the study indicate that computer access is a popular in-branch library service. However, it was also found that library resources are equally distributed to branches in each system, which does not indicate equitable distribution

Special Libraries, May-June 1974

Volume 65, Issue 5-6https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1974/1004/thumbnail.jp

Special Libraries, August 1980

Volume 71, Issue 8https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1980/1006/thumbnail.jp

Collections for people: museums' stored collections as a public resource

Collections in UK museums grew enormously in the latter half of the 20th century yet museum collections, mostly maintained at public expense, are perceived as an underused resource. The Museums Association’s 2005 report, Collections for the Future1, together with press comments and books such as Treasures on Earth (2002)2 and Fragments of the World (2005)3, brought this issue into sharp focus. Collections for People set out to understand the scale of museum stored collections, and the main parameters of their access and use: • What is the size and nature of collections as a resource? How are they distributed, geographically and among different types of museum? • How much are different types of collection used by people other than museum staff? What sort of people use collections? What do they use them for: research, teaching and learning, creative activities, visits for enjoyment such as store tours? • How do users perceive this service? Do museums actively market collections access? Do they publicise what is in their collections? • How do museums facilitate collections use? What are the factors associated with greater use of collections? What do museums see as the barriers to more use

Institute of Historical Research Newsletter, Spring Term 2006

The IHR produces a termly newsletter, which gives details of seminars and conferences and other historical news. This is the newsletter for the spring term 2006

Global integration of public sector information

This paper deals with technological methods for consolidating assets lists of available public sector information (PSI) for re-use. In this direction, the effort is to review the state of the art in delivering access to PSI throughout the world and to prioritize the necessary engagements for joining available PSI catalogues. We propose an architectural framework grounded on Semantic Web technologies to deliver a global platform for federated searching. A speculative survey of available PSI portals is presented, and the initial implementation, results, and analysis of the proposed architecture are covered in detail

Mining’s Impact on Environmental and Human Health: A Case Study of Ramba County’s Gold Mine

This research project aims to gain a greater understanding of the health implications that Ramba County’s goldmine has on miners, their families, and the environment. While this study observes the community-at-large, inclusive of visiting miners and extended family members of workers, it will focus on women who engage in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Millions of people in the developing word depend on ASGM for their livelihood, evident in this case study in Ramba County. However, while gold is associated with wealth, there is great irony in the fact that those working within the mining industry are being exploited and live in extreme poverty that spurs additional health problems. The physical nature of this job is dangerous, specifically the exposure that workers have to mercury, an element used in the ASGM process. Women face the highest burden of negative health outcomes as a result of the gold mining process. Despite long hours of tiresome work, while also taking care of their children and daily house chores, the unpredictability of the job has put many women in Ramba County in great economic stress. Their low socioeconomic status exacerbates health problems that stem from their job, worsening the cycle of poverty that she and her family are already in. Additionally, the environmental impact the mine has had on existing farmland and the livelihood of farmers has impacted output, and therefore driven prices of staple foods. This strengthens the existing barriers that women miners in Ramba County experience when it comes to accessing affordable and healthy food for themselves and their children. A low-nutrient diet spurs poor health outcomes, worsening the cycle of poverty. Through conducting one-on-one interviews with various stakeholders, personal narrative is used as a tool for understanding the gold mine’s direct and indirect effects on health. Clear patterns have emerged that align with various other gold mine case studies that highlight this industry’s exploitative practices that disproportionately impact women. While the cycle of poverty and ill-health is difficult to break, miners have provided a few recommendations that may serve as catalysts for a healthier generation