Libraries Delivering Digital Inclusion

This report shares the findings of our libraries project, which helped us develop a deeper understanding of public libraries and how we can better work with them to help tackle digital exclusion.

In recognition that libraries make up over half of the Online Centres Network, Good Things Foundation conducted a piece of focussed work between September 2015 and December 2016 in order to develop a deeper understanding of public libraries and how we can better work with them to help tackle digital exclusion.

This report provides findings from Good Things Foundation’s Libraries Delivering Digital Inclusion event held in September 2016 and outlines key research and insight undertaken with Good Things Foundation’s Library Online Centres Network. The insight involved both library and information professionals delivering digital inclusion at a variety of levels across the UK.

The insight reflects the current library digital inclusion landscape in the wider context of conversations and consultation across the library sector in the lead up to the recent publication of Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016-2021 produced by the Libraries Taskforce.

Libraries have always helped to connect everyone in society with information and knowledge. These days that means digital channels are as important as books and publications. For those in our communities without digital skills, there is a new role for libraries in supporting digital inclusion, and this infographic shows how Good Things Foundation – the charity behind the Online Centres Network and learning website, Learn My Way – can help.