Commitment to Technology

"Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people . . . Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues" ( ALA Bill of Rights)

Technology use is a way for librarians to provide information, to enlighten and engage patrons, and to present differing perspectives on many issues -- past, present, and future. According to Dr. Matt Finch, libraries are ". . . born of the radical notion that every single member of society deserves free, high quality access to knowledge and culture” (ALA, Access to Library Resources and Services). 

In alignment with Dr. Finch's view and with the American Library Association's statements on equity, libraries have a duty to provide access to physical and technological learning experiences; otherwise, libraries could contribute to growing digital and information divides. Considering the cost of various technological hardware and software, libraries may be the only place where economically disadvantaged people will have access to the future of information and communication, while those who can afford technological hardware and software will have access to more and better information, and thus, more opportunities. With various new technologies being used by employers, lack of access to and knowledge about them could also result in fewer job opportunities, therefore, increasing the economic divide. To honor and protect the First Amendment, it is our commitment as librarians to provide access to all resources including new technologies.