What is digital inclusion?

Digital Inclusion

Digital inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes 5 elements:

1) affordable, robust broadband internet service;

2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;

3) access to digital literacy training;

4) quality technical support; and

5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.

Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology.

Digital Equity

Digital equity is the condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.

The above definitions are provided by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. To read more about how digital inclusion relates to library services, check out our Digital Inclusion Statement.