Brian Real|John Carlo Bertot|Paul T. Jaeger
Rural Public Libraries and Digital Inclusion: Issues and Challenges
University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland, College Park
rural public libraries relatively understudied compared public libraries whole data available show rural libraries lag behind urban suburban counterparts technology service offerings full meaning impact disparities unclear authors combine data public library technology access study data smaller studies provide greater insight issues filtering data digital inclusion framework becomes clear disparities rural nonrural libraries merely problem weaker technological infrastructure instead rural libraries cannot reach full customer service potential lower staffing lower staff dedication funding mechanisms rely primarily local monies authors suggest possible solutions disparities also discussing barriers must overcome solutions implemented