Bridging The Digital Divide In India

Issue And ChallengesBy

Swapna Athavale&

Swapna Bhide

Introduction And Definition Information Age

Wide use of ICT

Developing Countries like India- affected – Digital Divide

Deschamps:’’Digital divide as the growing gap between those parts of the world which have easy access to knowledge, information ideas and works of information through technology and those who do not”

Factors That Contribute ToDigitalDivide

Infrastructural

Literacy & Skill

Economic

Relevant Content

Language

Role Of Libraries & Information Centres

Commitment to freedom of access to information & promotion of life-long learning

Some of the major projects :1. National Science Digital Library2. Vidya Vahini Project3. Digital Mobile Library4. Library Networks

Possible Solutions To Bridging Digital Divide

Creation of Legislation to provide funds

Provision of Goernment Public Internet Booth

Develop culture of e-research

Multi-user community centeres

Encourage the use of computers at school level

References Dutta, Subrat (2003)”Impact of

Information Communication Technology On Society”, Yojana, 7:24, p.47

Ghosh, Shyamal (2004)” Indian Telecom Scenario”, Yojana, 1:20, p.48

Aina, L.O (2003)”Strenthening Information Provision in Nigerian University Libraries: The Digital Option, copendium of paper presentations, NLA Annual Conference, 7-12 sept. 2003, p.1