Understanding the Necessity to Bridge the Digital Divide: An Evaluative Study
Published: 2018
Author(s) Name: Farzana Gulzar, Aiman Fayaz |
Author(s) Affiliation: Sr. Assist. Prof., The Business School, University of Kashmir, Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
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Abstract
The term ‘Digital Divide’ refers to the difference in the amount of information among individuals who have an access to the
Internet and those who lack such access. This gap includes imbalances in terms of access to Internet infrastructure, information and knowledge,
and equality of opportunity depending on income, race, ethnicity, gender, or other similar criteria. This paper explores the meaning of digital
divide and connects it to Indian scenario. It talks about the causes of digital divide in the society like gender, physical access, age, income, and
lack of information and communication technology (ICT) skills. It also analyses the causes and remedies of Digital Divide and further discusses
the role of digital libraries in eradicating the digital divide. Finally, the paper suggests some steps that need to be taken by government in order
to bridge the digital divide in the country.
Keywords: Digital Divide, Digital Libraries, Gender Divide, ICTs, Role of Government
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