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Without a Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide
An easy-to-read and understand guide to the complexities surrounding technology access and adoption that focuses on the ways libraries can help close the digital divide.
258 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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June 30, 2011Jessamyn West has a personal blog at jessamyn.com -- also librarian.net, which is always fun to read.
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July 2, 2020I have been waiting to get my hands on “Without a Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide” by Jessamyn C. West since I heard about it on her blog http://www.librarian.net/ (on heavy rotation in my Google Reader). This book is definitely a must read for those teaching a beginning computer class, providing regular instruction on basic computer skills or ready to save the world, one library at a time. Although the sub-title of Without a Net is 'Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide' (is that a perfect title or what?), it definitely encompasses other professions that address digital literacy and access, especially with adults. West writes a book that is technical, instructional and inspirational. Her approach to bridging the digital divide is unique and realistic. Reading the chapter on “Basic Instruction and Explanations” helped me address some current issues I have been facing with my beginning computer class and provided many examples and scenarios that gave insight and new perspective on things that were close to becoming routine after 10 months. It gave me a chance to refresh the language and descriptions I use in my classes and curricula. Her check-list of skills encompasses and surpasses what has been included in the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards that is the basis of the classes used in the SPPL system. West identifies and describes the offline population in ways that will help the instructor better connect with their audience of adult learners- not only identifying but meeting the needs of their participants and helping them accomplish their goals in digital literacy.
If that didn't convince you, the list of web-sites and literature in the back is worth it alone for quick & dirty (neatly organized) links related to Accessibility (ADA), articles about broadband and the digital divide, and books on professional development related to digital literacy. Many nuggets of wisdom in this fantastic book... so, read on!
Jessamyn West demonstrates in her book how libraries have transformed over the years to become more than its traditional archetype. Libraries across the United States have risen to accept the challenge of being the bridge that crosses the digital divide and becoming an educational source to technology learners. As a former AmeriCorps member, West served at a small library branch and provided technology instruction similar to CTEP. Today she still continues this work as a librarian in Vermont. West explains how the digital divide cannot simply be fixed at the library, but the services provided can help mitigate and lessen the effects of the digital divide. She states that if there were already a concrete solution to bridging the gap, the divide would have been solved. She encourages her readers to explore the reasons behind the divide as well as why learners may be resistant to working with technology and becoming comfortable using. Some of the factors behind this resistance may be fear of breaking the technology, not knowing anyone who knows how to use a computer well enough to teach him/her, and negative perception of technology. West defines the digital divide as being more than people not knowing how to use computers, “It’s [the digital divide] about not being part of a tech-literate culture and not knowing a way out of that setting” (Preface xvii).
I found West’s book very relatable to my service at Arlington Hills. Some of the examples she gives are daily instances at my site. Despite the months of computer instructions I have been providing, I still find new patrons continuously coming in who struggle with the basic concepts such as single click versus double click as well as how to navigate the internet. West highlights the importance of creating learning spaces and environments for people to gain technology education. Since the library is already known as a place to seek information, it serves as an excellent platform for technology assistance. West notes how the librarians transcend traditional reference roles and must adopt positions as technology educators to the public.
After reading Without a Net, I wouldn’t say I have gained further insight into my service, rather I found it to articulate many of my current thoughts. Her examples are applicable to all who work towards bridging the digital divide. Although at first glance the book appears to be a school textbook, West’s personal narrative and real life examples keeps readers engaged. She even includes key summary points throughout the chapters incase you want to skim through certain sections of the book. West’s work serves as a great example of an activist seeking to bridge the digital divide.
If that didn't convince you, the list of web-sites and literature in the back is worth it alone for quick & dirty (neatly organized) links related to Accessibility (ADA), articles about broadband and the digital divide, and books on professional development related to digital literacy. Many nuggets of wisdom in this fantastic book... so, read on!
Jessamyn West demonstrates in her book how libraries have transformed over the years to become more than its traditional archetype. Libraries across the United States have risen to accept the challenge of being the bridge that crosses the digital divide and becoming an educational source to technology learners. As a former AmeriCorps member, West served at a small library branch and provided technology instruction similar to CTEP. Today she still continues this work as a librarian in Vermont. West explains how the digital divide cannot simply be fixed at the library, but the services provided can help mitigate and lessen the effects of the digital divide. She states that if there were already a concrete solution to bridging the gap, the divide would have been solved. She encourages her readers to explore the reasons behind the divide as well as why learners may be resistant to working with technology and becoming comfortable using. Some of the factors behind this resistance may be fear of breaking the technology, not knowing anyone who knows how to use a computer well enough to teach him/her, and negative perception of technology. West defines the digital divide as being more than people not knowing how to use computers, “It’s [the digital divide] about not being part of a tech-literate culture and not knowing a way out of that setting” (Preface xvii).
I found West’s book very relatable to my service at Arlington Hills. Some of the examples she gives are daily instances at my site. Despite the months of computer instructions I have been providing, I still find new patrons continuously coming in who struggle with the basic concepts such as single click versus double click as well as how to navigate the internet. West highlights the importance of creating learning spaces and environments for people to gain technology education. Since the library is already known as a place to seek information, it serves as an excellent platform for technology assistance. West notes how the librarians transcend traditional reference roles and must adopt positions as technology educators to the public.
After reading Without a Net, I wouldn’t say I have gained further insight into my service, rather I found it to articulate many of my current thoughts. Her examples are applicable to all who work towards bridging the digital divide. Although at first glance the book appears to be a school textbook, West’s personal narrative and real life examples keeps readers engaged. She even includes key summary points throughout the chapters incase you want to skim through certain sections of the book. West’s work serves as a great example of an activist seeking to bridge the digital divide.
June 19, 2018
Exceptionally well done. I really appreciate the focus on the philosophical underpinnings of the digital divide, it made for a comprehensive look at the role of tech in libraries. Some of the finer details were of course a little dated at this book is about eight years old or so, and tech moves quickly, so it could certainly use a second edition with some updated tech advice. Other than that, this is an excellent resource!
March 6, 2012
This book is full of great practical advise for teaching and troubleshooting “technology” [read: computer and internet] to library patrons. West gives good pointers on how to approach people with no computer experience. Where I work, we have staff that specifically teaches computer classes, but considering most desk time in libraries consists of computer troubleshooting, this book is a valuable tool.
West’s tone is refreshing - far more readable than most howto manuals. This book is also dual use. If you are someone with no computer experience, and have tech anxiety, this book would be a great primer (though if you fall in that category I doubt you would be skimming a review found on an online social network).
On a personal note: years ago I was having computer trouble and in semi-desperation I installed Ubuntu Linux on my PC after seeing a print article about an online video (how quaint) that went viral showing a librarian installing Ubuntu on computers at a cash strapped library. My switch to Linux, a gateway to the world of open source, was a positive transformational experience. I am 98% sure the librarian in question was Jessamyn West. Thanks, Jessamyn.
West’s tone is refreshing - far more readable than most howto manuals. This book is also dual use. If you are someone with no computer experience, and have tech anxiety, this book would be a great primer (though if you fall in that category I doubt you would be skimming a review found on an online social network).
On a personal note: years ago I was having computer trouble and in semi-desperation I installed Ubuntu Linux on my PC after seeing a print article about an online video (how quaint) that went viral showing a librarian installing Ubuntu on computers at a cash strapped library. My switch to Linux, a gateway to the world of open source, was a positive transformational experience. I am 98% sure the librarian in question was Jessamyn West. Thanks, Jessamyn.
August 27, 2015
This book was a practical but highly-dated guide for teaching basic computer, web, and information literacy. At the same time, there was very little pragmatic execution offered in this book and the narrative style was distractingly anecdotal. I was really hoping for evidence-based practices for teaching digital literacy. I think also I was more interested in seeing teaching that digital literacy to extremely bright and capable adults (like professors) who are brilliant in their content areas but perhaps have missed the broader aspects of web-utility with particular regard to how to use it for professional development, instruction, communities or practice, and so on. A great resource for librarians and adult educators, but not so great for the instructional designer looking for clear pathways to scaffolding technical-literacy with instructors who are just dabbling with complex digital notions.
June 22, 2012
Man, it's been years since I did any sort of technical support, and reading a clear, accessible, well-written guide to helping technical newbies get going was a blast from the past, except my past didn't contain anything nearly so useful. I am not a librarian, so while those parts were interesting from a curious end-user perspective, they did go over my head a bit, but the actual technical parts were totally interesting and well-laid-out. This would be an excellent book for anyone who currently works in tech support serving home users - there are lots of good suggestions not just for specific tools and resources, but for approaches to getting them through the sticky bits of computer use.
February 13, 2012
As many reviewers have pointed out, this book is a very basic guide to library technology and to teaching patrons about technology. As a fairly new librarian, I appreciated the overview of the main issues as outlined in the first few chapters. I will admit to skimming through the chapters on "what is the Internet?" and so on - BUT I'll definitely look very closely at those chapters when I get ready to teach my first computer class!
December 15, 2011
This was really just a how-to guide for public libraries trying to sort out their library. Not really good information for the new librarian, but possibly good for those who are stuck in a rut or behind in technology. I heard her talk at UNC, and was hoping the book would expand more on her talk on the actual digital divide, not just be a simple manual that to me just seemed common sense.
January 3, 2012
Excellent book, but kind of a summary of what I learned in my MLIS program at Dominican. Much like the other reviewers, I think this book is an excellent choice for library paraprofessionals, and some of the less tech savvy librarians out there.
April 1, 2012
Without a Net provides library staff with a clearer understanding of what the digital divide is, who is affected by it, and what we can do to help patrons successfully cross the digital divide. The webliography and bibliography provide readers with a wealth of additional resources to consult.
May 3, 2012
I enjoyed the spunky frank deleivery and the useful insights and tips. The book approached teaching computer skills in a very positive encouraging manner. Extra webliography and teaching resources were noted on the authors website - http://www.librarian.net/digitaldivide/
August 28, 2011
http://www.librarian.net/digitaldivide/ provides a good collection of resources related to this book.
August 19, 2016
A good book for any librarian about to teach technology classes for the first time. She is a good writer.
October 9, 2013
Great delivery on the pertinent topic from a recognizable name in the field.
January 25, 2016
Helpful look at the digital divide from a library perspective and good tips on helping patrons bridge that divide. Still relevant even though the edition I read was published in 2011
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews