Open access and the digital divide: Challenges and opportunities for libraries in the ICT era

Abstract

Open access (OA) and the digital divide pose opportunities as well as challenges for libraries in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) age. By removing financial barriers, open access programs seek to democratize access to scholarly knowledge; yet, the digital divide is nonetheless made worse by differences in internet accessibility and digital skills, especially in underprivileged places. In order to better understand how libraries might serve as intermediaries in closing the digital gap, this review looks at how open access affects library services. The financial viability of open access models, disparities in user digital literacy, and unequal access to technology are some of the main obstacles. On the other hand, opportunities present themselves as libraries make use of their resources to offer assistance, training, and digital content access, creating a welcoming atmosphere for information exchange. Libraries can significantly contribute to improving information fairness and empowering underserved communities by supporting open access. The analysis ends with suggestions for how libraries may advance open access projects and bridge the digital divide by forming strategic alliances and putting creative outreach programs into place.