Three Digital Platforms: Hangzhou Public Library Widens Access to Resources

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:21
TitleThree Digital Platforms: Hangzhou Public Library Widens Access to Resources
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsClarke, Christopher Peter, Hui, Su 粟慧, and Li, Ruan 阮立
JournalLibrary Trends
Volume62
Issue1
Pagination140-159
AbstractAbstractThis article investigates the "three digital platforms" of Hangzhou Public Library Hang Zhou Tu Shu Guan through a discussion of information inequality, the digital divide, and community informatics. After an introduction to the context of contemporary China, and in particular Hangzhou, the authors consider the resources themselves with special reference to their ability to reduce information inequality. These resources--the "Three Platforms" referenced in the title of this essay--are: the library's Website (which can be accessed through standard browser applications), a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) service that is available to mobile users, and a unique digital television service (that is supplied in collaboration with a local cable television company). As part of this discussion, the authors provide data on the number of users and views each service has had in the time since their implementation; offer detailed information on the profile of Website use and the numbers of library patrons taking part in library activities; assess the impact of these services; and debate their implications for community informatics and digital inequality in Hangzhou. Finally, the authors discuss potential future developments.
NotesThis article introduced practices of Hangzhou public library in widening access to resources through Three Digital platforms, respectively library websites, WAP service and digital television service. Potentially, future development could learn from such practices and make efforts to provide more library resources to users.
URLhttp://muse.jhu.edu.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/journals/library_trends/v062/62.1.clarke.htmlhttp://muse.jhu.edu.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/journals/library_trends/v062/62.1.clarke.pdf
DOI10.1353/lib.2013.0023