View/Open
Date
2017
Degree
MSc Information and Library Management
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights
Items in eSource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
Digital literacy has emerged as a key concept in recent years. The importance of it has been
highlighted in recent years in many different publications, including those developed by the
government. As a concept it has grown and changed over the years since its inception, its
meaning broadening to include the many advances in technology.
This dissertation examines where Dublin public libraries stand on this area and analyses the
initiatives that are currently in place in the four authorities. It seeks the opinions of the staff
on the importance of having digital literacy skills and these initiatives in place. It looks at the
challenges faced when implementing these initiatives and highlights the importance of these
skills in the modern age.
The findings surmise that while public librarians know the importance of digital literacy and
in having initiatives in place for the public in their libraries, at the moment there is a lack of
resources in regards to training staff and a lot of these initiatives are now implemented in
public libraries through an outsourced third party.
The study concludes by highlighting the importance of digital literacy skills to a person,
giving an overview of the initiatives currently in place in some Dublin public libraries and
makes recommendations as to what is needed to ensure patrons of the libraries and staff
themselves need to continue to function as a modern citizen.