Abstract

Inclusivity and literacy are core areas that undergird the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and African Union 2063 goals. They aim at bridging all the gaps and divides that breed inequalities, especially in Africa. Digital equity engenders digital inclusion and social justice. A large number of Africans are still not adequately included to access and utilize digital technologies. Libraries are spaces that promote inclusivity, as they offer programmes that imbue the citizenry with digital skills and access to digital infrastructure. This creates equity in access to information. This chapter examines the efforts of National Library of Nigeria in promoting digital equity to its user communities across the country. Perception, educational level, technology acceptance and user support are identified as the major challenges, while community engagement and leadership are some of the strategies that enhance the thrust of the institution in promoting digital equity all over the country.

Keywords: National Library of Nigeria, digital equity, digital inclusion, digital literacy, community engagement, leadership, technologies, ICT, IT.

Introduction

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a major contributor to the socio-economic well-being of any nation, and has become a nonnegotiable enabler for engagements and transactions in all facets of life. The presence and use of technology can significantly impact on a person's ability to engage fully and inclusively in society. There have been rapid advances in ICT, with new technologies continuously evolving and changing how people interact individually, as groups, and likewise access the services provided by government organizations and private workplaces.

New technologies have also been touted as the precursor for the fourth industrial revolution. It is for these reasons that individuals, organizations and nations are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and matching skills. Digital technologies have become critical for service delivery in the operation(s) of almost all government agencies, including libraries. Libraries are taking advantage of the numerous opportunities that ICT offers in meeting the information needs of users, and they have become intermediaries in helping community members to overcome digital divide, develop digital skills and promote digital inclusion (Sanders, 2020).

Libraries drive digital equity by providing access to computers and the internet in the provision of services, thereby equipping their user communities to make the most use of library resources in meeting their information needs.