Without a Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide [Paperback]

Jessamyn C. West (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 2011 | ISBN-10: 1598844539 | ISBN-13: 978-1598844535 | Edition: 1

Teaching novice computer users, including seniors and individuals with disabilities such as low vision or motor skills, how to do what they want and need to do online is a formidable challenge for library staff. Part inspirational, part practical Without a Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide is a summary of techniques, approaches, and skills that will help librarians meet this challenge.

Jessamyn C. West's experience as a librarian, deeply immersed in technology culture yet living in rural America, makes her uniquely qualified to write this book. Taking a big-picture approach to the subject, she demystifies and simplifies tech training for the busy librarian, providing an easy-to-use handbook full of techniques that can be used with many different library populations. As an added bonus, she also examines the players in the library technology arena to offer firsthand reports on what works, what doesn't, and what's next.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Librarians who feel lost in the technical revolution will find this book an essential guide to help familiarize themselves with basic computer usage and terms. West explains all elementary concepts in a friendly, sympathetic way. Even the most reluctant librarians, information providers, or users will find confidence in this easy-to-understand primer"

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Library Journal, Starred Review

Book Description

Millions of Americans—35 percent of adults—live without broadband access at home. Perhaps more surprising, as of late 2009, 22 percent of adults still did not use the Internet at all. New government initiatives and services mean that Internet access and understanding is no longer an optional skill. How can libraries help close the gap?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 258 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited; 1 edition (May 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598844539
• ISBN-13: 978-1598844535
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,270,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jessamyn West is a community technology librarian and community manager of the massive group blog MetaFilter.com. She lives in a rural area of Central Vermont where she teaches basic computer skills and assists tiny libraries with technology planning and implementation. She maintains an online presence at jessamyn.com and librarian.net and has had her address and phone number on the Internet for a decade. Her favorite color is orange.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for librarians, but or all teachers of technology June 24, 2011

By Elizabeth West

Format:Paperback

I'm not a librarian. I'm Jessamyn's mom and I originally bought the book just to show support. I didn't actually think I'd read it, since I assumed it was aimed mainly at librarians. After flipping through the first few pages, though, I was hooked. The text is highly readable, friendly, and practical. I found it fascinating because it is as much about learning as it is about technology. I tutor a few senior citizens on using computers, so perhaps that's why I responded to this book so strongly. Jessamyn explains how to teach a complex subject and make it accessible to various audiences. She points out misconceptions that novice technology users often have and tells why those misconceptions might be fostered accidentally by experienced users.

One real strength of this book is its ability to remind technology users of how much they know that they have forgotten that they actually learned. For example, a newbie may think that a feature of one particular browser or email program is common to all. When faced with a different browser or program, the person might panic. Newcomers do not know what preferences can easily be changed, or what a default setting might be. They don't know which email is accessible from any computer and which is stored only on their machine. They often open a web page and then read every word, rather than scanning for what is relevant. Such differences mean only that they are inexperienced, not stupid.

Librarians should find this book immensely helpful, but so will others, I think. It is filled with useful strategies, resources, and tips. I recommend it wholeheartedly not only to librarians, but also to community education teachers and technology tutors. Yes, I'm a proud mom, but I'm also a writer of educational materials and a longtime tutor, so I know what types of materials are helpful.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have book for all rural librarians and anyone who teaches basic computer classes June 21, 2011

By Mary B. Danko

Format:Paperback

This book gives a no nonsense, practical approach to teaching basic computer skills in a fun, readable manner while also making many valid points about the very real digital divide in this country.

I found every chapter very helpful and have already accessed the handout links that are included.

Every rural librarian should read this book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best single book resource for teaching digital literacy... July 3, 2011

By Belle Isle Home

Format:Paperback

This is a must-have toolbox for anyone who teaches digital literacy... education or library science students especially. I am a Library & Information Science student. School is filled with dry academic prose and research, but not always practical applications. This book is a practical, interesting, hands-on guide from someone who knows what she is talking about.

Concise background information on the digital divide, understanding how to be an effective teacher of digital skills, and a complete, current guide to a wide variety of web resources are some of the highlights.

If you want to set up a digital literacy program that works, this is the one book to have.