Suchergebnisse

This paper is about the differences in the extent of Internet connectivity: globally and, more specifically, within the European Union. After May 1, 2004, when the European Union was enlarged from 15 to 25 member states, the digital divide in the EU was substantially widened (national connectivity varying from less than 10 to more than 60%), caused by regional lack of technological infrastructure as well as cultural and psychological factors. This inequality in internet-connectivity in the EU will have important consequences for communication, dissemination of information, economy (e-commerce!) et cetera. Consequently, parallel to digital media, traditional means of dissemination of information – such as printed books, public libraries, local broadcasting – should be maintained and furthered. (Note: Many 'most recent' national data on internet-connectivity are two to three years old.)

This provocative discussion paper (anno 2001) questions the blessings of information technology and globalisation which have been promised now for over three decades, and underlines the fact that the problem of the haves and have-nots, which has forever plagued every economy and every society, will not be absent from the new information society. It is also a plea for the maintaining – world wide, but especially in developing countries - of traditional media like radio, telex and printed matter. Consequently, it is a plea to maintain the (public) library – also in these times.