ABSTRACT Public libraries have historically positioned themselves as pillars of information and inclusion in society. Free, available to all, with materials in multiple languages and formats, libraries are possibly the most inclusive public institution. However, as more materials migrate to the internet, and as preferences for how people access information and how culture changes, libraries are challenged to also incorporate the internet and new information-seeking behaviours into their operations and philosophy. To examine libraries’ roles in expanding internet access and digital literacy, we discuss the ways that libraries expanded their repertoire and how they approach remediating local digital divides in a North American context, focusing specifically on results associated with their loaning of hotspot devices. We investigate the decisions and controversies across different digital information strategies, and examine the library’s emerging role in digital divide efforts.

中文翻译：

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公共图书馆与21世纪数字平等目标

摘要公共图书馆在历史上一直将自己定位为信息和融入社会的支柱。图书馆可能是最具包容性的公共机构，它对所有人免费开放，并提供多种语言和格式的资料。但是，随着越来越多的资料迁移到互联网，以及人们对信息访问方式和文化变化的偏爱，图书馆面临的挑战是将互联网和新的信息搜寻行为纳入其运营和理念。为了检查图书馆在扩大互联网访问和数字素养方面的作用，我们讨论了图书馆如何扩展其节目单以及如何在北美环境下解决当地的数字鸿沟，特别关注与借用热点设备有关的结果。