Bridging the Digital Divide: Technology, Community and Public Policy

 Bridging the Digital Divide investigates problems of unequal access to information technology. The author redefines this problem, examines its severity, and lays out what the future implications might be if the digital divide continues to exist. This is also the first book to assess empirically the policies in the United States designed to address the social problems arising from the digital divide. It analyzes policies at both federal and local level, as well as looking at the success of community-based initiatives. The analysis is supported by empirical data resulting from extensive fieldwork in several US cities. The book concludes with the author's recommendations for future public policy on the digital divide.

Review: 'Bridging the Digital Divide makes it clear that the digital divide is only one symptom of persistent poverty -- a problem that touches us all. Fortunately, this is a case in which treating the symptom may help cure the disease. Servon's book shows us that programs aimed at closing the divide are creating pathways out of poverty for many low-income technology users, who are acquiring career skills, educational advantages, and new knowledge that can lead to living-wage jobs'. Laura Breeden, Director, America Connects Consortium This book is very dry, but in a good way, laying out where exactly the digital divide falls and assessing how programs across the country have tried to answer the question: Why cant Johnny surf? A must-read for serious technology activists. City Limits This interesting and valuable addition to the literature on urban poverty and access to computers linked to the Internet is an empirical study that concludes with some sensible and thoughtful policy recommendations. Highly recommended. E. Lewis, New College of Florida