Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

First Advisor

Colette M. Taylor

Second Advisor

Ted Kalmus

Third Advisor

Trenia Walker; Nicole Franklin

Abstract

This mixed-method study explains how public library services impact patrons’ access to digital technology. Working with a county stakeholder, the research team developed an online questionnaire for distribution to library staff in two public library systems. The King County Library and Seattle Public Library executive administration representatives worked with the research team to determine the sample of participants: those library staff who regularly interface with patrons needing or requesting access and use of digital technology. Participants provided demographic, Likert scale agreement, and narrative responses to 29 questions. Using statistical software and hand-coding processes, responses were categorized to find alignment with the conceptual framework Informational Justice. Quantitative data suggested moderate strength relationships between independent and dependent variables, especially related to “computer access is the most popular service my branch provides.” Six overall themes were developed from qualitative data: Ability to Access Technology, Identity Based Skill, Interpersonal, Technology Training and Knowledge, Digital Equity in Systems, and Advocacy. Results from the study indicate that computer access is a popular in-branch library service. However, it was also found that library resources are equally distributed to branches in each system, which does not indicate equitable distribution.

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