My job is to help bridge the digital divide easily

Kia ora koutou, and manuia le tausaga fou! (Happy New Year). This year, I have had the honour of being appointed to the new role of digital inclusion coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to identify and address the digital needs of our community, and bridge the digital divide through librarianship and outreach. I’ll touch more on what this might mean and look like, but first, let me introduce myself properly.

I’m a Levin girl through and through, having been born here and doing most of my schooling here. I love being part of the Horowhenua community, and working in the libraries is like being at its beating heart every day. The Horowhenua is a wonderful place to raise my three children, and I appreciate all its fantastic elements. Previous to working with Libraries Horowhenua I have done all sorts, from stay-at-home parent to working in the arts, student to business administrator. I’m a

graduate of Victoria University and Whitireia Polytechnic, and am undertaking my Diploma in Library and Information Studies.

I’m a lifelong learner, and look forward to putting my inherent curiosity to good use in my new role.

The digital inclusion coordinator role may sound a bit new-fangled, but it’s going to be important in helping people navigate a rapidly changing and increasingly digital world.

Covid-19 and our lockdowns exposed the impact of the digital divide, the importance of digital literacy and connectivity for wellbeing as a basic human right.

Being able to participate in our digital world means having optimum access to everything from information and services, to entertainment and connection. Alleviating the digital divide is a multipronged approach, it’s not as simple as having the technology, it also about empowering people to use it — confidently, safely and with a receptiveness to its everchanging forms. Reducing the barriers to digital inclusivity is so important, and I’m excited to work in this sphere.

I look forward to identifying our specific community needs, and looking for all manner of ways to bridge the gaps.

I am always open to connections and ideas, so please do pop in or drop me a line or an email.