Equality+of+access

=Equality of access - Emma Cumming 12ST=

Definition from ITGS Guide: IT has the potential to offer universal access to information, regardless of distance, age, race, gender or other personal characteristics. However, the above characteristics, and cost, can also bar individuals or groups from access. For example, while telelearning brings previously unavailable opportunities to everyone's doorstep, the cost of hardware, software or course fees might place the learning beyond the reach of an average person.

The meaning of Equality: The state or quality of being equal.

The meaning of Access: The ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance.

We all have equality of access, such as to enter a password locked computer, if you have a password then you can access the computer as you are the only person with that password.

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**THE CHALLENGES. __ACCESS__**
In a networked environment access to resources may be either from the library, the home, workplace or other community access points such as an Internet cafe, school or community centre. Therefore access must be addressed in terms of the ability of the individual (irrespective of age, gender, geographic location, social or cultural background) to access resources within as well as outside the walls of the library. Factors that may inhibit access include: > for example the non-provision of disabled access, or geographical isolation, or the lack of personal ownership of technology. > For the majority of users access is still largely determined by the opening hours of static service points. The current trend to reduce opening hours and the number of service points further accentuates this problem. In addition, the low level of technology applied to their services restricts the users of mobile and housebound services, for example off-line circulation and catalogue systems > The 1998 Household Library Use Survey found that cost was a prohibitive factor in access to the Internet. The advent of free services and digital broadcasting has given rise to the suggestion that eventually there will be free universal access to the Internet. Even so, these developments by themselves will not address exclusion brought about by poverty and life choices people may need to make in order to exist. Free communication access does not in itself guarantee access to all areas of content where the cost of access to the content is an issue > The achievement of this objective may depend on the ability of public library service budgets to meet the challenge of updating their technology and sustain development in the face of rapid technological change. This applies also to the software and services on offer to the end user > This may be resolved in the adoption of common standards for the creation of content and in building the infrastructure. Issues around administration such as charging, copyright, patenting, security and demand may also act as barriers to access.
 * **Lack of physical access to technology**
 * **Limited choice of public library users of how, where and when to access resources.**
 * **The standard set-up of keyboard, 14 inch monitor and mouse may not address the needs of people with learning difficulties or disabilities that affect dexterity, hearing, vision, stretching and reaching.** Although there are alternatives to this model, the options are costly. Systems may require customization and the supply of products is more likely to be from third-party vendors who are largely outside the regular distribution channels of the industry
 * **Economic factors such as the financial cost to the end user in accessing services either in the library or from home may also deter access.**
 * **The People's Network assumes a sharing of resources through connectivity.**
 * **Tension between local and global needs will require consideration.**