Image courtesy: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/4/23/1398269931234/Reading-from-a-mobile-pho-011.jpg?w=700&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=61d1a5ea5f3c8f235dce4d2b4cc311d1
The topic for this weeks blog was a challenge for me because it was on a topic I did not know a lot about. At first I was a bit confused because I thought "why are library projects in a developing nation relevant to me and what I do for my community"? Little did I know that I would learn about an important problem, but I would also learn about a great initiative that would challenge me to embrace a more global perspective and also think about those that do not have access to internet or computers. Here is what I learned this week.
The Problem
I know that access to books is an issue for developing countries and this is a barrier to literacy development. In our community we have an enthusiastic organization called Niteo that takes our weeded books to Africa. Not all weeded books are given, only ones that are still in good condition and in my opinion still useful. I believe that this does contribute in a small way to helping children and adults get access to books. After doing a little research the solution may not be just providing boxes of books that are shipped to developing countries, but more importantly opening access to books.
Mobile Devices
In a UNESCO study called Reading in the mobile era: A study of mobile reading in developing countries, research showed that that hundreds of thousands of adults and children in developing countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria and Pakistan are reading books on mobile devices (Flood). This is because developing countries have difficulties accessing print based books and computer and internet access is limited:
In 2012, in developing countries, while mobile phones penetration rate was 84,3%, there were 27,6% of households with a computer and 28 people using Internet for each 100 inhabitants. On the other hand, in the developed world mobile phones penetration rate was 123,6%, there were 75,5% of households with a computer and 73 people using Internet for each 100 inhabitants
(Da Rosa pg. 3)
(Da Rosa pg. 3)
Because mobile technology is being used by so many already it makes sense that this would be a key part of how to get books in the hands of those who cannot access them. According to the United Nations, of the approximately 7 billion people in the world over 6 billion have access to a mobile phone, making this not only the most pervasive ICT in history, but also a form of technology that has filtered into places where there are no books.(West pg. 16) This is also true for those living here in North America. Those that have difficulty accessing print books because of the cost and living circumstances are the ones that can be helped with accessing books by having a mobile device.
How do Mobile Devices Impact Literacy
In a survey done by UNESCO they asked why people read on their mobile devices. These were the reasons:
- 67% : It’s convenient; I always have my mobile with me
- 13% : It’s more affordable to read on my mobile; the books are free or inexpensive
- 9% : I prefer reading on my mobile phone to reading paper books
- 9% : I do not otherwise have access to books and stories
- 2% : Other (West pg. 37)
UNESCO’s study also stated that convenience is related to the fact that it is much easier to carry around a mobile device rather than multiple books. The fact that mobile devices have multiple uses and allow access to books at anytime of day adds to their convenience as a source for books (West pg. 38). The ability to read on mobile devices is clearly having positive effects on reading habits. In the UNESCO survey it found that:
- 62% of respondents are reading more, now they can read on their mobile phones
- One in three said they read to children from their mobile phones
- 90% of respondents said they would be spending more time reading on their mobile phones in the next year (Flood)
I knew that mobile devices were widely used in developing countries but I did not make the connection between mobile use and access to books and the positive impact this can have on literacy and more importantly opportunity.
Worldreader
Worldreader
Worldreader is an organization that I came across that is using this knowledge to “champion digital reading in underserved communities to create a world where everyone can be a reader” (Worldreader). They have three areas in which they do this:
- Technology: They provide e-readers to schools in need through sponsorships, they have created Worldreader reading apps which allow anyone, anywhere to access the Worldreader digital library from a connected mobile phone or tablet and they work hard to optimize titles for the smallest screen sizes (Worldreader).
- Curation: They actively curate books by African and Indian authors for their library, they help African and Indian authors and publishers translate and digitize their titles and expand their audiences and they collect donated titles.(Worldreader).
- Fieldwork: They actively connect technology with communities as well as provide technical and pedagogical support. They also continually research and use data to make changes (Worldreader).
It is through this initiative that people who do not have access to print books can use mobile devices to access books so that they can “develop, sustain and enhance their literacy skills” as well as “open the door to life-changing opportunities and benefits” (Flood).
It wasn’t until I had done a little research that I realized that library projects in developing countries are relevant to me and what I do for my community. What resonated most for me was that access to books is not just a problem for developing countries. Those who live in poverty, which is about 10% of my school population, can also lack access to print text therefore negatively impacting their literacy skills. This year is the first year that we have Overdrive which allows students access to ebooks and audiobooks via mobile devices. I had not thought of the positive impact access to these books might have on those that are not able to access print books. This blog question has also challenged me to think a little more globally and come up with ways that our school could become involved and contribute to initiatives like Worldreader.
Works Cited
Da Rosa, Isaias & Lamas, David. (2013). Mobile access to digital libraries in developing countries: a reflection on motives, options and sustainability. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259485595_Mobile_access_to_digital_libraries_in_developing_countries_a_reflection_on_motives_options_and_sustainability
Flood, Alison. (2014). “Mobile reading revolution' takes off in developing world”. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/23/mobile-reading-revolution-unesco-study-phones-africa-subcontinent
Wall Street Journal. (2014) How Mobile Devices Drive Literacy in Developing World. http://www.wsj.com/video/how-mobile-devices-drive-literacy-in-developing-world/D1FA19D6-A1C9-4C86-9C6A-4C020F5A5737.html
West, Mark, and Han Ei Chew. Reading in the mobile era: A study of mobile reading in developing countries. France: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2014, pp. 1–89. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002274/227436e.pdf
Worldreader. (2011) Worldreader: Books For All. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8WSYZ71Zfo
I found your post really informative and the statistics very sad. We take for granted so much about our access to education and books. It's great to know that there are loads of great organizations, such as Worldreader, that are making a difference in the world. It makes me wish that I could join them, or do more! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post I feel renewed gratitude for the resources that we take for granted here. Although I knew there must be organizations out there committed to bringing the same resources abroad, I was very interested to read the creative ways they are trying to bring literacy (and libraries in their own fashion) to developing nations.
ReplyDeleteVery well done post. Your discussion and reflection on the highlight's of this week's topic, as well as the organizations you have found and shared was exactly what I was hoping for. You did an excellent job sharing why access is so important and how these groups are working to provide access in the most accessible format. Good post with excellent videos, links and references.
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