The Impact of the Digital Divide on Scholarly

For almost a decade, governments and organizations have spent resources in an attempt to bridge the digital divide. Many of these efforts have focused on giving access to computers and the Internet. Some even included attempts at computer skills training. (Kirschenbau & Kunamneni 2001). However, skills become obsolete with new technologies. So while specific skills may be helpful, an understanding of the underlying concepts is necessary for individuals to continue to expand their knowledge and adapt to new information technologies (Lin 2000). The emphasis on technology and access has masked some important aspects of the digital divide, including availability and production of relevant content, developing information communities, and understanding of the applications of technology.