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2025:Program/Bridging the Digital Divide: The Role of Libraries in Supporting Open Knowledge in Underserved Communities

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Session title: Bridging the Digital Divide: The Role of Libraries in Supporting Open Knowledge in Underserved Communities

Session type: Panel
Track: Education
Language: en

đŸŽ„ Session recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/-o4TD0y15OM?feature=shared&t=7202 đŸŽ„

Access to knowledge is a fundamental right, yet millions of people in underserved communities across Africa and beyond face barriers to digital access, literacy, and information equity. Libraries, as community-centered institutions, play a pivotal role in bridging this gap by providing access to free knowledge, digital resources, and skills development. This session explores how libraries serve as community hubs for open knowledge, providing digital literacy training, access to knowledge, and fostering inclusivity.

This session will also highlight impact stories and case studies from KEY Libraries' initiatives, showcasing successful collaborations where libraries have transformed into hubs for knowledge-sharing, fact-checking, and content creation.

Description

Expected Outcomes By engaging librarians, educators, Wikimedia contributors, and digital rights advocates, this session aims to foster cross-sector collaboration to enhance digital inclusion and support sustainable knowledge equity Knowledge sharing: Explore avenues for leveraging open knowledge platforms, including Wikipedia and wiki data, to advance knowledge Equity.

How does your session relate to the event theme, Wikimania@20 – Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?

Libraries, as community-centered institutions, play a pivotal role in bridging this gap by providing access to free knowledge, digital resources, and skills development. This session explores how libraries serve as community hubs for open knowledge, providing digital literacy training, access to knowledge, and fostering inclusivity and will seek to explore further avenue of collaboration.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Resources

Speakers

  • Kabinte
I'm a Wikimedian, contributing mostly on Enwiki.
  • Gladys Kerich
Gladys Kerich is a certified Project Management Professional specialized in the establishment of school libraries in underserved communities. With a strong commitment to providing access to quality education, Gladys, leads projects that create enriching learning environments, empowering students with the resources they need to succeed. Passionate about fostering lifelong learners, Gladys ensures that each initiative is delivered efficiently on time, and within budget, making a lasting impact on education and community development.
  • Alice Kibombo
She is a librarian and a former WiR with AfLIA
  • nyakundijames23@gmail.com
  • Maua
Mmaua1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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