digital libraries

Educational Continuity in Emergencies: The Role of Offline Digital Libraries in Under-Connected Communities

Aim/Purpose: This article explores the critical need for adaptable educational models in times of crisis, focusing on strategies to overcome infrastructural and digital inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: By examining a case study of an offline digital library project implemented in South Sudan, this paper seeks to examine the impact of an offline digital educational solution for low-resource and crisis situations. Methodology: The authors utilize a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis, to evaluate the use and impact of the SolarSPELL Initiative’s offline digital libraries in South Sudan. Contribution: This study contributes to our understanding of digital and information literacy within crisis contexts, highlighting the vital role of localized, offline content. Findings: The findings demonstrate that offline digital solutions can effectively mitigate educational disruptions by providing an accessible means to continue education during emergencies. Recommendations for Practitioners: Recommendations for practitioners include the adoption of robust offline digital learning solutions to promote educational continuity. Recommendation for Researchers: The authors recommend that researchers continue investigating the potential of offline digital educational solutions for low-resource and crisis situations. Impact on Society: Ultimately, this article finds that offline digital libraries, when paired with skill-building, are a viable means to lessen digital disparities and promote educational continuity in times of crisis and beyond. Future Research: The study suggests further exploration into the long-term impacts of such interventions on learning outcomes.




digital libraries

Development and Validation of an Instrument for Assessing Users’ Views about the Usability of Digital Libraries




digital libraries

Digital libraries [electronic resource] : achievements, challenges and opportunities : 9th International Conference on Asian Digital Libraries, ICADL 2006, Kyoto, Japan, November 27-30, 2006 : proceedings / Shigeo Sugimoto [and others] (eds.)

Berlin : Springer, [2006]




digital libraries

Digital libraries [electronic resource] : implementing strategies and sharing experiences : 8th International Conference on Asian Digital Libraries, ICADL 2005, Bangkok, Thailand, December 12-15, 2005 : proceedings / Edward A. Fox [and others] (eds.)

Berlin ; New York : Springer, [2005]




digital libraries

Digital Libraries [electronic resource] : International Collaboration and Cross-Fertilization 7th International Conference on Asian Digital Libraries, ICADL 2004, Shanghai, China, December 13-17, 2004. Proceedings / edited by Zhaoneng Chen, Hsinchun Chen

Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2005




digital libraries

Digital libraries [electronic resource]: research and development : First International DELOS Conference, Pisa, Italy, February 13-14, 2007 : revised selected papers / Costantino Thanos, Francesca Borri, Leonardo Candela (eds.)

Berlin ; New York : Springer, [2007]




digital libraries

2000 Kyoto International Conference on Digital Libraries: Research and Practice [electronic journal].

IEEE Computer Society