RSO - World Librarians

The Internet has transformed access to information. The Internet also plays a large role in improving education. However, over 4 billion people do not have access to the Internet, and their development is consequently stymied simply due to a lack of access.

The World Librarians is an initiative developed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst that connects offline learners to open educational content in a democratic way. This initiative bridges the digital divide through inexpensive technology and Open Educational Resources. Created by a team of researchers who partnered with institutions across the globe, World Librarians has developed a workflow that connects an offline educational institution with the information it needs. First, a Requester, an individual from an offline educational institution, uses Twitter or e-Mule to request information. Second, a Searcher, a World Librarians team member with unlimited access to the Internet, looks for Open Access (e.g., Creative Commons) Licensed information. Third, the Searcher sends the relevant content to the Courier. Finally, the Courier, an individual or group with access to the Internet located in the area of the Requester, physically transports the data via USB drive to the Requester for their use.

World Librarians is bridging the digital divide by providing open access information through a process titled Commons-based Peer Production or “Peer Production” for short. Rather than focusing on the provision of free Wi-Fi, World Librarians focus on the impact of the Internet: the ability to accelerate economic development by providing increased access to information. A UMass research team is currently working with a key partner in Malawi, Carl Meyer of a nonprofit ShiftIT, to improve access to educational information to a network of libraries and schools without access to the Internet. To do this, we developed a process that utilizes a device called a RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) Plus, which was created by World Possible, with the help of Intel. We also use technology to communicate with the institutions we are providing content to. The World Librarian’s initiative connects offline learners to open educational resources in a democratic way.