TOWARDS DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN ENSURING PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Abstract

Public access to the information is becoming a basic utility service similar to electricity, gas, and water. No wonder target 10 of goal 16 of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) focuses on ensuring public access to information and protects fundamental freedom in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. At the centre of this access is the internet and network resource. Access to and use of the internet provides many benefits for society hence the need for citizens to be digitally included for sustainable development. This paper examines the concepts of access to information, digital divide and digital inclusion in view of their roles in sustainable development; it also discusses the challenges of digital inclusion in Nigeria and how libraries can help.