Towards digital literacy: the case of adult learners at Lithuanian public libraries

Jurgita Rudzionene from Vilnius university presented a first stage analysis of research into the digital literacy of public library users in Lithuania. There are 2549 public libraries in Lithuania. The research aimed to analyse digital literacy, discover the extent and nature of ICT use, and to make recommendations to librarians to better support digital literacy. Data was collected through a survey distributed in hard copy to users of public libraries.  24 questions were asked about information seeking, digital literacy and demographics. There were 323 respondents, 36% from central city libraries, and 64% from branch libraries. 79% of respondents were female, 58% were in employment and the largest age group was 46-55 (26%). 65% of respondents used electronic banking, and online shopping, exhealth services and e-social services were also widely used. A third of respondents used electronic services at the public library. A third indicated that lack of English language skills was a barrier to using ICT. Desktop computers and smartphones were widely used, but tablets, e-readers and digital pens were not widely used. Respondents used email, social media (mostly Facebook) and Skype. Most people felt well informed about potential threats from using the internet, and believed they could behave safely. Public library staff and family members were the most favoured sources for help in developing digital skills.