Overcoming Old Age Related Digital Divide Using Inclusive Libraries Services

The rise in technological advancement brought a shift in skills requirement and competence in technologies usage, leaving the older adults at disadvantage and at the fringe of the technological revolution. This study explores how libraries - both public and academic can create opportunities for bridging this divide, often referred to as grey digital divide, with intergenerational programs and approaches. This can help them develop some required skills, create equity, inclusivity for the older adults in terms of access to information on digital platforms and in addition, motivate their interests in technological trends, build confidence, improve skill sets for lifelong mastering of technological development. The study employed literature review to enhance better understanding of prior work in the field, thus focus was on older adults’ technologies usage, library services for older adults (+65) and intergenerational programs in libraries in the African context. Findings showed intergenerational approach can greatly support older adults to overcome personal challenges to embrace the use of digital technologies. However, library intervention in the form intergenerational programs can bridge the gap, through enabling environment needs to be created. The study recommends policies that promotes creative innovation of programmes in the libraries that can meet the interest of both older adults and young people for a successful intergenerational program.