13 Digital Divide and Immigrants
Skyler Appler; Emilia F. Gaps; Charles Stuart Kline; Jenna Ross; and Laura Angelica Velazquez-Casillas
Learning Objective
Understand how the digital divide affects immigrant communities and identify strategies libraries can use to promote digital inclusion and equitable access to technology.
Immigration and Library Practices
For decades, public libraries have supported immigrants by upholding their commitment to improve quality of life for all patrons—regardless of origin or citizenship, as supported by the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 2019). Immigration is not a monolith; language, culture, education, socioeconomic status, and accessibility all shape how the digital divide manifests within immigrant communities. From ESL courses to digital lending and community partnerships, libraries meet immigrants where they are and help bridge gaps in digital access (Igarashi, Koizumi, & Widdersheim, 2023).
🎬 Explore more: Webinar: Immigrants in Academic Libraries (1 hour)
Barriers to Digital Inclusion
Socioeconomic and Education Factors
Educational attainment varies widely among immigrants. Among immigrant adults age 25 and older, 24% lacked a high school degree (compared to 7% of their U.S.-born cohorts). But immigrants are just as likely to have a bachelor’s degree or higher (Kramer & Passel, 2025). Education level often determines digital skill and access. Median weekly earnings for foreign-born workers are lower, restricting their ability to invest in current technology or broadband (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025).
Only 31% of Hispanic households have broadband internet, and just 67% own a laptop, compared with 80% of white adults (Geraghty, Panettieri, Pedrosa, & Luna, 2021). Immigrants make up one-third of U.S. workers without digital skills (Cherewka, 2020). These gaps directly affect access to remote work, banking, and online services. Libraries can mitigate such disparities through free Wi-Fi, device lending, and digital literacy programs tailored to community needs.
đź“– Explore More: New Americans Initiative – List of Resources
Language, Culture, and the Library as a Third Space
Almost half of immigrants are proficient in English (Kramer & Passel, 2025), but limited English proficiency can deepen the digital divide. Shame or fear of appearing digitally illiterate may discourage patrons from asking for help. As Jessamyn West notes, a librarian’s attitude can be pivotal in creating trust and belonging. Libraries serve as third spaces—neutral, community-driven environments where multigenerational immigrant families learn together. Younger generations often teach elders digital skills learned in school (Salazar & Sanchéz, 2011). Multigenerational programming, childcare support, and bilingual staff all enhance participation and confidence.
🎬 Explore more: Video: Helping a Foreign-Born Patron Transfer Credentials (~2 min)
Libraries Bridging the Gap
Free access to books, films, and digital materials aids language acquisition and information literacy (Wang, Huang, Li, & Chen, 2020). Many libraries partner with immigrant service organizations to connect patrons to legal, educational, and financial resources.
- Marshall Public Library hosts a multi-lingual story hour for children
- Hennepin County Library offers language practice with their English Conversation Circle held throughout the month
- Toronto Public Library offers free computer classes and settlement support for newcomers
These examples demonstrate how libraries act as bridges—providing technology, skills, and social connection that empower immigrants to thrive.
Reflection
Libraries are pillars of social equity. Bridging the digital divide requires continuous assessment and cultural awareness.
What barriers might immigrants face in your library’s digital spaces?
How can you adapt programming to reflect your community’s linguistic and cultural realities?
By centering on empathy, access, and adaptability, library workers ensure that digital equity extends to all who walk through their doors.
Additional Resources
Immigration Support: Know your rights
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| American Civil Liberties Union | Know your rights as an immigrant |
| Immigrant Legal Resource Center | Downloadable & printable materials/resources |
| National Immigrant Justice Center | Information with downloads & examples |
Patron Support: Remote courses
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| LA Public Library – Cybernauts | Computer and mobile tech support |
| Seattle Public Library | Online resources |
| Free Library of Philadelphia | Online resources in language, health, and more |
Program Ideas: Get inspired
| Library Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Library of Philadelphia—Edible Alphabet | English Language Learning in a culinary setting |
| Toronto Public Library—Settling in Toronto | Assistance getting started in Toronto & Canada |
| Toronto Public Library—Computer & Library Training | Free, in-person classes offered throughout Toronto |
| Northwestern University—World Relief Chicagoland Summer Program | Makerspace program for immigrants |
Key Takeaway
Immigrants may encounter barriers to digital participation related to language, access, and familiarity with online systems. Libraries support these users by providing technology access, relevant resources, and assistance navigating digital services.
Works Cited
American Library Association. (2006, June 30). Library Bill of Rights. American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
Cherewka, A. (2020). The Digital Divide Hits U.S. Immigrant Household Disproportionately during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Migration Information Source. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/digital-divide-hits-us-immigrant-households-during-covid-19
Geraghty, L., Panettieri, A., Pedrosa, S., & Luna, D. (2021). State of the Digital Divide in the Hispanic Community. National League of Cities. https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/HELO-POLICY-BRIEF-1.pdf
Hennepin County Library. (n.d). Events. Hennepin County Library, https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?types=56f9a197414af7d259046a7f.
Igarashi, T., Koizumi, M., & Widdersheim, M. M. (2023). Overcoming social divisions with the public library. Journal of Documentation, 79(1), 52–65. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-12-2021-0244
KGUN9. (2018, March 7). County libraries help refugees, immigrants get degrees recognized in U.S [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPc3aRGbh00
Kramer, S., & Passel, J. S. (2025, August 21). What the data says about immigrants in the U.S. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/08/21/key-findings-about-us-immigrants/
Ndumu, A. [CHOICE Media Channel]. (2025, August 1). U.S. Newcomers in Academic Libraries: What Should We Know, What Can We Do [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/0WE4wOSzA1I?si=M7N2H9XxlpvYTSxF
New Americans Initiative. (n.d.). Los Angeles Public Library. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://www.lapl.org/newamericans
Sánchez, P., & Salazar, M. (2012). Transnational Computer Use in Urban Latino Immigrant Communities: Implications for Schooling. Urban Education, 47(1), 90–116. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042085911427740
U.S. Department of Labor. (2025). Foreign-Born Workers: Labor Force Characteristics—2024. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/forbrn.pdf
Wang, C., Huang, R., Li, J., & Chen, J. (2020). Towards better information services: A framework for immigrant information needs and library services. Library & Information Science Research, 42(1), 101000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2019.101000
West, J. C. (2011). Without A Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide. Libraries Unlimited.
Wood, J. [Idaho Commission for Libraries]. (2024, February 13). Building Community through a Multilingual Storytime [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmF4N-TR-o
