Bridging the digital divide

Kaelem Moniz, a third-year student double majoring in public policy and international relations with a minor in history, presented “Bridging the Divide: Digital Inclusion for a Changing City,” which considered the efficacy of the Toronto Public Library’s (TPL) Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Program in remedying Toronto’s growing digital divide.  

Moniz’s study found that while TPL effectively supports its target demographic through short-term digital inclusion, demand for the program vastly outstrips supply. A lack of resources results in geographical inequalities of access and limited support based on the customer’s preferred language—pointing to an urgent need to invest in the program’s expansion to equitably meet the needs of Toronto’s diverse population.