TTĐA: Research on digital divide of information users in public library system

INFORMATION ABOUT MASTER'S PROJECT

1. Student's full name:NGUYEN LUONG NINH

2. Gender:Male
3. Date of birth: 04/08/1981
4. Place of birth:Thanh Hoa
5. Decision to recognize graduate students No.:1584/QD-XHNV, dated June 22, 2022 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in the training process:Extend study period from December 29, 2024 – June 28, 2025.
7. Thesis topic name: “Research on digital divide of information users in public library system”
8. Major:Application-oriented Library Information Science. Code: 8320201.01 (UD)
9. Scientific instructor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Van Hung, Faculty of Information and Library Science - University of Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of thesis results:
The thesis is divided into 3 parts:
Chapter 1:

The thesis builds a theoretical foundation and theoretical framework by clarifying the concept of digital divide and introducing two theoretical frameworks that approach the phenomenon in a scientific and systematic way. The first theoretical framework is based on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) which consists of three factors: Access, Affordability, and Digital Competence. Applying this model helps standardize the analysis of the digital divide in Vietnamese public libraries, while facilitating international comparisons. The second theoretical framework is based on the Digital Inclusion Survey by the American Library Association, expanding the analysis towards clarifying the proactive role of public libraries in contributing to narrowing the digital divide through four main functional pillars: (1) ensuring technological infrastructure for information access; (2) providing and developing diverse and accessible digital content and services; (3) organizing training and fostering digital skills for the community; and (4) implementing community support programs to promote civic engagement and social integration.

Chapter 2:

Through a survey of 329 users and 16 managers at six provincial/municipal public libraries, the study analyzes the current state of the digital divide and the role of libraries in narrowing this gap. The results show that libraries provide stable internet and free digital services, but there are limitations in terms of technology space, connection speed and digital capacity gap, especially in the group of limited libraries (25%) and passive users (24%). These findings confirm the potential role of libraries as centers for digital skills development, but infrastructure and training need to be improved. The next chapter will propose solutions and a preliminary measurement framework to support narrowing the digital divide in the public library system.

Chapter 3:

Based on the analysis of the empirical survey, the study proposes five strategic solutions to narrow the digital gap in public libraries and strengthen the role of libraries as digital transformation centers. The solutions include: (1) upgrading technology infrastructure (increasing computers, improving internet, expanding space); (2) training flexible digital skills; (3) communication targeting vulnerable groups; (4) developing sustainable financial models through public-private partnerships; (5) improving staff capacity and self-learning resources.

At the same time, the digital divide measurement framework uses the DDI index with 12 quantitative criteria built from principal component analysis (PCA), aiming for an annual survey roadmap from 2026. This framework helps evaluate the effectiveness of solutions and allocate resources. The entire proposal contributes to reducing the digital divide, especially for disadvantaged groups, and affirms libraries as a bridge for digital transformation in the national development process.

11. Practical application:
The thesis topic has high potential for practical application. The research not only provides a scientific basis for addressing digital inequality but also makes practical contributions to national digital transformation policies.
12. Further research directions:
13. Published works related to the thesis:
-Magazine Post 1:Nguyen Luong Ninh (2024), “Reducing the digital divide of library users: a perspective from the National Library of Vietnam”, Journal of Educational Psychology.

-Magazine Post 2:Nguyen Luong Ninh (2024), “Research on digital capacity and knowledge of resident groups in Hanoi and some provinces in the post-Covid-19 period”,Educational Equipment Magazine.

INFORMATION ON PROJECT

1. Full name:NGUYEN LUONG NINH
2. Sex:Male
3. Date of birth:August 4th, 1981
4. Place of birth:Thanh Hoa
5. Admission decision number:1584/QD-XHNV Dated June 22, 2022
6. Changes in academic process:Extending the study period from December 29, 2024, to June 28, 2025.
7. Official thesis title: “Research on digital division of library users in the public library system”
8. Major: Information-Library Science.Code: 8320201.01 (UD)
9. Supervisor:Associate Professor, PhD. Do Van Hung, VNU- University of Social Sciences and Humanities
10. Summary of the findings of the thesis:
The thesis is divided in 03 chapters:
Chapter 1:The thesis establishes its theoretical foundation and analytical framework by clarifying the concept of the digital divide and introducing two theoretical models for a systematic and scientific approach to the phenomenon. The first framework is based on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII), which comprises three core dimensions: Access, Affordability, and Digital Ability. Applying this model helps standardize the analysis of the digital divide in Vietnamese public libraries and facilitates international comparisons.

The second framework based on the Digital Inclusion Survey conducted by the American Library Association, expands the analysis by highlighting the proactive role of public libraries in narrowing the digital divide through four key functional pillars: (1) ensuring technological infrastructure to support information access; (2) providing and developing diverse, accessible digital content and services; (3) organizing digital skills training and capacity-building for the community; and (4) implementing community support programs to foster civic participation and social inclusion.
Chapter 2:Based on a survey of 329 users and 16 administrators across six provincial-level public libraries, this study analyzes the current state of the digital divide and the role of Vietnamese public libraries in addressing it. Findings indicate that libraries provide stable internet access and free digital services, yet face limitations in technological space, connection speed, and uneven digital competencies—especially among under-resourced libraries (25%) and passive users (24%). These results highlight the library's potential as a hub for digital skill development, while also pointing to the need for infrastructure upgrades and targeted training. The following chapter will propose solutions and a preliminary framework for measuring the digital divide to support efforts in narrowing it within the public library system.

Chapter 3:Based on empirical survey analysis, the study proposes five strategic solutions to bridge the digital divide in Vietnamese public libraries and strengthen their role as digital transformation hubs. These include: (1) upgrading technological infrastructure (increasing computer availability, improving internet speed, and expanding tech spaces); (2) flexible digital skills training; (3) targeted outreach to vulnerable groups through workshops, Zalo videos, and user-friendly materials; (4) sustainable financial models via partnerships with providers like Viettel and FPT; and (5) staff training and development of self-learning resources.

Concurrently, a Digital Divide Index (DDI)-based measurement framework is introduced, including 12 quantitative criteria derived through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). With annual surveys starting in 2026, this framework enables realistic DDI reduction, facilitates solution assessment and budget allocation. Collectively, the proposed measures and DDI framework address infrastructure gaps, user competencies, and accessibility for marginalized groups, reaffirming the library's role as a digital bridge in the nation's path toward transformation.

11. Practical applicability, if any:
The thesis has high practical applicability. The research not only provides a scientific basis for addressing digital inequality but also offers practical contributions to national digital transformation policies.
12. Further research directions, if any:              
13. Thesis-related publications:             
- Journal Article 1:Nguyen Luong Ninh (2024), “Reducing the Digital Divide among Library Users: Insights from the National Library of Vietnam”,Journal of Educational Psychology.

- Journal Article 2:Nguyen Luong Ninh (2024), “A Study on Digital Competency and Literacy among Resident Groups in Hanoi and Selected Provinces in the Post-Covid-19 Era”,Journal of Educational Equipment.