TTDA: Research on the digital divide of information users in the public library system.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE 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 number for admitting graduate students:Decision No. 1584/QD-XHNV, dated June 22, 2022, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in the training process:Extend the study period from December 29, 2024 to June 28, 2025.
7. Thesis Title"Research on the digital divide of information users in the public library system"
8. Major:Applied Library and Information Science. Code: 8320201.01 (UD)
9. Scientific supervisor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Van Hung, Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Science and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of the thesis results:
The thesis is divided into three parts:
Chapter 1:

This thesis builds a theoretical foundation and framework by clarifying the concept of the digital divide and introducing two theoretical frameworks that approach the phenomenon scientifically and systematically. The first theoretical framework is based on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII), which includes three elements: Access, Affordability, and Digital Competence. Applying this model helps standardize the analysis of the digital divide in Vietnamese public libraries and facilitates international comparisons. The second theoretical framework is based on the Digital Inclusion Survey conducted by the American Library Association, expanding the analysis to clarify 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) implement community support programs to promote citizen participation and social integration.

Chapter 2:

Through a survey of 329 information users and 16 managers at six provincial/city-level public libraries, this study analyzes the current state of the digital divide and the role of libraries in bridging this gap. The results show that libraries provide stable internet access and free digital services, but are limited in terms of technological space, connection speed, and disparities in digital literacy, especially among libraries with limited access (25%) and passive users (24%). These findings affirm the potential role of libraries as centers for developing digital skills, but improvements in infrastructure and training are needed. The next chapter will propose solutions and a preliminary measurement framework to support bridging the digital divide in the public library system.

Chapter 3:

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

Simultaneously, the digital divide measurement framework utilizes the DDI index with 12 quantitative criteria built from principal component analysis (PCA), aiming for annual surveys starting in 2026. This framework helps evaluate the effectiveness of solutions and resource allocation. 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 applications:
The thesis topic has high practical applicability. The research not only provides a scientific basis for addressing digital inequality but also makes a practical contribution to national digital transformation policies.
12. Future research directions:
13. Published works related to the thesis:
ButJournal Post 1:Nguyen Luong Ninh (2024), “Minimizing the digital divide for library users: a perspective from the National Library of Vietnam”, Journal of Educational Psychology.

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

INFORMATION ON PROJECT

1. Full name:NGUYEN LUONG NINH
2. Sex:Male
3. Date of birth:August 4, 1981
4. Place of birth:Thanh Hoa
5. Admission decision number:Decision No. 1584/QD-XHNV Dated 22/06/2022
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.E: 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.