Abstract:

Modern advances in ICT provides significant opportunities for access to databases, electronic services and improve the quality and speed of communication via the Internet. At the same time, there is a "digital divide", which excludes from these processes entire regions and social groups. This phenomenon requires in-depth study and analysis, as well as finding ways to overcome it. The role of the libraries is becoming more crucial. The aim of the article is to clarify the causes of the digital divide, identify issues that it raises and to present the role of libraries in its address. Digital division is a concept that describes the socio-economic stratification of society in relation to access to computer technology and the Internet.

The aim of the report is to present the capacity of public libraries as democratic institutions to provide services to their users so that they not to be digitally excluded. In addition, access to the Internet and computer skills and information literacy are other possibilities, which the public libraries give to their users. The most important is to create user’s friendly environment, attractive for all generations.

Methodology:
The research has used general scientific methods such as content analysis of scientific literature and Internet sources in the last 20 years; observation: a method of knowledge based on the immediate perception of processes and phenomena without the intervention of the researcher as the requirements of purposefulness, activity and systematic are met. Measurement: a method for determining the quantitative values of an indicator by comparing it with a standard by measuring means. The object of research is 28 regional libraries in Bulgaria and selected libraries in abroad as “good practices”.

Results:
• Public libraries should be presented as a factor in overcoming the digital divide, as educational, cultural and social institutions, playing a key role in providing free access to information to all generations of readers and users of their services;
• To open the possibilities of public libraries to be the main points for Internet access and training of the adult population for using the Internet;
• To highlight the characteristics of public libraries as modern information institutions providing information services based on the Internet and built integrated library information systems in each library.
• The role of public libraries as cultural institutions, which are responsible for preserving the cultural heritage stored in their collections (manuscripts, archival documents, etc.), its promotion through digitalization and making available on the Internet, is outlined.

Keywords:

Public libraries, digital division.