Call for Chapters: Digital Literacy, Inclusivity and Sustainable Development in Africa

OCTOBER 1, 2020

Introduction

One of the highlights of the Agreement between Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) as the two organizations work together internationally for a stronger global library field is the encouragement of research that explores comprehensive and integrative perspectives of the role of libraries in the inculcation of digital literacy skills that enhance sustainable development, drive inclusiveness and intervening factors that promote or hinder digital inclusion in communities. This is important at this point in human history as the COVID-19 crisis continues to accentuate why digital literacy and inclusivity are critical for sustainable development for all.

Synopsis

Digital literacy skills on a varying spectrum are necessary for participation in different aspects of life in the 21^st century existence especially as the COVID-19 crisis pushes engagements online. As Internet becomes a necessity and permanent fixture for workplaces, homes and social centres, usage of various Information and Communication Technologies in different sectors of the economy and of human endeavour continue to grow. Working remotely, e-learning, e-government activities, banking, buying and selling online, making connections for numerous purposes and high use of social networking sites have turned out to be the current realities of our times. Without appropriate digital skill sets and access to internet, individuals and communities can be disadvantaged and disenfranchised because of their inability to participate in or benefit from the digital economy. Lack of digital skills effectively closes doors to opportunities for personal and communal development with attendant stunted economic growth and inequalities.

This book aims to establish the status of digital literacy across Africa. It also seeks to probe the connecting links between digital literacy, illiteracy, unemployment, creativity, knowledge creation and sustainable development in different sectors and the role libraries of all types can play or have played in ensuring that no community or section of people is left behind in acquiring digital literacy. Libraries are fundamental in building inclusiveness for sustainable growth through the inculcation of digital literacy. Libraries of all types are crucial for digital literacy in educational institutions and communities. They provide free access to learning and play vital roles in assisting students, teachers, workers, senior citizens and everyone in different communities and groups to acquire skills for usage of ICTs and the Internet. The book will also investigate the outcomes of library-driven digital literacy trainings such as inculcation of career-oriented competencies and how they can be effectively integrated into development data of African countries.

Chapters

The book welcomes case studies and essays as Chapters that will provide answers to the following questions:

What is the current status of digital literacy in African nations?
What level of digital skills build digital inclusion for different sections/strata of the society?
What are the mediating factors between digital inclusion, out of school children, poverty and illiteracy?
Are there distinct links between unemployment and digital literacy in Africa?
Is the future of work in Africa connected with digital literacy skills?
How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted the digital gap globally, more so in developing countries?
What is the nexus between digital literacy, broadband access, TV Whitespace and power supply in developing countries?
How does digital literacy affect creativity, knowledge production and dissemination in the 21^st century?
What best strategies can be adopted by different library types for teaching digital literacy?
Does one size digital literacy training plan fit the different strata of user communities?
What role can communities or groups play in driving the attainment of digital literacy skills?
How can the outcomes of digital literacy trainings such as inculcation of career-oriented competencies be measured and integrated into the HDI of countries vis a vis human development and economic growth?
Are there roles that libraries of all types can effectively and functionally play in fostering digital start-ups for the tech community in Africa?
How well do the curricula of African Library and Information science schools prepare librarians adequately to lead in digital literacy drive across the continent?
How can libraries advocate for policies that recognise and support their roles in inculcation of digital literacy and attendant benefits?

What is the current status of digital literacy in African nations?
What level of digital skills build digital inclusion for different sections/strata of the society?
What are the mediating factors between digital inclusion, out of school children, poverty and illiteracy?
Are there distinct links between unemployment and digital literacy in Africa?
Is the future of work in Africa connected with digital literacy skills?
How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted the digital gap globally, more so in developing countries?
What is the nexus between digital literacy, broadband access, TV Whitespace and power supply in developing countries?
How does digital literacy affect creativity, knowledge production and dissemination in the 21^st century?
What best strategies can be adopted by different library types for teaching digital literacy?
Does one size digital literacy training plan fit the different strata of user communities?
What role can communities or groups play in driving the attainment of digital literacy skills?
How can the outcomes of digital literacy trainings such as inculcation of career-oriented competencies be measured and integrated into the HDI of countries vis a vis human development and economic growth?
Are there roles that libraries of all types can effectively and functionally play in fostering digital start-ups for the tech community in Africa?
How well do the curricula of African Library and Information science schools prepare librarians adequately to lead in digital literacy drive across the continent?
How can libraries advocate for policies that recognise and support their roles in inculcation of digital literacy and attendant benefits?

Submission of Chapter Proposals

Researchers, library and information science practitioners, Library educators, teachers of digital literacy across information related disciplines are invited to submit on or before November 15^th, 2020 a chapter proposal of 1000 – 1700 words clearly explaining the purpose and outline of the proposed chapter to afliacomm@aflia.net.

Authors will be notified of the status of their proposals by November 30^th 2020. This will be accompanied by chapter guidelines for those whose proposals are successful. Full chapters will be due for submission by February 28^th, 2021. All chapters will go through peer double-blind review and the results will be sent to authors by March 30^th, 2021. Final chapter submission is April 20^th, 2021.

There are no publishing charges and collaborations within and across geographical borders are most welcome.

Important Dates

Submission of Chapter proposal – November 15^th, 2020

Notification of acceptance/rejection – November 30^th, 2020

Submission of full chapters – February 28^th, 2021

Return of review results to authors – March 30^th, 2021

Final Chapter submission – April 20^th, 2021

Chapter proposals should be sent to afliacomm@aflia.net

Editor

Helena Asamoah – Hassan, PhD

Executive Director,

African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA)

Questions:

For questions about the book or this call for chapter proposals, please send a mail to researchcoordinator@aflia.net with the subject: ENQUIRY: AfLIA/CILIP Book Project.