Mapping the social subsystem: Digital navigation as a sociotechnical system in public libraries
Author(s)
Uba, Ebubechukwu E.
Adewunmi, Joanna
Rhinesmith, Colin, Ph.D.
Issue Date
2025-10
Keyword(s)
community informatics, digital (in)equity, digital navigation, sociotechnical system theory, public libraries.
Date of Ingest
2025-11-03T14:27:25-06:00
Abstract
In this research, we examine how the Southeastern New York Library Resources Council is closing digital inequity gaps through their Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley program, a community-based digital inclusion effort that pairs community members with trained Digital Navigators (DNs) in public libraries and other community anchor institutions. Our research sought to investigate the social context that shapes Digital Navigation and interpret these dimensions as the social subsystem within a broader sociotechnical system in public libraries. A qualitative case study of exit survey data from 64 DNs across 84 libraries and community organizations explores how the human and technical components of digital inclusion intersect in practice. Findings reveal that DNs’ experiences are shaped by five interrelated social subsystem elements, such as people, relationships, values, structure, and work practices, that transform technology access into social connection, learning, and empowerment. Public libraries serve as mediating spaces where DNs build trust, adapt resources, and sustain engagement. We argue that digital navigation functions as a sociotechnical system, in which equitable outcomes emerge from the interaction of human relationships, institutional structures, and technical tools. Digital Navigation can be understood as a sociotechnical system within public libraries and other community-based organizations, where digital equity is realized through human interactions, local knowledge sharing, and institutional trust. The Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley case study supports critical scholarship within community informatics that recognizes technology implementation as playing a "supporting cast role" to broader community development goals.
Type of Resource
Poster
Genre of Resource
conference poster
Language
eng
Copyright and License Information
Ebubechukwu Uba; Joanna Adewunmi; Colin Rhinesmith, Ph.D.
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