Digital participation is a crucial part of the modern society. Everyone should have the possibility to be digitally active. However, studies have shown that 50 % of people with mobility disabilities in Sweden thinks it is hard to use the internet. The aim of this study is to examine what in a websites structure might cause problems for mobility disabled persons. The study focuses on the four core principles of information architecture that is organization-, navigation-, search- and labeling systems. The study used a mixed method and began with an internet survey among a group of people with mobility disabilities. The survey results then led to an interview with three people with mobility disabilities. The outcome of these two methods showed that the navigation system was the most important one of the four regarding accessibility. The problem that occurred the most was website’s with too deep hierarchy that made the user click many times and scroll a lot. The study also stumbled upon an interesting phenomenon, many people with mobility disability don’t usually think they have a problem with using the internet. But when they think about it, they can see all the little things that might be a problem.

The development of digitalisation in society has contributed to the library facing new assignments in the work with digital participation. The demand for digital competence among library staff is increasing in order to pursue digital inclusion at the library. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the public library works with digital participation for library visitors and how staff works with digital participation. This essay examines librarians at selected municipal public libraries in Skåne country. The aim is to gain clarity on the competencies available at the public library and what conditions the public libraries possess. This study explores the possible challenges perceived by library employees in relation to their work with digital participation. In the study, we used a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the results was done with the help of two theories and earlier research. The findings of studies show that all public libraries in some way work with digital participation. We can see that all the library staff are positive about working with digital participation and feel that they have the necessary competence. There are some challenges such as prerequisites, resources, the consensus on digital participation and skills development.

This thesis examines digital inclusion and how it is governed in today’s politics. The main focus is on the region of Östergötland, the municipality of Norrköping and a project called Digital media bus in Östergötland. To give the reader some understanding about digital inclusion the thesis starts with earlier research on digital inclusion, the role of the library in solving this problem about digital divides and how it has been governed before. Then, some background information about Europe and Swedens digital development, their digital agendas, current legislation in Sweden about digital inclusion and two campaign weeks which aim to increase the digital inclusion in Europe and Sweden. The theoretical framework is based on a theory about different policy instruments and from a governance perspective. The theoretical framework interacts with the empirical material in the analysis. The empirical material is based on interviews with two politicians and three public officials, on different regulatory documents and on the project Digital media bus in Östergötland which has been observed during the year of 2016. The empirical material is presented in the sixth chapter called ”There are needs, so there must be solutions!”. The result is that digital inclusion is a policy which is hard to govern. Today, it seems like there is mostly soft policy instruments and the way to govern is from a governance perspective – which means that there are a lot of networks and dissemination of information. However, a harder way to govern is requested by the informants because it may release necessary resources to solve the problem with digital exclusion. The project Digital media bus in Östergötland used mostly soft policy instruments in their work with getting children more technical skilled and digital curious. The main outcome from the project is that the problem with digital inclusion has got more attention both in the politics and the official administration, but the project has also shown the importance of cooperation. Lastly in my thesis, I discuss my results and propose some further research about digital inclusion.

The aim of this thesis is to examine the opinions of Swedish public library staff, managing makerspaces, regarding the role of their spaces. The material is derived from four semi-structured interwievs with, and four e-mail answers from staff managing makerspaces at seven public libraries in Sweden. Directed content analysis was used to interpret the results of the empirical study. The theoretical framework is based on a model for library development presented in 2012 by the Danish researchers Henrik Jochumsen, Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen, and Dorte Skot-Hansen. According to the model, the library´s mission is to support the following four goals: experience, involvement, empowerment, and innovation. The model also presents four spaces, in which the goals should be supported. These spaces are: the inspiration space, the learning space, the meeting space, and the performative space. The results show that the interviewees view makerspaces in their public libraries as a way to promote democracy and digital inclusion by offering collaborative learnings spaces.

Introduction. The aim of this study is to investigate how digital inclusion is constructed in Swedish library plans. This is done by examining: how discourses produce digital inclusion in twelve library plans, which motives for working with digital inclusion are expressed in these discourses and which factors are present in digital inclusion according to the library plans. Method. A discourse analysis is conducted on statements regarding public libraries’ work on digital inclusion in twelve library plans from twelve different municipalities in Stockholm county. The model used identifies signs and articulations about digital inclusion in the material, and analyzes the relationship and consequences of these. Analysis. The type of discourse analysis chosen for this study is discourse theory as presented by Winther Jørgensen and Phillips. A model of digital technology access, by Van Dijk, completes the analysis. Result. Three discourses on digital inclusion are present in the material: one democratic discourse, one digitalization discourse and one discourse of exclusion and inclusion. The digitalization discourse dominates and is closest to hegemony, but the democratic discourse is strong as well. Physical access to digital technology and skills access are the types of access most prominent in the discourses. Motivational and usage access are rarely mentioned. Conclusion. According to the dominating discourse in the studied library plans, digital inclusion is produced as a consequence of digitalization. This might lead to technological determinism. The important factors of digital inclusion involve having physical access to digital technology and the appropriate skills to handle the technology. Usage access is the type of access with the biggest inequality gap, but is the least present in the material. This is a two years master’s thesis in Library and Information Science.

Digitalisation and access to informationAn interview study about information practices in an increasingly digitalised society This essay is about the increased digitalisation in society in relation to available information and the digital divide. The title of the essay suggests that there is a relationship between digitalisation and accessibility. Being connected via the internet and having access to digital information, news, municipal functions, and social media requires that you have both the technical hardware and the competence to use it. The thesis of this essay intends to shed light on aspects of digitalisation and access to information. An interview study of people who are between 70-80 years old shows that increased digitalisation in society does not automatically mean that groups become digitally excluded. The digital divide does not arise by itself or with given conditions but can rather be described as a grey area. Several different factors and conditions interact where challenges, obstacles, opportunities, and attitudes are affecting. For those who have access to digital technology and knowledge to use it, it is easy to access information and be involved in society. But those who feel digital exclusion are continuing to be excluded without receiving help and knowledge about digital information and technology. The faster the digital development goes, the greater the risk of falling behind in the digital divide.

Alla som är en del av samhället blir på något vis påverkade av digitaliseringen och dess effekter. Äldre är en grupp som riskerar att hamna utanför denna utveckling om de saknar de väsentliga kunskaperna som krävs för att ta del av det digitaliserade samhället. Dessa kunskaper samlas ofta under begreppet digital kompetens. Denna studie ämnar att undersöka äldres digitala kompetens och ge en djupare förståelse för hur äldre själva upplever sin digitala kompetens, vilka faktorer som påverkar deras digitala kompetens och hur detta knyter an till digital inkludering och ålderism. De äldres digitala kompetens studeras i förhållande till smarta mobiltelefoner. För att svara på studiens syfte genomfördes intervjuer och en muntlig enkät. Den muntliga enkäten syftade till att få en bättre bild av äldres faktiska digitala kompetens medan intervjuerna gav en djupare insikt i hur äldre själva upplever sin digitala kompetens. Studiens resultat tyder på att många äldre har en nivå av digital kompetens som är tillräcklig för ett vardagligt användande av smarta mobiltelefoner. Äldre verkar ha en relativt god självinsikt om sina styrkor och svagheter när det kommer till digital kompetens och interaktion med smarta mobiler. Ett antal påverkande faktorer för digital kompetens identifierades i studien och det diskuteras hur dessa delvis kan bero på ålderism. Det upplevs som viktigt att påpeka vikten av ett fortsatt arbete för att inkludera äldre i digitaliseringen av samhället och se till att det finns forum där de som behöver kan få hjälp och stöd. / Everyone is in some way affected by today’s digitalization but for some it is more difficult than others. Elderly people tend to have a higher risk of being excluded if they lack the crucial skills to be a part of the digital society. These skills are often referred to with the word “digital competence”. This study aims to explore the digital competence of elderly people and give a deeper understanding for how they see and experience their digital competence, what factors affect it and how this can relate to digital inclusion and ageism. The study is done in the context of smartphones. Interviews and an in-person survey were conducted to help answer the study’s questions. The oral survey aimed to gain a better understanding of elderly people’s actual digital competence while the interviews focused on giving a deeper insight into how elderly people experience their own digital competence. The results of the study show that many elderly people have a level of digital competence that is high enough for an everyday use of smartphones. They also seem to have a good understanding of their strengths and weaknesses related to digital competence and interaction with smartphones. A number of factors for digital competence were identified and discussed in regard to how they might partly be a result of ageism. It feels necessary to note the importance of continued efforts in including elderly in the digitalization and make sure there are places where those in need of help and support can receive it.

Introduktion: Rekommendation av fysisk distansering på grund av Covid-19 har förutom begränsning av socialt umgänge med familj och vänner även inneburit att kommunala mötesplatser och träffpunkter har stoppat sina aktiviteter för seniorer. Denna förändring har för många äldre medfört en avsaknad av sociala sammanhang och ökad ensamhet. Att försöka uppmuntra äldre till en fortsatt social delaktighet med hjälp av informations-och kommunikationsteknik (IKT) ses därmed som en viktig del i det hälsofrämjande arbetet gentemot målgruppen äldre. Syfte: Studien syftade till att få en ökad förståelse för hur olika kommunala mötesplatser upplevde och arbetade med att främja social delaktighet digitalt bland målgruppen seniorerunder Corona Covid 19 pandemin. Metod: Studien genomfördes genom en kvalitativ intervjustudie med en semistrukturerad intervjuguide. Tio yrkesverksamma personer deltog vilka representerade 7 kommunala mötesplatser för seniorer i Skåne. Data analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Majoriteten av mötesplatserna hade förändrat sin verksamhet och erbjöd istället aktiviteter av olika slag genom IKT. De flesta av kommunerna erbjöd även IT-supportstöd under pandemin. De äldre upplevdes dock som svåra att nå och rekrytering till digital aktivitet ansågs som låg. Slutsats: Av studien framgick att mötesplatserna bör arbeta för att stärka de äldres digitala kompetens och motivation för främjande av social delaktighet digitalt. De yrkesverksamma behöver också stimuleras i det digitala utvecklingsarbetet och erhålla kontinuerlig kompetensutveckling. Verksamheterna bör införa en digital strategi för utvecklingens fortlevnad även efter att de fysiska mötesplatserna öppnat upp. / Introduction; Covid-19 has, in addition to restricting social contact with family and friends, also meant that municipal meeting places have stopped their activities for seniors. For many older people, this change has led to a lack of social context and increased loneliness. Trying to encourage the elderly to continue social participation with the help of information and communication technology (ICT) is thus seen as an important part of the health promotion work. Aim; The study aimed to gain an increased understanding of how different municipal meeting places experienced and worked to promote social participation digitally among the target group of seniors during the Corona Covid 19 pandemic. Methods; The study was conducted through a qualitative interview study with a semi-structured interview guide. Ten professionals participated, represented 7 municipal meeting places for seniors in Skåne. The data was analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results; The majority of the meeting places had changed their operations and instead offered activities of various kinds through ICT. Most of the municipalities also offered IT support during the pandemic. However, the elderly were perceived as difficult to reach and recruitment to digital activity was considered low. Conclusions; The meeting places should work to strengthen the elderly's digital competence and motivation for promoting social participation digitally. The professionals also need to be stimulated in the digital development work and receive continuous competence development. The workplaces should introduce a digital strategy for the survival of development even after the physical meeting places have opened up.

Introduktion: Digitaliseringens påverkan på samhället och individen är omfattande – samt genomsyrar samtliga dimensioner av folkhälsans bestämningsfaktorer. Därtill tillskrivs digital inkludering som en betydande social bestämningsfaktor för människors hälsa. Digital delaktighet och tillgänglighet är betydelsefulla faktorer för personer med ryggsmärtor i och med att fysiska begränsningar försvårar möjligheten till delaktighet i samhället. Delaktighet är en betydelsefull komponent i ett rättvist och demokratiskt samhälle. Syfte: Studiens syfte var att undersöka på vilket sätt digitaliseringen påverkar delaktighet och tillgänglighet för kvinnor med begränsande nack- eller ryggtillstånd. Metod: Studiens design var kvalitativ – i vilket 3 fokusgruppsintervjuer och innehållsanalys med en induktiv ansats var studiens metoder. Urvalet bestod av totalt 18 kvinnor ifrån olika patientföreningar – med erfarenheter eller kunskaper av begränsande nack- eller ryggtillstånd. Resultat: Studien visade att digitaliseringen främjar social och samhällelig delaktighet för målgruppen. Dessutom framkom att digitaliseringen främjar egenmakt att delta, skapar en känsla av gemenskap, förtydligar informations- och kommunikationsmöjligheterna samt förtydligar utanförskap. Digital gemenskap med hjärtat i mitten är den modell som bäst beskriver studiens resultat och digitaliseringens betydelser för människan bakom datorskärmen. Att digitaliseringen både främjar och underlättar delaktighet inom flera betydelsefulla sammanhang samtidigt som individens egenmakt stärktes förtydligades. Slutsats: Studiens slutats är att digitaliseringen har stor potential att främja delaktighet, tillgänglighet och gemenskap för personer med begränsande nack- eller ryggtillstånd. Det fina med digital delaktighet är dess inkluderande och hälsofrämjande inverkan på individen och individens livssituation. Dock finns det flera utmaningar med digitaliseringen som behöver belysas – såsom utanförskap och den digitala klyftan. / Introduction: The impact of digitization on society and the individual is extensive – and permeates all dimensions of the determinants of public health. In addition, digital inclusion is attributed as a significant social determinant of people's health. Digital participation and accessibility are important factors for people with back pain in that physical limitations make it difficult to participate in society. Participation is an important component of a democratic society. Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate how digitization affects participation and accessibility for women with limiting neck or back conditions. Methods: The study's design was qualitative – in which 3 focus group interviews and content analysis with an inductive approach were the study's methods. The selection consisted of 18 women from various patient associations – all with experience or knowledge of limiting neck or back conditions. Results: The study's results showed that digitization promoted social and societal participation for the target group. In addition, it emerged that digitization promotes empowerment to participate, creates a sense of community, clarifies the information and communication possibilities and better reveals exclusion. Digital community with the heart in the middle describes the results of the study and the implications of digitization for the person behind the computer. It was made clear that digitization both promotes and facilitates participation within several important contexts while strengthening the individual's empowerment. Conclusion: The study concluded that digitization has great potential to promote participation, accessibility and community for people with limiting neck or back conditions. The beauty of digital participation is its inclusive and health promoting impact on the individual and the individual's life situation. There are several challenges with digitization that need to be highlighted – such as the digital divide.

Digitization is shaping society, services that were previously handled analogically are now managed digitally. The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the increasing use of digital services. This has contributed to the digital divide between individuals who can access digital services and those who cannot. Reducing digital inequality is crucial for sustainable development in our digital society. A study on digital exclusion with the aim to investigate the significance of BankID for residents. Through analyzing scientific articles based on assumptions formulated through research in the field. The research question that the study seeks to answer is, "In what way does BankID risk becoming a socially excluding tool?”. Twelve interviews were conducted with respondents aged 65 or older. These interviews provided the basis for three different themes that were analyzed. The study reveals that older individuals strongly associate the use of BankID with their home environment for security reasons. This connection indicates their serious commitment to digital security but may potentially widen the digitalgap between older and younger generations. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between security and inclusion to ensure that respondents do not miss out on digital opportunities. The results underscore the need to improve the userfriendliness and clarity of BankID to enhance digital competence and reduce digital exclusion. / Digitisering präglar samhället där tjänster som innan har skötts analogt nu han-teras digitalt. Pandemin COVID- 19 har agerat som en “katalysator” för ökande digitala tjänster. Detta har bidragit till den digital klyfta mellan individer som kan utnyttja digitala tjänster och de som inte kan. Reduceringen av den digitala ojämlikheten är väsentlig för att utveckla det digitala samhället på ett hållbart sätt. En studie om digitalt utanförskap med syfte att undersöka betydelse av BankID för invånare. Arbetet analyser vetenskapliga artiklar utifrån antagande som formulerades med hjälp av forskning inom området. Forskningsfrågan som studien syftar att besvara är “På vilket sätt riskerar BankID att vara ett socialt exkluderande verktyg”. Tolv intervjuer utfördes med respondenter som är 65 år eller äldre. Dessa intervjuer lägger underlag för tre olika teman som analyseras. Studien visar att äldre starkt relaterar användningen av BankID till deras hemmiljö av säkerhetsskäl. Denna koppling visar att de tar sin digitala säkerhet på allvar men kan potentiellt öka den digitala klyftan mellan äldre och yngre generationer. Sammanfattningsvis dras slutsatsen att balansen mellan säkerhet och inkludering är avgörande för att respondenterna inte ska missa digitala möjligheter. Resultatet understryker vikten av att förbättra användarvänligheten och tydligheten kring BankID för att öka digitala kompetensen och minska digitalt utanför-skap