Reduce the digital divide in China: From the perspective of public library constructions

While numerous scholars have delved into strategies for mitigating the digital divide, few have proposed actionable methods. This paper builds upon prior research by empirically assessing whether the construction of public libraries contributes to reducing the second- and third-order digital divides in China. Additionally, we evaluate the effectiveness of bolstering physical infrastructure resources versus increasing information-sharing activities in narrowing this divide. Utilizing data from CSMAR, we employ regression models and super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models to analyze the impact. Our findings reveal that while public library construction positively impacts the third-order digital divide, it has no significant effect on the second-order digital divide. Moreover, augmenting physical infrastructure resources demonstrates a stronger efficacy. Notably, the number of provinces with efficiency values above 1 exhibits an upward trend from 2013 to 2019, signaling increased governmental emphasis on public library construction. These empirical results offer valuable insights, prompting a reassessment of the role of public library constructions in addressing various levels of the digital divide.