Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, and Good Things Foundation, the UK's leading digital inclusion charity, have announced a new agreement that will see them work together more closely on fixing the digital divide.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at leveraging "each other's strength, voice, unique positioning, expertise, and reach to jointly explore and advance solutions to exclusion in a digital and AI age". The agreement commits both charities to working collaboratively on projects identified by library leaders and digital inclusion experts.

As well as providing free internet access and PC use, public libraries are a leading provider of digital skills support, often in partnership with charities and educational organisations. This role has been recognised by Lords Communications and Digital Committee, whose report on digital exclusion recommended greater investment in libraries as community-based digital inclusion hubs. Most recently, Build Digital UK's analysis of Get Online Week, which is the flagship annual digital inclusion campaign run by Good Things Foundation, stressed the importance of public libraries in collaborative work that seeks to close the digital divide.

The agreement builds on a history of partnership-working between Libraries Connected and Good Things Foundation, who last year published a joint report on libraries and digital inclusion. Many public libraries also benefit from the National Databank and National Device Bank run by Good Things Foundation, and deliver their free Learn My Way digital skills learning platform.

The organisations hope that the partnership will produce insights and evidence that can inform a future national strategy for digital inclusion. Sir Chris Bryant MP, who is the minister responsible for both public libraries and digital inclusion, recently stated that public libraries will be central to a "more coherent and effective strategy for digital inclusion".

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

"We’re hugely excited about this partnership and the new opportunities it will bring. Like Good Things Foundation, we’re committed to ensuring everyone can benefit from what’s available online. Libraries play a vital role in tackling digital exclusion, providing free access to computers, delivering digital skills training and supporting people to access digital services. This agreement brings that practical experience and community knowledge together with Good Things Foundation’s deep understanding of digital inclusion. By sharing and collaborating we hope to make an even bigger impact for the people that need it most."

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, said:

"This partnership between Libraries Connected and Good Things Foundation is a brilliant example of how collaboration can tackle digital exclusion head-on. By combining our strengths and expertise, we're creating opportunities to ensure everyone can benefit from the digital age."

"Public libraries play a vital role as community-based hubs for digital inclusion, and together, we can help more people access essential digital skills and services."

"Fixing the digital divide is at the heart of what we do, and partnerships like this enable us to deliver even greater impact, helping build a digitally inclusive future for all."