EMPOWERING RURAL PRIMARY LEARNERS THROUGH CURATED DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

Abstract

Access to digital literacy and lifelong learning continues to present significant challenges for learners in rural communities. This study explores the efforts of the Pekik Nyaring Village Library in Bengkulu Tengah Regency, Indonesia, in supporting primary school students through the development of digital collections that are adapted to the local educational context. Guided by the framework provided by the Digital Curation Centre, the research examines how digital learning materials are selected, organized, and delivered to meet the specific needs of young learners in a rural environment. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with a village librarian, a primary school teacher, and a parent. These interviews aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the digital materials are used and to identify the barriers encountered during implementation. Early findings suggest that the presence of relevant and age-appropriate content, along with encouragement from the local school community, helps foster reading interest and strengthen digital literacy among students. However, challenges remain, particularly in relation to limited infrastructure and low levels of digital awareness among parents. The results of this study highlight the important role that village libraries can play in enhancing digital learning and promoting inclusive and sustainable education within rural communities.