معرفی
Dr. Brian Detlor is a Professor of Information Systems at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, where he has taught for over 21 years. His research program investigates the efficacy of community-based digital literacy training programs, with particular focus on older adults and marginalized populations.
- Professor of Information Systems at DeGroote School of Business
- Director of the Digital Transformation Research Centre (MDTRC)
- Recipient of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grants
- Conducts national surveys of public library-led digital literacy training
Dr. Detlor's research examines how community organizations can effectively deliver digital literacy training to populations facing technology barriers. His work combines case studies, interviews, document analysis, and national surveys to identify success factors including staff training, sustainable funding, reaching marginalized populations, and knowledge sharing between organizations. He has conducted research with public libraries and community organizations across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, with findings that have practical implications for improving digital literacy initiatives.
His publications reveal a clear progression from identifying digital divide challenges to developing conceptual frameworks for community-led training, examining specific barriers like ageism, and exploring innovative approaches such as mobile user experience labs and digital storytelling for cultural heritage preservation. This body of work demonstrates consistent focus on practical applications of information systems to address social challenges.
Scientific Recognition
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant recipient
- Partnership Development Grants for community engagement research
Dr. Detlor actively collaborates with community organizations to translate research into practice. His work with Hamilton Public Library on mobile digital literacy trailers exemplifies his commitment to practical solutions for reaching underserved populations like retirement residence residents. He has organized digital literacy summits that attracted significant community interest, demonstrating the relevance of his work to practitioners. His international collaborations with researchers in Finland, the U.S., and the U.K. aim to create knowledge networks for sharing best practices in community-led digital literacy training.
