How does your library compare with the latest study on Internet and computer access at public libraries?

A recent report documents the results of a national study that provides the first large-scale investigation of free access to computers and the Internet in U.S. public libraries, specifically the ways library patrons use this service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. Which of these recent study results best describe Internet and computer use at your library? Internet access is now one of the most sought after public library services, and it is used by nearly half of all visitors. In 2009, 45 percent of the 169 million visitors to public libraries connected to the Internet using a library computer or wireless network during their visit, even though more than three quarters of these people had Internet access at home, work, or elsewhere. People of varying age, income, and experience utilize this service. Libraries offer a technological lifeline to children and families in need. Overall, 44 percent of people in households living below the federal poverty line ($22,000 a year for a family of four) used public library computers and Internet access. Among young adults (14–24 years of age) in households below the federal poverty line, 61 percent used public library computers and Internet for educational purposes. Among seniors (65 and older) living in poverty, 54 percent used public library computers for health or wellness needs. People of all ages, incomes, races, and levels of education go to the library for Internet access, whether they have a connection at home or not. Users turned to computers at the public library for a wide range of reasons, whether it was because they did not have access elsewhere, needed faster Internet speed, wanted technical help from a librarian, competed for access to a computer at home, or simply wanted to work somewhere more peaceful and inviting than a crowded coffee shop or a hectic unemployment office. Technology draws teens to the library. Young adults were among the most active, with nearly half of the nation’s 14 to 18 year olds (an estimated 11.8 million users) reporting they used a library computer during the last year, and one quarter did so once a week or more. Overall, people use library computers to perform both life-changing and routine tasks. For example, they used these resources to find work, apply to college, secure government benefits, and learn about critical medical treatments. They also used library computers to connect with family and friends, plan family outings, manage bank accounts, apply for permits, start local clubs, and read the daily newspaper. Patrons use library computers to help others in their community. Apart from addressing their own computing needs, nearly two-thirds of library computer users (63 percent) logged on to help others. Fifty-six percent reported helping friends or family with health matters, 46 percent helped find information on education and learning opportunities, and 37 percent helped friends or family find employment or career information. Public libraries provide access to government agencies that now offer many forms and services online. More than 26 million people used public library computers to get government or legal information or to access government services. Of these, 58 percent downloaded a government forms, such as Social Security paperwork, tax forms, and Medicare enrollment documents. Public libraries are extensions of the nation’s education system. Visitors reported using library computers for doing their homework, searching for and applying to GED and graduate programs, completing online courses and tests, and applying for financial aid. Librarians enhance the computing and Internet experience. Librarians have begun serving as informal job coaches, college counselors, test monitors, and technology trainers for the growing number of patrons navigating government aid, the job market, and all levels of education on library computers. They now offer beginning and advanced computer classes, host job training seminars, and provide countless patrons one-on-one computer training. The report’s findings are based on nearly 50,000 surveys—including 3,176 from a national telephone survey and 44,881 web survey responses—from patrons of more than 400 public libraries across the country. The report was issued by the University of Washington Information School and Institute of Museum and Library Services with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact. ******* As a side note, of the 223 public libraries in Nebraska reporting through Bibliostat Collect for the year 2007-2008, 213 (96%) of them provided free access to computers and the Internet and 155 (70%) of them offered free wireless Internet access. Public libraries in our state are indeed providing a vital service to Nebraskans, in many ways similar to the results outlined in this report. Please feel free to comment on how your library compares with the national findings.