This
study presents national and state data gathered through three integrated
approaches: a national survey that collected information about public library
Internet connectivity, use, services, funding and sustainability issues; a
questionnaire sent to the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA); and
focus groups and site visits held in two states: Indiana and Wisconsin. The
study finds that America’s 16,592 public library buildings provide communities
of all sizes free access to computers and the Internet; formal classes and
informal staff assistance using these technology assets; a wide range of
Internet services including homework resources, digital reference and e-books;
and wireless access to the Internet.
Key findings include:
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Libraries serve a unique and
important role in providing free access to all types of information and
telecommunications services. Just over 71 percent of libraries report that they
are the only source of free access to computers and the Internet in their
communities. Library staff report an increase in the use of library computers
and Internet access for job-seeking and e-government purposes.
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In a time of widespread economic
turmoil, 14.3 percent of public libraries report decreased operating budgets in
FY2009. Only 38 percent of libraries report budget increases at or above the
rate of inflation. More than half (53 percent) of the state library agencies
that provide state funding to public libraries report declining state funding
in FY2009, according to questionnaires to the Chief Officers of State Library
Agencies (COSLA).
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Public libraries are investing in and
improving Internet access speeds, but they still find patron demands are
growing faster than their ability to increase bandwidth. Nearly 60 percent of
libraries report Internet connection speeds are insufficient to meet needs at
some point in the day. Achieving sufficiency of public access to computers and
the Internet is an elusive goal
Davis, D. M.,
Bertot, J. C., McClure, C. R., & Clark, L. (2010). Libraries connect
communities 3: Public library funding & technology access study. Chicago,
IL: American Library Association. http://www.ala.org/tools/sites/ala.org.tools/files/content/initiatives/plftas/previousstudies/0809/librariesconnectcommunities3.pdf
