Study: Internet Access at Libraries Crucial, but Lagging

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 9/19/2007

We already knew, based on preliminary results from the 2007 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, that public libraries face challenges in providing sufficient workstations and bandwidth to meet the needs of users. The study, now released, reinforces to the importance of free Internet in communities around the country, supporting online educational resources and databases for K-12 students (cited by 67.7 percent of library respondents); services for job seekers (44 percent); and computer and Internet skills training (29.8 percent).

The study, officially called "Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2006-2007," was conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Information Use Management and Policy Institute at Florida State University (FSU). It was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ALA. 

Workstations and bandwith

While nearly all public libraries offer free public Internet access, the libraries are stretched; more than half have no plans to add computers in the coming year and say Internet access speeds are inadequate. One library, for example, blocked access to the graphics- and media-heavy "March Madness" college basketball web site after its use crashed the library’s network.

Access remains vital; for example, staff in several Las Vegas-area libraries said the libraries were inundated when a new casino that opened required all job applicants to apply online—and check their e-mail frequently. In both Nevada and Delaware residents are encouraged to go to their local libraries and apply online for state government jobs.

Some 76 percent of respondents said that space problems limit their capacity to add computers. While some libraries have begun to provide laptops to patrons, they remain a minority; only 7 percent of libraries, the study says, are buying laptops instead of desktop computers.

Budget challenges

Also, 31 percent cited the availability of electrical outlets, cabling, or other infrastructure issues as factors hindering adding computers. Flat operating budgets also have cut into upgrades. Libraries are still shifting expenses away from collections to cover increased expenditures in staffing, utilities, library programs, and technology—and it’s difficult to restore such revenue.

While local funding is the primary source of fiscal support for IT staff and staff training, that means that many libraries, their budgets stretched, say they have inadequate or no dedicated IT staff. The study recommends that library advocates, organizations, agencies, and other interested parties work on issues of sustainable funding, continued training, expanded Internet service, building design, and overall government policy toward libraries. The study was based on surveys from more than 4000 public libraries, more than 40 Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and focus groups and site visits in Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, and Utah.