ALA study shows libraries are often the only place for free Internet
Despite nationwide budget cuts, public libraries continue to be the go-to place, if not the only place, for Americans to access computers and high-speed Internet for free.
A recent study conducted by one of our partners, the American Library Association, affirms that virtually every U.S. public library now provides public access to computers and the Internet. More important, the study shows that about two-thirds of these libraries are also the only free Internet access point in their communities.
The role of public Internet access becomes increasingly important in light of the recession, as more and more unemployed individuals utilize broadband-enabled job search engines. In fact, 73.6 percent of the libraries surveyed told researches that their most important function was to provide aid to job seekers.
To meet increasing demands, the average number of computers in each branch has grown to 14.2, up from 11 per branch only a year ago. Also, 82 percent of libraries also provide wireless Internet access.
This comes at a time of extensive public-sector budget cuts. Though some technology-related expenditures seem to have escaped reductions, for now, 26.6 percent of libraries expect their operating budgets to decrease (only 13.3 percent expect budgets to increase).
But, as the study's authors argue, the need for an increase in financial support becomes even more important. Job seekers not only need access to computers, but also time and training to develop their basic computer and Internet literacy to meet increasingly competitive employment requirements.
The study supports Speed Matters' growing grassroots movement to bring free, convenient, high-speed Internet access to all Americans, as well as the National Broadband Plan's call to bring 1GB of bandwidth to "anchor institutions" such as public libraries.
Libraries connect communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2009-2010
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