New Study Contrasts Public
Library and Internet Use
A survey of library and Internet users conducted in the spring by the Urban Libraries Council found that public libraries rated higher than the Web for accuracy of information, privacy and confidentiality, and professional assistance.
The Impacts of the Internet on Public Library Use survey, which was funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, also showed that libraries were used more frequently when patrons were spending time with or finding reading material for their children, looking for local history or genealogy, or seeking community services. On the other hand, users turned to the Internet for up-to-date consumer product information, daily news and weather, and job information.
“The data show that the relationship between public libraries and the Internet is very similar,” said ULC President Joey Rodger, “If you’re an information lover, you’re not going to choose one exclusively over the other—you’re going to use both.”
Other findings included: Both library and Internet use are directly related to educational attainment and annual household income, and there is no evidence that frequency of Internet use affects frequency of library use.
Posted November 6, 2000.
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