Issues Briefs

The Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study gathers a wide range of data related to computer and Internet access in U.S. public libraries – including the number of computers, barriers to high-speed Internet access, Internet services and trainings available, and funding for technology.

The Study research team is developing and publishing topical briefs related to issues affecting communities’ access to technology in our public libraries. These documents are not intended to be comprehensive but rather to share key findings from the largest and longest-running study of Internet connectivity in libraries. 

Library staff are encouraged to use these briefing papers as educational tools with community stakeholders, including elected officials, funders and program partners, as needed to raise awareness of the specific – and sometimes unique – concerns of libraries around technology deployment. Staff may also use this format as a template for providing local data and examples related to a given topic. 

The research team also invites your feedback about future topics we should consider and additional tools that would be useful in raising awareness around your library’s technology needs. Send comments or questions to Judy Hoffman. To request an original PDF be e-mailed to you, e-mail Caroline Jewell.

Issues Briefs

Job-Seeking in US Public Libraries page (updated June 2011)

More employers – from grocery stores to casinos to state governments – require people to apply for jobs online. Americans are depending on libraries not only for free access to computers and the Internet, but also for the assistance and training library staff offer every day.

The Job-seeking in U.S. Public Libraries page discusses the range of library resources available to job seekers and challenges to maintaining these services, along with related links to outside sources.

U.S. Public Libraries and E-Government Services ( .pdf; updated June 2011)

U.S. public libraries are the front lines of connecting people with essential government resources – including unemployment benefits, federal and state emergency assistance, tax filing and more.

"U.S. Public Libraries and E-Government Services" describes the increased use of online government information and services, the critical role of public libraries in helping provide access and assistance using these resources and the challenges that must be addressed to improve e-government at the local, state and federal level.

Previously published issues briefs are in the Issues Briefs Archive, 2008-2010.

More issues briefs are available from our research partners at the Information Policy & Access Center at the University of Maryland:

Broadband
Community Access
Digital Literacy
E-government
Employment

Contact the Office for Research & Statistics for questions about content on this page.