Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study Press Kit

Libraries Connect Communities : Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2009 – 2010, a new report released by the American Library Association (ALA), says libraries are serving as crucial technology hubs for people in need of free Web access, computer training, and assistance finding and using E-Government and job resources. [More]

The national study provides data on job and career resources, as well as tracking a significant jump in e-government use. From unemployment benefits to state tax forms, more government information and services are moving online, often without a print alternative. Responding to growing demand from people for assistance using these new forms of government services, nearly 79 percent of libraries (up from 54 percent one year ago) provide assistance to patrons applying or accessing government services, according to the report released today by the American Library Association

Key Findings

67 percent of libraries report they are the only provider of free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities.
Public computer and Wi-Fi use was up last year for more than 70 percent of all libraries;
89 percent of libraries provide formal or informal technology training, including classes in computer skills, software use and online job-seeking;
82 percent of libraries provide Wi-Fi access;
A majority of libraries offer Internet services ranging from subscription databases (95%) to online homework resources (88%) to ebooks (66%); and
66 percent of libraries provide assistance to patrons completing government forms.