Libraries urged to participate in annual study on Internet use in libraries

Contact: Larra Clark


ORS Project Manager


312-280-2129


lclark@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


October 7, 2008

(CHICAGO) The American Library Association (ALA) is encouraging all public libraries to participate in the 2008-2009 Public Library Funding & Technology Access online survey. The survey provides an important opportunity for libraries to share information on their computer and Internet resources and infrastructure, as well as funding, technology training and other public library roles as public access technology centers in their communities.

The current year’s online survey, available at
http://www.plinternetsurvey.org, will be available through Nov. 7.

“Many state libraries use these data for peer comparison, budget requests, advocacy, testimony before legislative bodies and much more,” said Denise M. Davis, director, ALA Office for Research & Statistics. “We also used findings in Congressional testimony and media outreach just last month. A high survey response rate is critical for such uses to continue.

“I hope all public libraries will log on and help us create the most complete picture possible of technology in our nation’s public libraries. Our thanks also to all the libraries that already have completed the survey.”

The study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ALA, continues work begun by John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. McClure in 1994. It provides important information for policymakers, ALA and library advocates regarding public library Internet and public computing needs and issues.

More information, including results from last year’s study, is available online at
http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding. For any questions regarding the survey, please contact
support@plinternetsurvey.org or (850) 645-2197.