Small Town News

Libraries: connecting the community to the world

---

CHECK IT OUT

When you go to the Kyle Community Library, does it seem as though the computers are busier than they used to be? When you bring your laptop to the library to take advantage of the free wireless connection, is it harder to nab one of the prime spots by an electrical oudet? If so, it's not your imagination. And it's happening all over the country.

In 2002, there were 2,995 uses of the public access computers at the Kyle Community Library. In 2009, the library's public access computers were used 31,200 times. In 1996, only 28 percent of libraries offered Internet access. Today, almost all public libraries offer visitors free access to computers and the Internet. Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older (approximately .77 million people) used library computers and Internet access in the past year. In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments and connect with their communities.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services (IMLS) funded a recently-released report entided Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries. The report is based on the first large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives.

Low-income adults are more likely to rely on the public library as their sole access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. Forty-four percent of people living below the federal poverty line used computers and the Internet at their public libraries.

All age groups use library computers and Internet access, but teenagers are the most active users. Half the nation's 14- to 18-year-olds reported that they used a library computer during the past year, typically to do school homework. More than three-quarters of those who used the library Internet connections had access at home, work or elsewhere. Often they needed a faster connection, assistance from a librarian or temporary access in an emergency.

The use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health and making community connections. In the last 12 months:

Forty percent of library computer users (an estimated 30 million people) received help with career needs. Among these, 75 percent reported they searched for a job online. Half these users filled out an online application or submitted a resume\

Thirty-seven percent focused on health issues, 82 percent logged on to learn about a disease, illness, or medical condition. One-third of these users sought out doctors or health care providers.

Forty-two percent received help with educational needs. Among these users, 37 percent (an estimated 12 million students) used their local library computer to do class homework.

Sixty percent of users (43.3 million people) used a library's computer resources to link to their government, communities and civic organizations.

"There is no ambiguity in these numbers. Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge and opportunities," said Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. "Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services."

Come by the Kyle Community Library and be part of the library technology trend. Bring your laptop and use the library's free wireless connection or sign up for one of the 19 computers with Internet access. If you're in the job market, ask library staff about free access to Resume-Maker software. We'll be glad to help you make the right connections.



Copyright 2010 The Free Press, Buda, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Free Press Buda, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from The Free Press