Through its public computer labs, Linebaugh Public Library System provides Rutherford County citizens an essential connection to employment opportunities, health and educational information, and community.
A new nationwide study reveals that in 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to meet their informational and employment needs.
The study, conducted by the University of Washington Information School, shows that nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older – roughly 77 million people – used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year. The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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. Overall, 44 percent of people living below the federal poverty line used computers and the Internet at their public libraries. Additionally, half of the nation’s 14- to 18-year-olds reported that they used a library computer during the past year, typically to do school homework.
“This study proves what we at the library already knew to be true: in this technologically driven age, there is still a strong need for the library to provide access to knowledge and opportunities through information technology,” said LPLS Director Rita Shacklett. “We have heard so many stories from our computer users about how their participation in a class helped them to make connections, learn or enhance their employment skills, and apply for jobs.”
Last year, computer use topped 170,000 for free, high-speed access to the Internet, Microsoft Office software, and children’s educational games throughout LPLS libraries. About 1,500 people attended one of the library’s free computer classes, which cover using the Internet and Microsoft Office programs, as well as job skills classes and resume assistance.
“People from all walks of life use library computers to perform routine and life-changing tasks, from emailing friends to finding jobs,” said Michael Crandall, senior lecturer and chair of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School. “More than three-quarters of those who used the library Internet connections had access at home, work, or elsewhere. Often times, they needed a faster connection, assistance from a librarian, or temporary access in an emergency.”
The study showed that the use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health, and making community connections. In the last year:
• 40 percent of library computer users (an estimated 30 million people) received help with career needs. Among these users, 75 percent reported they searched for a job online. Half of these users filled out an online application or submitted a resume.
• 37 percent focused on health issues. The vast majority of these users (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. Of these, about half followed up by making appointments for care.
• 42 percent received help with educational needs. Among these users, 37 percent (an estimated 12 million students) used their local library computer to do homework for a class.
• Library computers linked patrons to their government, communities, and civic organizations. Sixty-percent of users – 43.3 million people – used a library’s computer resources to connect with others.
Unfortunately, like many public libraries, LPLS’s public access computers cannot provide adequate access needed to meet patron demand. People are often waiting for their turn to use a computer, Shacklett said, and computer classes are generally taught by volunteers, because there are not enough staff available. Currently LPLS has a total of 75 computers available for public access, 21 of which were replaced this year with grant funds from the Christy Houston Foundation.
“We rely heavily on grants to provide additional computer stations and replace aging ones. Were it not for the generosity of local foundations such as Christy Houston and national groups such as the Gates Foundation, we would not be in the position to provide the services we currently offer,” Shacklett said.
“Library technology services have created opportunity for millions of Americans, but public libraries struggle to replace aging computer workstations and increase the speed of their Internet connections,” said Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “This study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn’t keep pace with demand.”
Based on the study, the University of Washington has released a report titled Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries. The report’s findings draw from nearly 50,000 surveys – including 3,175 from a national telephone survey and 44,881 web survey responses – from patrons of more than 400 public libraries across the country. The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact.
Linebaugh Public Library System has two branches in Murfreesboro, branches in Eagleville and Smyrna, and a Bookmobile. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit www.linebaugh.org. |
Email
Print
Digg
Facebook
MySpace
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!