Libraries connect communities

Abstract

Site visits to 63 public libraries as part of the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study revealed the numbers and diversity of people served and the multitude of uses powered by technology. Findings revealed that many libraries are increasingly turning to grants, fund-raising, and gifts to supplement public financing; cooperation is more important than ever; the impact of technology on library staff cannot be overestimated; and frontline staff are expressing concerns about their technical skills. Furthermore, interviews with library clients revealed that about two-thirds use library computers once a week or more; everyone agreed that it is important, even essential, for libraries to provide public access computing; people at libraries with more and newer computers expressed a higher level of satisfaction with their experience but users at less-well equipped libraries also expressed strong satisfaction; and the library's role in bridging the digital divide was evident everywhere.