Issues Briefs
"The issue briefs are well-written and easy to use. I have been able to pull out the data I need and relate it to my local advocacy efforts," Sari Feldman, director of Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library and president of the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of ALA. "Study data is critical to telling our library stories effectively."
The Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study gathers a wide range of data related to computer and Internet access in U.S. public libraries – including the number of computers, barriers to high-speed Internet access, Internet services and trainings available, and funding for technology.
The Study research team is developing and publishing topical briefs related to issues affecting communities’ access to technology in our public libraries. These documents are not intended to be comprehensive but rather to share key findings from the largest and longest-running study of Internet connectivity in libraries.
Library staff are encouraged to use these briefing papers as educational tools with community stakeholders, including elected officials, funders and program partners, as needed to raise awareness of the specific – and sometimes unique – concerns of libraries around technology deployment. Staff may also use this format as a template for providing local data and examples related to a given topic. For more ways to use the issues briefs, please read our usage guide.
The research team also invites your feedback about future topics we should consider and additional tools that would be useful in raising awareness around your library’s technology needs. Send comments or questions to Larra Clark. To request an original PDF be emailed to you, email Caroline Jewell.
Issues Briefs
U.S. Public Libraries and E-Government Services - (.pdf; published in June 2009)
U.S. public libraries are on the front lines of connecting people with essential government resources – including unemployment benefits, federal and state emergency assistance, tax filing and more.
"U.S. Public Libraries and E-Government Services" describes the increased use of online government information and services, the critical role of public libraries in helping provide access and assistance using these resources and the challenges that must be addressed to improve e-government at the local, state and federal level.
Supporting Learners in Public Libraries (.pdf; updated October 2009. Published March 2009)
The public library is a key agency in supporting the educational and learning needs of every person in the community. Libraries offer vital resources for early literacy development, homework help, homeschool families, continuing education and lifelong avocations.
"Supporting Learners in U.S. Public Libraries" outlines many of the technology resources public libraries provide learners of all ages, challenges libraries face in meeting growing demand, and describes how sustained funding enables public libraries to offer increased assistance and services to their communities.
Job-Seeking in US Public Libraries (.pdf; updated October 2009. Published February 2009)
Library staff in 10 states report increased use of library computers for job-seeking as more and more employers – from grocery stores to casinos to state governments – require people to apply for jobs online. Americans are depending on libraries not only for free access to computers and the Internet, but also for the assistance and training library staff offer every day.
"Job-seeking in U.S. Public Libraries" discusses the range of library resources available to job seekers and challenges to maintaining these services.
Internet Connectivity in U.S. Public Libraries (.pdf; updated October 2009. Published April 2008)
Today’s public libraries are thriving technology hubs that millions rely on for Internet access. In addition to providing free access to computers and the Internet, the majority of public libraries offer Wi-fi access, digital reference and downloadable media. As online services and programs become more sophisticated, the need for higher Internet access speeds for libraries grows.
"Internet Connectivity in U.S. Public Libraries" describes the varied opportunities and obstacles facing libraries in acquiring and providing high-speed Internet access in rural, suburban and urban libraries.
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