ALA 2010: Study Shows Job Search Support Now Seen as Top Value of Public Access Computing
By Norman Oder, LJ Jun 26, 2010"It used to be that supporting K-12 education was the most important function" of public access computing at the library, Larry Clark, project manager of the American Library Association's (ALA) Office of Research and Statistics, said this morning. "This year, for the first time, libraries told us the important function was help for job-seekers, followed by access to online government information."
Clark, speaking at an ALA Washington Office update, reported on the annual Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study conducted by ALA and the Center for Library & Information Innovation at the University of Maryland and funded by ALA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Clark, speaking at an ALA Washington Office update, reported on the annual Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study conducted by ALA and the Center for Library & Information Innovation at the University of Maryland and funded by ALA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The increased demand by job seekers and those trying to access government programs (e.g., unemployment insurance, tax forms, Medicare), however, may not be met, given that 15 percent of libraries reported reduced hours last year; that number increased to 25 percent for urban libraries.
ALA comment
"Healthy public libraries play a vital role in ensuring digital opportunity for all," said ALA President Camila Alire, in a press release. "This report is a message to elected leaders as they balance budgets: today's libraries are an essential service for accessing workforce and government services."
She continued: "Whether you are a laid-off factory worker using a computer for the first time or a tech-savvy entrepreneur using library databases for market research, libraries connect people of all backgrounds to the resources they need."
According to the study, one in five libraries are partnering with other government and nonprofit agencies to provide e-government services.
"Healthy public libraries play a vital role in ensuring digital opportunity for all," said ALA President Camila Alire, in a press release. "This report is a message to elected leaders as they balance budgets: today's libraries are an essential service for accessing workforce and government services."
She continued: "Whether you are a laid-off factory worker using a computer for the first time or a tech-savvy entrepreneur using library databases for market research, libraries connect people of all backgrounds to the resources they need."
According to the study, one in five libraries are partnering with other government and nonprofit agencies to provide e-government services.
Libraries in the lead
Libraries still play a crucial role in their communities. Clarke note that 67 percent of libraries reported that they are the only providers of free public access in their communities; that figure increases to 73 percent when it comes to rural libraries.
"The vast majority of libraries [76 percent] told us public use of technology increased in 2009," Clark said. While that result is no surprise, it's proof of anecdotal evidence.
Some 89 percent of libraries offer formal or informal technology training, the equivalent, as one library director reported, of basic literacy training.
Connection speeds increase
While connectivity speed remains a challenge, given increasing demands for and use of broadband-a focus of federal stimulus legislation-some improvements are beginning to be noted.
"The majority of libraries now tell us their connection speed is greater than 1.5 [MBS]," Clark said. About a quarter of libraries reported that they improved their connection speeds last year.
While some 57 percent of urban libraries how have a fiber connection, that percentage decreases to 18 percent for rural communities.
Wi-Fi boosted
Just as Wi-Fi access has become nearly ubiquitous in society, so libraries have adapted. While four years ago only 37 percent of libraries offered Wi-Fi access, now 82 percent do.
Libraries still play a crucial role in their communities. Clarke note that 67 percent of libraries reported that they are the only providers of free public access in their communities; that figure increases to 73 percent when it comes to rural libraries.
"The vast majority of libraries [76 percent] told us public use of technology increased in 2009," Clark said. While that result is no surprise, it's proof of anecdotal evidence.
Some 89 percent of libraries offer formal or informal technology training, the equivalent, as one library director reported, of basic literacy training.
Connection speeds increase
While connectivity speed remains a challenge, given increasing demands for and use of broadband-a focus of federal stimulus legislation-some improvements are beginning to be noted.
"The majority of libraries now tell us their connection speed is greater than 1.5 [MBS]," Clark said. About a quarter of libraries reported that they improved their connection speeds last year.
While some 57 percent of urban libraries how have a fiber connection, that percentage decreases to 18 percent for rural communities.
Wi-Fi boosted
Just as Wi-Fi access has become nearly ubiquitous in society, so libraries have adapted. While four years ago only 37 percent of libraries offered Wi-Fi access, now 82 percent do.
Visit ALA Annual Conference News for ongoing coverage of the conference by the editors of Library Journal and School Library Journal.
