Most libraries in an American Library Association survey say they have inadequate Internet speeds and not enough workstations. (American Library Association © 2009)
By Omar L. Gallaga
Just as some communities (namely Philadelphia) are staring down the barrel of a shutdown of their public libraries, a new report from the American Library Association reveals some interesting statistics about the state of technology and the nation's libraries. (You can find the entire 2008-2009 report here. It includes data from 6,111 library outlets which completed surveys.)
Among the most interesting findings:
- More than 71 percent of library outlets said they're the only provider of free public computer and Internet access in their communities.
- Job-seeking services rank as the most crucial service the library provides to its community at 66 percent of libraries, up from 44 percent in 2006-2007.
- 59.6 percent of libraries say their connectivity speed is insufficient all or part of the time to serve its patrons.
- 81 percent of libraries say they have insufficient availability of workstations some or all of the time.
categories: Law & Policy
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