The Institute's research related to Public Libraries & the
Internet encompasses over ten years of scholarship focusing on public
libraries in the networked environment. The Institute has mounted biennial
national surveys of public libraries to ascertain their levels of Internet
connectivity, the types of technology services and training they offer, how
technology is funded and a myriad of other issues. From these studies, the Institute
has produced numerous reports, articles, and other publications that detail
and analyze the data and findings.
The Institute is currently working on the 2007 study and expects preliminary results to be available in the summer of 2008. This annual national survey, together with other national studies in the sequential two years, focuses on probing how public libraries are connected to the Internet as well as the impact of funding changes on libraries’ connectivity and sustainability of computer services in public libraries. Results from the surveys are critical for national public library computing and telecommunications planning, policymaking, and state-based planning. Survey results assist in this national planning for library services development to take place.
Please visit the Public Libraries & the Internet website.