FW: [syscon-tx] FW: [ALA-WO:315] New Study: Today's Public LibrariesAre Thriving Technology Hubs

[Laurie Mahaffey]

From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Wendy Clark Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:19 AM To: Syscon-Tx (E-mail) Subject: [syscon-tx] FW: [ALA-WO:315] New Study: Today's Public LibrariesAre Thriving Technology Hubs   FYI -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of ALAWASH E-MAIL Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 9:56 AM To: ALA Washington Office Newsline Subject: [ALA-WO:315] New Study: Today's Public Libraries Are Thriving Technology Hubs If you are unable to view this newsletter, please cut and paste this URL into your web browser: http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washnews/news.htm. American Library Association Washington Office Newsline ALAWON Volume 15, Number 098 September 27, 2006     New Study: Today’s Public Libraries Are Thriving Technology Hubs That Millions Rely on for First or Only Choice for Internet Access A national report released yesterday -- titled Public Libraries and the Internet 2006 -- revealed that 99 percent of all U.S. public libraries provide free public access to computers wired to the Internet, compared to 25 percent 10 years ago. Librarians overwhelmingly (71 percent) report that the most important impact of this service is providing Internet access to those who otherwise would not have it. This is the first time that impact has been quantified on a national scale. The report also revealed that despite increased demand for library computers, libraries typically have not seen a corresponding increase in budgets and many are challenged to provide enough computers or fast-enough connection speeds to meet demand. The study was conducted by the Information Use Management and Policy Institute at Florida State University (FSU) and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Library Association. To read the study, please download here (PDF) or visit the Office for Information Technology. Click here or the logo above to: Jump to ALA's Legislative Action Center See what library legislation is hot Send a letter or fax to Congress U.S. Capitol switchboard 202-225-3121 Other News: AASL and Dollar General present 20 Beyond Words grants ALAWON Editor: Andy Bridges To subscribe or unsubscribe, please click here. All materials subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be reprinted or redistributed for noncommercial purposes with appropriate credits. ALA Washington Office Emily Sheketoff, Executive Director 1615 New Hampshire Ave NW, First Floor Washington, D.C. 20009 202.628.8410 (V) 202.628.8419 (F) Office of Government Relations Lynne Bradley, Director; Melanie Anderson, Don Essex, Erin Haggerty, and Miriam Nisbet Office for Information Technology Policy Rick Weingarten, Director; Carrie Lowe, Kathy Mitchell, Carrie Russell