Spotlight on Digital Media And Learning

3.31.10 | A new report reveals several surprising facts about how much Americans, and especially young and low-income Americans, rely on public libraries for internet access—and the educational (as well as socio-economic) benefits that come along with it.

The report, “Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries,” was based on a first-of-its-kind study conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Overall, it found that 77 million Americans—32 percent of the U.S. population—use public library computers and internet access. A much higher percentage of people below the the poverty line—44 percent—rely on it.

Among the key conclusions (PDF) about the impact on education:

* While social networking was the most popular use of the internet at public libraries, education was a strong second—especially for young adults from low-income households: Among young adults age 14 to 24 in households below the federal poverty line, 61 percent used public library computers and the internet for educational purposes.

* Young adults in general are the heaviest users of internet access at public libraries: Nearly half of all 14- to 18-year-olds (an estimated 11.8 million users) reported using a library computer during the last year, and 25 percent of that group did so at least once a week. Teenagers reported that one of the most common uses of library computers was to do homework.

* More than 32 million visitors use library computers for a variety of educational activities, including searching for and applying to GED and graduate programs, completing online courses and tests, and applying for financial aid. More than half of library patrons who used library computers to seek financial aid received funding.

“There is no ambiguity in these numbers,” said Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge, and opportunities. Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services.”

The executive summary (PDF) also includes key points about the role of librarians:

Librarians enhance the computing and Internet experience. The availability of the Internet at the library coupled with the vast number of online transactions has expanded the librarian’s job and mission, creating a new set of opportunities and service challenges. Librarians have begun serving as informal job coaches, college counselors, test monitors, and technology trainers for the growing number of patrons navigating government aid, the job market, and all levels of education on library computers.

Many librarians have embraced this change as a natural extension of their role as highly trained information guides. They now offer beginning and advanced computer classes, host job training seminars, and provide countless patrons one-on-one computer training. Overall, two-thirds of people who used library computers received help from library staff or volunteers on computer or wireless network issues.

A principal at an Oakland high school, quoted in the executive summary, puts the study in a real-world context: “100 percent of our graduates are accepted to college … We work with largely disadvantaged and at-risk youth, and they don’t have computers at home, so they come here to the library. They [the students] get support here. The librarians help them attain the online and print materials they need.”

This seems as good a time as any to point to this short video by librarian Bobbi L. Newman, who advocates that libraries should focus on transliteracy—educating patrons on how to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media. Learn more at Libraries and Transliteracy.

Related: Read more about Libraries’ Role in Promoting 21st Century Skills on Spotlight. And watch this video about the Chicago Public Library’s new YouMedia space for teens.