One-Third of Americans Use Library Computers

The Associated Press has reported that one third of Americans 14 and older (about 77 million people) use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives, according to a new study released March 25. The study, conducted by the University of Washington and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, found that library use by the general public is widespread and that one in four Americans use public library computers while traveling.

The researchers were intrigued to find that people across all age and ethnic groups used library computers, said Michael Crandall, one of the principal authors of the study and chairman of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School.

Some of the findings were surprising, Crandall said. "In the health area, over 80% of the users said they made a change in their diet after using library computers," he reported. The most unexpected finding is that two out of three people who use library computers said they are using the computers to help friends or family, such as scanning job databases or looking up information for others. "In terms of library services, we're deeply undercounting," he said, referring to the others benefiting from library computer searches conducted on their behalf.

Troy Public Library patrons were among the 45,000 able to participate in the on-line survey last May through the library's website.

How Do You Use Computers in Libraries?

The Troy Library is participating in a nationwide Internet survey to find out how people use the computers and Internet connections in public libraries. The U.S. IMPACT web survey is being conducted by the University of Washington Information School with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Until now, there has been no nationwide research about how library computing services fit into peoples’ lives. How many use computers for entertainment? How many to find jobs? Stay connected with family and friends? Find health information? In addition, how many people have taken computer classes offered by a public library? Have they been valuable?

The goal of the study is to collect data about the ways computers in public libraries help people across the United States. This information will be used to improve these services and to inform policy makers about how best to fund and support them. In these hard economic times, this information will be invaluable.

You can access the survey by going to our website and clicking on the purple and white “Take Our Survey” icon in the middle of the page. The survey is completely anonymous and takes 10 to 15 minutes to fill out. It closes May 18.

For more information, visit the IMPACT website.