Survey Shows Library Tech is Critical
Since their inception, libraries have been a cornerstone of their communities. In recent years, the role of the library in citizens’ daily lives is changing and while paper books are still a major mission of the library, access to technology has become an essential part of that mission.
Librarians have known for some time how important access to technology is, but the St. Mary’s County Library took a survey in March to get quantifiable data on just how important. A staggering 946 people took part in the survey, and it revealed that 87 percent of the people who use the Internet at the library have access to the Internet at home, school, or work but still choose to use the library’s technology.
So even as things are changing in homes, the library offers critical resources and services. Of those surveyed, 9 percent said they have no alternative access to the Internet outside of the library, and of that group, 46 percent are classified as low-income.
All branches of the St. Mary’s County Library make free access to computers and the Internet available. Patrons can use the technology to check email, work on homework, do research, and surf the Internet. There are 123 computers in the system, wireless Internet for those using their own devices like phones, laptops, or tablets, and assistance for all members of the community.
The survey showed that 75 percent of the respondents have used the library’s wireless network or a public access computer in the past year. Forty-eight percent of the respondents said the public access computers and internet are important or very important to them personally, and 86 percent said the tools are important resources in the community.
26% of users said they had used public access technology for employment needs.
20% of users searched for a job online.
13% applied for a job.
35% used public technology for educational activities.
23% completed coursework or homework.
25% got information on health and wellness topics.
16% of users reported learning about diet or nutrition; of those, 15% made a change to their diet.
35% of users reported using library resources to stay in touch with family and friends and to build and maintain social networks.
55% of users also got help from a librarian.
These are only a few of the impacts from the library’s public technology access and training. One lucky winner, Rebecca Watts, won a Kindle Fire for participating in the survey. To read a summary of the survey results, click here.
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