Despite only 20% of public libraries reporting an adequate supply of PCs — and some patrons waiting up to 90 minutes for access — the majority of librarians say they have no plans to buy more machines, a new study shows.
The “whys” are as complicated as the need is obvious, but they begin where you would expect: money.
The Associated Press reports:
For many library systems, the buildings simply do not have enough room, and their electrical wiring couldn’t deliver the required power. Others are already struggling to stay open, buy books and encourage youths to read.
“We have this entirely brand new service coming to libraries, but the funding has not recognized that,” said Kathleen Reif, director of the St. Mary’s County Library in Leonardtown, Md.
As a result, 58% of those surveyed by the American Library Association say they do not intend to add PCs.
Some may believe that libraries should focus on books and leave the Internet alone, but that argument is both shortsighted and over: Three-quarters of those libraries surveyed say they are the only source of free Internet access in their community … and an amazing 100 percent say they’re already providing ‘Net services.
Those of us who live with relatively cheap and/or employer-provided broadband at our fingertips would do well to remember that we enjoy a privileged perch that others can only crane their necks to see. And the stakes for those people are high. From an ALA press release:
A growing number of U.S. employers are recruiting online. Nearly three-quarters (70 percent) of the top 100 U.S. retailers accept online applications for hourly positions, up from 41 percent in 2004, and 16 percent only accept online applications, according to a 2006 study from Taleo Research, which analyzes best practices and economics of human resources management.
“Today, most businesses and organizations use the Internet as a primary method of finding and interacting with job applicants,” said Alice Snell, vice president of Taleo Research. “But I frequently hear from retailers concerned that potential applicants may not be able to apply for jobs online because they lack Internet access. One of the things I tell them is that all public libraries offer free access to computers and online information.”
Among the surveys other findings:
Some 17% of those polled plan to add wireless capabilities in the next year, which would mean that patrons of 7 in 10 libraries could then bring their own laptops when they visit.
The “most critical” Internet services for patrons are educational resources for schoolchildren, job information and technical skills training.
Half report their Internet connections are too slow.
The survey was sponsored in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has made bridging the digital divide a priority.
Bottom line: Be like Bill on this one; support your local library.
