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The Impacts of Free Public Internet Access on Public Library Patrons and Communities
Abstract and Figures
Public libraries have evolved into a primary source of Internet access in many communities, generating wide-ranging impacts in the communities that public li-braries serve. Based on the findings of the 2007 Public Libraries and the Internet study, this article examines the ways in which the Internet access delivered by public libraries affects their communities. This article describes the public access tech-nology roles of public libraries and explores the relationships among community impacts, community expectations, and public policies related to libraries. The anal-ysis emphasizes the effects of future Internet platforms and applications and online communities on the community impacts. This article also examines ways in which to measure these impacts from other perspectives, including developing a means of assessing the users' perceptions of the impacts of public library Internet access in their own lives and in their communities.
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... This aligns with the concept of digital inclusion, which is essential for economic participation in the 21st century. According to Bertot, Jaeger, and McClure (2008), libraries play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing access to technology and digital literacy training. By offering these resources, libraries in Karanganyar Regency help individuals acquire the digital skills needed for the contemporary job market and entrepreneurial ventures (Bertot et al., 2008). ...
... According to Bertot, Jaeger, and McClure (2008), libraries play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing access to technology and digital literacy training. By offering these resources, libraries in Karanganyar Regency help individuals acquire the digital skills needed for the contemporary job market and entrepreneurial ventures (Bertot et al., 2008). ...
This research aims to explore the role of public libraries as incubators of social inclusion and entrepreneurship in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study method, focusing on public libraries in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, that have implemented social inclusion and entrepreneurship programs. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with librarians, program participants, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation and program document analysis. The data analysis followed the framework proposed by Miles and Huberman, which involves a systematic approach to qualitative data analysis, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results showed that libraries functioning as entrepreneurship incubators can effectively provide platforms for business training, technology access, and network development. These programs enhanced individual's skills and knowledge and drived local economic growth by creating new businesses and increasing employment opportunities. Additionally, library social inclusion initiatives boost community participation and engagement, strengthen social cohesion, and reduce inequality. The research concludes that public libraries in Karanganyar Regency have significant potential as agents of social change by integrating social inclusion and entrepreneurship programs. To optimize this role, adequate policy support, enhanced librarian competencies, and collaboration with various stakeholders are necessary. Thus, libraries can significantly contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly in quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.
... Public institutions, such as libraries and community centers, are also essential resources for improving digital literacy, especially in underserved or rural areas. Bertot et al. [74] argued that libraries are uniquely positioned to address the digital literacy gap by offering accessible educational programs and resources such as workshops on internet safety, online research techniques, and critical evaluation skills. These programs would provide access to digital tools that help individuals of all ages improve their digital skills [75]. ...
Definition: The advent of the internet has fundamentally transformed how people access and interact with information. The digital landscape offers easy access to educational materials and healthcare and can support informed decision making. It also presents significant challenges in effectively using this information. This entry discusses the multifaceted barriers that can impede individuals from fully benefiting from the internet's information resources. Key challenges include discerning between accuracy and misinformation, the uneven distribution of digital literacy, disparities in access to technology, and motivational barriers in seeking reliable information. Additionally, the growing involvement of artificial intelligence (AI) in content curation, regulation, and moderation introduces opportunities and ethical dilemmas. These factors complicate efforts to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of the information shared through digital platforms.
... Public libraries have long been the only or major means of gaining access to e-government services, education, and support in many nations throughout the world (Bertot, McClure, and Jaeger 2008). By the time the federal government started putting a great deal of attention into e-government in the late 1990s, public libraries had already developed the Internet infrastructure to act as the primary access point for e-government operations, communication, and information (Jaeger and Bertot 2011). ...
Bangladesh is trying to achieve Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 to put the country on a new, sustainable path of growth while also serving as a role model for other developing nations. With that goal in mind, the government is trying to introduce e-governance services in every
government sector. This study looks into user perspectives, obstacles, and suggestions for offering e-governance services through libraries and information centers. A proposed e-governance service delivery model for public libraries is also presented in this paper.
... It has evolved into an essential tool for accessing information and communication services along with e-commerce services that allow the purchase of goods and services. Public Internet access enables more significant ICT usage by facilitating the usage of population segments for whom affordability may be an issue, such as students and lower income groups [47]. Equitable access to information, communication, and government services is a significant characteristic of digital economies as it contributes to social and economic inclusion. ...
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the lives of persons with disabilities globally through opportunities for improved social inclusion. Technology enables persons with disabilities to access information, media, education, employment, and ICT-related assistive technologies. Decision makers must clearly understand the current state of available ICT products and services, their compliance with international accessibility standards, and their usage within the country to propose effective inclusive policies and legislations. This paper presents an e-readiness assessment tool (called MARSAD) created and implemented from 2019 to 2021 to identify factors that influence the adoption of ICT accessibility for people with disabilities in Qatar. It aims to measure the national ICT accessibility adoption rate and develop key recommendations to improve digital access for persons with disabilities to access digital platforms of various Qatari government and semi-government institutions. The tool was administered to 14 institutions in the domains of education and culture. It was found that participating institutions had considerable gaps in their ICT infrastructure to offer an inclusive digital environment, which is in line with the principles of sustainability and SDG 11, to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The participating institutions demonstrated a genuine willingness to invest in implementing the required changes based on the results acquired by conducting MARSAD. As a suggestion, the tool can be used as a foundation to conduct e-readiness assessment studies to offer accessible ICT products and services catering to the needs of persons with disabilities, women, children, and older persons.
... Дж. Бертот та інші вчені наголошували на особливій ролі публічних бібліотек США як інформаційно-навчальних осередків у житті місцевої громади. Дослідник у своїх статтях акцентував увагу на можливостях, які надає місцевій громаді та кожному окремому користувачеві безкоштовний доступ до інтернет-ресурсів у публічній бібліотеці, а також аналізував основні напрями використання iнтернету [14]. Чи не це, як доводить у своїх статтях С. Басов, є показником того, що публічні бібліотеки сприяють становленню розвинутого громадянського суспільства та зрілої демократії, і це, по суті, є їхньою новою громадянською місією [1]. ...
Problem setting. In the conditions of decentralization of public libraries activity appears the necessity of modernization and transformation library establishments into modern media centers based on which deepen the process of society consolidation on the regional level, occur the increasing of informative literacy and culture of the population. The aim of the article is to open the specific of public libraries activity as the media centers based on public libraries of the South of Ukraine experience. The methods of the research. The usage of the complex of general-scientific approaches (socio-cultural, socio-communicative, and systemic) and also the general-scientific methods promoted to reach the given purpose. The scientific novelty lies in proving the statement that the implementation of the reform of the local government system and administrative-territorial system in Ukraine had pushed the public libraries to the active transformation into "multicultural hubs" and democratic informative institutions. Specific examples of development and improvement of public libraries activity of the South of Ukraine were considered as the media centers: realization of the strategic plan of Odesa regional state administration activity on 2017-2019 the program "The clever region" were set up media centers which based on district and village libraries in Odesa region, was set up the "Youth space" as the cultural-informative project in the frames of The Odesa regional universal library activity; project of Kherson regional universal scientific M. Hrushevskyi library as the "Artistic highway", "Museum of book", "Local lore of Tavria", etc. Conclusions. In the new conditions the public libraries of the South of Ukraine, from one side, continue to store and translate the documentary memories of humankind with access to it for all members of the society, and from the other side, form the librarian web-space and apply poly-functional directions of work (from informative, educational activity to socio-cultural and leisure) which require the professional improvement of librarian workers in the process of master different communicative, playing, creative and develop technologies.
This study aims to explore librarians’ perspectives regarding the present status of public libraries and their activities to serve the community in Kuwait. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical method was used. A random sample of 262 librarians was chosen to answer 42 questions in a questionnaire that was divided into five dimensions: the role of public libraries (9 questions), the availability of information services (6 questions), using information technology (6 questions), library environment (7 questions), the administration and financial level (6 questions) and awareness of whole library activities (8 questions). The data were analysed using SPSS Statistics to calculate the estimate of the librarians’ responses and the significant statistical differences in their responses using General linear model. The study found a low level for all axes of the study, with statistically significant differences in the librarians' estimates due to the variable gender, age, educational qualification and number of years of experience. The study recommended the need to support libraries for users, especially with regard to providing advanced materials to meet a wide range of print and digital needs and providing the appropriate environment with a focus on awareness of library activities. The value of this study lies in exploring and understanding the perspectives of librarians, which is indispensable for improving services and resources offered by public libraries.
The general subject trends and emphasized points of Community Librarianship (CL) researches are not clear. According to reviewed papers, CL encompasses a wide range of social issues. This dispersion and diversity require presenting a comprehensive map of the thematic trends. The present study showed the concept of “social capital” is the underlying base for the literature of CL, which is the outcome of dialogue and interactive space of libraries. Also, historically, the related publications can be classified into five categories: 1) promoting the democratic culture and training informed and participating citizens 2) improving e-government; 3) library as a place for creating social capital; 4) sharing consumer health information; and 5) natural crises and disasters. The results of this study can show and reflect the “common good” of public libraries, that can effectively provide insight for librarians, attract policymakers’ support, and maintain the position and future of these libraries.
As knowledge workers, library staff are assumed to be highly autonomous, meaning that they are in control of how work is done. Yet, this work is heavily influenced by the expectations of others, and the expectation to take control can pressure staff to overwork. In this qualitative study, 13 public library staff members engaged in think-alouds (TAs) and semi-structured interviews (SSIs) aimed at uncovering potential misalignments between a staff member’s own prescriptive expectations for library work and the expectations of management, customers, colleagues, and technological and material artifacts. Findings suggest that public library staff have several expectations for how work will be done and, at times, want the freedom to control work in ways that match these expectations. They devise and implement defiance workarounds aimed at reinforcing their own expectations in the face of conflicting expectations from other system actors. Yet, autonomy is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond the mere need for control and, sometimes, giving up control meant that other needs were fulfilled. This study advances research on the nature of workplace autonomy and the active role of workers in its expression. This study also has implications for library management, as it suggests important considerations for shared autonomy and workplace relationships, as well as the need to engage in efforts aimed at shifting problematic expectations in the library work system.
The E-rate program has provided tremendous benefits to libraries, allowing many libraries and library systems to acquire technological equipment and services that would otherwise be too expensive, increasing the availability of public Internet access through libraries. This article analyzes the data related to the E-rate program and the discounts that it has provided to libraries and library systems between 2000 and 2004. By examining the E-rate data in a longitudinal manner, this article explores the trends in the application for and the provision of E-rate discounts to libraries and library consortia at national and state levels. The data suggest that, despite a number of controversies over the years, the program has provided a significant level of support for libraries and library consortia.
As public libraries are becoming e-government access points relied on by both patrons and government agencies, it is important for libraries to consider the implications of these roles. While providing e-government access serves to reinforce the tremendously important role of public libraries in the United States social infrastructure, it also creates new demands on libraries and opens up significant new opportunities. Drawing upon several different strands of research, this paper examines the nexus of public libraries, values, trust, and e-government, focusing on the ways in which the values of librarianship and the trust that communities place in their public libraries reinforce the role of public libraries in the provision of e-government. The unique values embraced by public libraries have not only shaped the missions of libraries, they have influenced popular opinion surrounding public libraries and fostered the confidence that communities place in them as a source of trusted information and assistance in finding information. As public libraries have embraced the provision of Internet access, these values and trust have become intertwined with their new social role as a public access point for e-government both in normal information activities and in the most extreme circumstances. This paper explores the intersections of these issues and the relation of the vital e-government role of public libraries to library funding, public policy, library and information science education, and research initiatives.
Drawing upon findings from a national survey of U.S. public libraries, this paper examines trends in Internet and public computing access in public libraries across states from 2004 to 2006. Based on library-supplied information about levels and types of Internet and public computing access, the authors offer insights into the net- work-based content and services that public libraries pro- vide. Examining data from 2004 to 2006 reveals trends and accomplishments in certain states and geographic regions. This paper details and discusses the data, identi- fies and analyzes issues related to Internet access, and suggests areas for future research.
Based on data collected as part of the 2006 Public Libraries and the Internet study, the authors assess the degree to which public libraries provide sufficient and quality bandwidth to support the library's networked services and resources. The topic is complex due to the arbitrary assignment of a number of kilobytes per sec- ond (kbps) used to define bandwidth. Such arbitrary definitions to describe bandwidth sufficiency and quality are not useful. Public libraries are indeed connected to the Internet and do provide public-access services and resources. It is, however, time to move beyond connectiv- ity type and speed questions and consider issues of band- width sufficiency, quality, and the range of networked services that should be available to the public from public libraries. A secondary, but important issue is the extent to which libraries, particularly in rural areas, have access to broadband telecommunications services.
of Maryland. His research spans library technology planning and evaluation, information and telecommunications policy, and E-Government. He has conducted a range of research broadly related to planning and evaluation of networked services. His publications focus on topics related to demonstrating the value of library services, E-Government, and telecommunications policy.
Public access to the Internet and computers is transforming public libraries into de facto e-government access points, for such disparate services as disaster relief, Medicare drug plans, and even benefits for children and families. This new role for public libraries is not just user-initiated. Government agencies now refer people to public libraries to receive both access to and assistance with online services. This article reports that this increased role for public libraries--often the only place for public Internet access with trained staff--has not been accompanied by additional funding. So, as libraries become valuable community access points to e-government services and resources, especially in post-hurricane emergency relief, their efforts as agents of e-government represent an unfunded mandate. The library community must respond with better training and education. However, government agencies that both fund libraries and rely on them for their public access computing and Internet access also must provide greater support.
In the aftermath of the 2004 and 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, public libraries played many important roles in their communities, though ensuring access to vital information may have been the most critical service. This article explores the participation of public libraries in the recovery of their communities, the implications of this involvement for the place of public libraries in society, and lessons learned and recommendations for public library disaster planning. As this article demonstrates, public libraries successfully provided a range of disaster preparedness and recovery services that were not provided and could not have been provided by other government agencies.
The provision of public Internet access and related networked services by public libraries is affected by a number of information policy issues. This article analyzes the policy dimensions of Internet connectivity in public libraries in light of the data and findings from a national survey of public libraries conducted by the authors of this article. After providing a summary of the study methodology and findings, this article examines key policy issues that include the nature of sufficient bandwidth and broadband, the perpetuation of the digital divide of Internet access in libraries, the role of libraries as e-government access points, the complexities of funding Internet access, the impacts and contradictions of filtering, and the chilling effect of homeland security legislation in public libraries. This article concludes with a discussion of how examining these policy issues can lead to a better understanding of public libraries and the Internet access they offer within the context of public policy.