Connected Nation, a facilitator of public-private partnerships to increase access to and use of broadband, conducted surveys in Tennessee and Ohio to better understand the role that libraries are playing in connecting communities. Their findings prove that libraries are indeed a central technology hub, particularly for those who are struggling economically and/or looking for jobs. Key results:
- Significant percentages of those who normally don’t subscribe to broadband are relying on the local library as their sole or primary Internet resource:
- 25 percent of single parents
- 25 percent of minorities
- 18 percent of low-income residents
- 11 percent of people with disabilities
- Library Internet users are significantly more likely than other Internet users (those who connect at home or elsewhere) to use a number of online applications related to workforce development and education, civic engagement and health care.
- Nearly half of library Internet users (46 percent) search for jobs online, compared to 29 percent of other Internet users.
- Library Internet users are significantly more likely than other Internet users to communicate online with local government officials (25 percent compared to 14 percent.)
- 28 percent of library Internet users communicate online with health care professionals, compared to 16 percent of other Internet users.
NextGenWeb had the opportunity to talk with Connected Nation’s Chief Policy Officer, Laura Taylor, about her organization, a recent ITIF paper on broadband adoption, and this new research on libraries. Watch the video below!
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