Public libraries and the Internet, 2002: Internet connectivity and networked services

This study updated statistics about public library outlet and system Internet connectivity and network services using the 1997 public library dataset produced by the National Center for Education Statistics through the Federal-State Cooperative System. Using geographic information system-based techniques, a research team at the Florida State University geocoded 16.004 public library outlets in terms of their poverty (defined as less than 20%, 20%-40%, and greater than 40%) and metropolitan status (urban, suburban, and rural). From the 16,004 geocoded outlets, the consultants drew a sample of 1,500 outlets in proportion to their percentage in poverty and metropolitan status categories. Data collection occurred via a Web-based survey. Sixteen tables present survey findings in the following areas: (1) connectivity and public access; (2) Internet services provision and implementation; (3) public library system funding; (4) digital reference services; and (5) training services. The report concludes with a summary of findings and recommendations. A copy of the online survey form is appended.