Toward Equality of Access. The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide

摘要

Ninety-five percent of public libraries in the United States offer free access to computers and the Internet, often providing the only Internet access for residents of the nations poorest areas. This report evaluates the importance of these library-based computers in addressing the digital divide. Drawing from government statistics and independent research, the report finds widespread acceptance of library-based computer and Internet access from patrons and librarians. But more importantly, the report finds that public access computing is benefiting those socioeconomic groups with the greatest need.