A recent Pew Internet & American Life Project study looked at how Americans use libraries and how libraries can better serve the one-third of the US population with low Internet access. The study surveyed 2,796 Americans and focused on how people use the Internet, libraries, and government resources when they need to solve problems. Those with high-speed access were more likely to turn to the Internet for answers and were generally more satisfied with their ability to get answers and solve problems. The majority of people said that they were very satisfied with results they received from government agencies (65%), libraries (64%), and the Internet (63%). Overall, the study is positive news for public libraries. And there’s great opportunity for librarians to become more useful and relevant in the lives of those who need it the most.
