ALA Urges Public Libraries to Fill Out Internet Use Survey

CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) is encouraging public libraries to participate in the 2011-2012 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study online survey.


The survey provides an important opportunity for libraries to share information on computer and Internet resources and infrastructure, as well as funding, technology training and other uses of public libraries, such as providing public access technology centers in their communities. The current year’s online survey, available at http://www.plinternetsurvey.org, will be available through Nov. 11, 2011.


"The record-high response rate for last year’s survey clearly demonstrates that library leaders recognize the impact this study provides for their advocacy efforts,” said ALA Associate Executive Director Cathleen Bourdon. “The strength of the study rests on the level of participation. We encourage libraries to keep the momentum going to create the most current and complete snapshot of technology in U.S. public libraries.”
Recent study findings have been cited in hundreds of media outlets, including USA Today, The Washington Post, Fast Company, and The Huffington Post. Data has informed the National Broadband Plan and has been used in congressional and state-level testimony, as well as in comments to national agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission.


The study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ALA, continues work begun by John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. McClure in 1994. The survey is managed by the Information Policy & Access Center at the University of Maryland.


More information, including results from the 2010-2011 study, is available at http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding. Related news, insights and free resources from the study are available on the study blog – Libraries Connect Communities – and Twitter feed (ala_ors).