Public libraries and the Internet 2008-2009: Issues, implications, and challenges

Authors

  • John Carlo Bertot University of Maryland
  • Paul T. Jaeger University of Maryland
  • Charles R. McClure Florida State University
  • Carla B. Wright
  • Elise Jensen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v14i11.2700

Keywords:

public libraries, Internet, library technology

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of methods, findings, issues, and implications from the 2008 Public Libraries and the Internet national survey, including comparisons to data from previous studies. Since 1994, these surveys have chronicled the expansion of the Internet as a primary library service. The 2008 survey includes key data about the many facets of public libraries as community Internet access, training, and service centers, from the number of workstations and connection speeds available to the most common Internet services and training. The findings from the 2008 survey reveal impacts of the global recession on public libraries and their ability to meet the needs and expectations of patrons, communities, and all levels of government.

Author Biographies

John Carlo Bertot, University of Maryland

John Carlo Bertot is Professor and Director of the Center for Library & Information Innovation in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland College Park.

Paul T. Jaeger, University of Maryland

Paul T. Jaeger is Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Information Policy and E-Government in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland College Park.

Charles R. McClure, Florida State University

Charles R. McClure is Francis Eppes Professor and Director of the Information Institute in the School of Library of Information & Studies at Florida State University.

Carla B. Wright

Graduate Research Associate, Information Institute, College of Communication and Information, Florida State University

Elise Jensen

Graduate Research Assistant, Information Institute, College of Communication and Information, Florida State University

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Published

2009-10-24

How to Cite

Bertot, J. C., Jaeger, P. T., McClure, C. R., Wright, C. B., & Jensen, E. (2009). Public libraries and the Internet 2008-2009: Issues, implications, and challenges. First Monday, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v14i11.2700