While most people think of coming to the library for services related to printed materials such as checking out books or DVDs, many people also come to make use of the building's wifi or the free computers. According to the Pew Research Center who did a survey, 77% said that free access to computers and the Internet was an essential library service. The Pew Research survey mentioned previously also stated that "26% of Americans ages 6 and older say they used the computers there or the Wi-Fi connection to go online." About 66% stated that this internet use was for research for school or work. In today's modern world where everything is online and the internet is no longer something optional, people need a place where they can come to do essential tasks such as applying for a job, doing homework, or even relaxing with some videos. I myself spent most of my time after school at the library in order to complete my homework, as I did not have access to reliable internet where I lived growing up in a rural area. Both my school's library and the public library having computers where I could complete my homework, allowed me to complete assignments and keep up with my peers.
In this digital age, libraries must offer services to accommodate this. Allconnect.com states that "In the United States, 1 in 5 households is not connected to the internet at home." This could be due to a number of factors, such as economic reasons, but regardless people rely on the library for this service as much as they do for print books or reference services. As stated by Huff-Eibl, "Not all Internet access is equal, and students often rely on outdated technology, particularly when they are unaware of available resources. Adequate technology has become a basic need for students to successfully participate in learning (411)." From public computers to Homework/Technology Centers to Children's Learning Stations, even the layout of the library has changed in today's age to make room for more technology. At many libraries, patrons can also check out laptops and mobile hotspots as easily as an audiobook. Just as the libraries need to be prepared to offer these necessary services, staff must also be ready to help patrons with questions related to digital media or tools.
Works Cited
Author, No. “Library Services in the Digital Age.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 22 Jan. 2013, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2013/01/22/library-services/.
Huff-Eibl, Robyn and Travis Teetor. "Overcoming Technology Barriers for Students." portal: Libraries and the Academy, vol. 23 no. 3, 2023, p. 411-425. Project MUSE, https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2023.a901561.
“Libraries as Media: Redefining a Library in the Digital Age.” IFLA, www.ifla.org/publications/libraries-as-media-redefining-a-library-in-the-digital-age/. Accessed 15 May 2024.
Supan, Joe. “Report: 1 in 5 Households Is Not Connected to the Internet.” Allconnect, 3 Apr. 2024, www.allconnect.com/blog/key-internet-statistics#:~:text=Over%20two%2Dthirds%20of%20the,to%20the%20internet%20at%20home.
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