The Challenge
Our work with U.S. libraries began in 1997 with one goal—ensuring that every person who could reach a public library could reach the Internet.
Today, 99 percent of libraries offer free computer and Internet services. Some 14 million people regularly use these services to find information about health, jobs, and government services; to communicate with friends and family; and to fulfill lifelong learning goals. They can also find training on how to effectively use these technology tools.
Our next step is to help public libraries stay connected. Too many libraries struggle to meet their patrons’ needs for quality computer and Internet services. Outdated computers need to be replaced. More computers are needed to meet increased demand. Internet connections are not fast enough to work with sophisticated Web sites and complex software tools. Library budgets are stretched thin and, in many cases, are decreasing.
In January 2007, we launched a new five-year grantmaking strategy to help libraries maintain high-quality computer and Internet access. We are supporting hardware and connectivity upgrades in communities where 10 percent or more of people live in poverty. In addition, our wider grantmaking is helping all public libraries access the training and technical support they need to maintain and advocate for their technology services.
The Hope
Additional help is needed to ensure public libraries can sustain free, quality technology services in the years to come. It’s our hope that local funding sources are compelled to support our goals so communities nationwide can readily access the online information and resources they need.
In our vision of success, public libraries:
- Can regularly upgrade their computers to keep pace with technology
- Can access high-quality technical support and training
- Have reliable high-speed Internet connections
- Have staff that are well-trained to help patrons use computers and the Internet effectively
- Have adequate funding to support high-quality technology services
Representative Grants
- Advocacy Research Grant—$1.2 million to Online Computer Library Center to research effective communication tools and messages to encourage support for public library funding
- Connectivity Research Grant—$374,324 to American Library Association’s Office of Information Technology Policy to research barriers to high-speed connectivity and to fund a pilot training program to increase library use of federal E-rate funds
- Opportunity Online Hardware Grants—Round One—
$8.3 million in matching grants to help libraries in 10 states add or replace public computers for their patrons.