Our final round of hardware grants is helping U.S. libraries replace outdated computers.

We are in the process of shifting our strategy from installing computer hardware in public libraries across the country and connecting them to the Internet, to help these libraries sustain and build up their public access computing programs. As part of this transition, we launched the Public Access Computing Hardware Update Grant program in January to help libraries with older computers catch up.

The program grew out of a 2004 study, conducted by the Public Access Computing Project at the University of Washington, which revealed that one in four libraries that received computers from us between 1997 and 2000—during the initial phase of the U.S. Library program—had been unable to make necessary upgrades to sustain their public access computing programs. The one-time grants, totaling $34 million, will pay for more than 27,500 computer upgrades at more than 5,000 libraries where the foundation's original granted computers were not configured for ongoing upgrades. The grant program will level the playing field so all libraries have sustainable computing hardware and can benefit equally from our new approach.

Findings from a survey completed by grantees gave us valuable first-hand information on what's working as well as on the challenges they face in sustaining public access computing in U.S. public libraries. Our grantees told us they're offering more technology training; attracting new patrons, including immigrants, by emphasizing technology services; and contributing to economic development by providing public access to computers and the Internet.

The challenges libraries face include: the need to increase bandwidth as patrons come to expect faster connections; serving patrons' need for increasingly complex computer applications and training; preparing staff to work more comfortably with technology; and prioritizing public access computing amid libraries' other urgent needs.

We believe it's crucial to transfer long-term responsibility for public access computing to governments and a range of private funders. Helping libraries measure and demonstrate the value of public access computing is a critical next step in that process.