A recent study finds that people across all age and ethnic groups use library computers. A third of Americans — about 77 million people — use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives. The study confirms what public libraries have been saying as they compete for public dollars to expand their services and high-speed Internet access: library use by the general public is widespread and not just among poor people.
But researchers found that those living below the federal poverty line — families of four with a household income of $22,000 or less — had the highest use of library computers. Among those households, 44 percent reported using public library computers and Internet access during the past year.
The study was paid for by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted by the University of Washington Information School.
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/press-releases/Pages/opportunity-for-all-library-compuer-use-study-100325.aspx
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