Computer Access at the AF Library

How important are the library's computers to American Fork's residents? Do the residents support the use of public funds for this purpose?

These and other questions were answered in a recent study, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, conducted by the University of Washington and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This is the first large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, and how it affects their lives.

Below are excerpts from the AF library's report of its own participation in the study.

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Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older -- roughly 77 million people -- used a public library computer or wireless network to connect to the Internet in the past year. Forty percent of these users were seeking help with career or employment needs, 42 percent used the computers to further their educational goals, and 37 percent sought assistance for their health and wellness needs.

The American Fork Library began offering public access computers in 2000 and, thanks to funding from Friends of the American Fork Library, the Gates Foundation, state and federal funding sources, has 12 computers available for public use. The American Fork Library also provides one-on-one help and training classes. Last year patrons logged 14,824 sessions at the library's computers.

One of these users recently shared how he appreciated the opportunity to use the American Fork Library computer system. He said there are usually computers available to use, the staff is pleasant to work with and helpful, the computer room is clean and comfortable, and he can usually utilize the system for as long as he needs.

In American Fork, the report showed that 58 percent of the respondents were seeking help with career or employment needs, 50 percent used the computers to further their educational goals, and 46 percent sought assistance for their health and wellness needs. 83 percent of the respondents said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their library and access to public computing services.

Respondents were also given an opportunity to write in suggestions for improving library computing services and resources. The most frequent recommendations for improvement were: upgrade computers, improve computer security, don't filter computers, enforce noise and behavior standards, more staff, more library hours.

Survey respondents were asked how they access library resources available through the library Web site. About 83 percent of respondents used the computers in the library to access online resources such as the catalog, placing holds, or to access the library's subscription databases. Over 28 percent of respondents accessed library resources remotely through the library's Web site from the outside the library (e.g. from home, school, or work).

All respondents were asked about the importance of free computer access for themselves and their community. Seventy-two percent of respondents reported that public computing resources are important or very important to themselves, personally; however, even more (83 percent) felt that these resources are important or very important to have available for others in the community.