Connecting America through Broadband at the Library

Connected Nation conducted surveys to better understand the role of libraries as a community technology hub. In brief, the findings indicate that libraries are vital in filling an access void in local communities where the library is most often the only source of free Internet availability. According to Connected Nation findings, these library Internet users tend to be more assertively building skills through online learning opportunities, classes and training resources, improving employability through job searches and resume building, searching for healthcare information and communicating with care givers, and engaging with government online. Further, these library Internet users tend to represent more vulnerable segments of the population (e.g. low-income single parents) who will surely find themselves even more starkly separated from the digital "haves" if their library connectivity disappears or declines.