We Make an IMPACT

Last spring, we asked you to participate in the IMPACT study. This first-ever nationwide survey examined “how people use the free computers and Internet connections in public libraries”. Well, now the results are in, and it looks like more people are relying on public library computers than anyone could have guessed.

Some highlights from the study:

• One third of Americans, about 77 million people, use public library computers
• Patrons living below the poverty line had the highest rate of library computer use at 44%
• One in four Americans use a public library computer while traveling
• One quarter of teens used their library at least once a week
• 80% of users made a change in their diet after using the library computers
• Two out of three patrons using library computers are helping out friends or family

The Huffington Post has a summary about the study, or you can read the full report Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries in HTML or PDF - 212 pages. Minnesota Public Radio has also published a commentary that brings life to these statistics.

Thanks to all our patrons who participated!