Report: Opportunity for All - How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries (University of Washington Information School 2011)

The Opportunity for All - How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries Report proves the broad use and value of internet access in public libraries. This research, conducted by the University of Washington and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, was the first large-scale investigation of the ways U.S. library patrons use computers and the Internet at public libraries, why they use it, and how it impacts their lives. 

Among the many findings from the report:

• Federal, state, and local government agencies should support libraries as points of access for eGovernment services. 
• Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 and older-roughly 77 million people-used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in 2009

This report and its appendices can be downloaded at https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/opportunityforall_0.pdf.