91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - 91´«Ã½ TechSource and the 91´«Ã½ Office for Research & Statistics will co-sponsor with WebJunction the Nov. 1 webinar “2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study: Results, Trends, and Resources.”

The Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study is a multi-year project that assesses public access to computers, the Internet and Internet-related services in U.S. public libraries, as well as the impact of library funding changes on connectivity, technology deployment and sustainability.

Key findings of the 2011 study include these data:

• 70 percent of libraries report increased use of public access computers, while at the same time, more than 76 percent report an insufficient number of public computers to meet demand.
• 65 percent of libraries report that they are the only source of free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities.
• 67 percent of libraries offer access to e-books.
• 72 percent of libraries report that staff helps patrons complete online job applications.
• 16 percent of libraries report decreased hours of operation. This translates to lost hours at more than 2,600 branches.

Webinar participants will learn how to interpret the data, access new advocacy and marketing tools and make the library’s case to elected officials and community stakeholders.

The presenters are John Bertot, co-director, Information Policy & Access Center, University of Maryland; Judy Hoffman, project manager, 91´«Ã½, Office for Research and Statistics; and Peggy Rudd, Director, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The webinar takes place at 2 p.m., EDT, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. .

91´«Ã½ TechSource is a publishing imprint of the 91´«Ã½. The Office for Research & Statistics initiates projects needed to expand the knowledge base of the field through research and the collection of useful statistics for the Association.

WebJunction promotes learning for all library staff by providing open, affordable online learning communities. Our members access resources, attend programs, take courses, share knowledge and network with others – all in an environment that fosters collaboration and mutual support. Founded in 2003 and based in Seattle, Washington, and Dublin, Ohio, WebJunction is supported in part by OCLC, grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, partners in library service agencies, and the library community.