Broadband for public libraries: Importance,issues, and research needs |
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| Authors: | Lauren H Mandel Bradley Wade Bishop Charles R McClure John Carlo Bertot Paul T Jaeger |
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| Institution: | 1. Information Use Management and Policy Institute, College of Communication and Information, Florida State University, USA;2. School of Library and Information Science, University of Kentucky, USA;3. Center for Library and Information Innovation, College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, USA;4. Center for Information Policy and Electronic Government, College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, USA |
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| Abstract: | U.S. public libraries provide free public internet services to the communities that they serve, but require robust, high-speed broadband internet connections to continue meeting public demands. The 2008–2009 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study (PLFTAS) illustrates challenges that public libraries encounter in achieving broadband connectivity and equipment upgrades, and maintaining acceptable levels of services as they meet continually increasing internet-enabled service demands. This article: 1) analyzes the ability of public libraries to serve as a community-based public internet access point in the context of limited funding and access to telecommunications services and equipment; 2) discusses key policy issues that affect the provision of public library internet-enabled services through broadband; 3) provides recommendations for policy makers to include libraries as part of a larger national-level telecommunications policy; and 4) identifies a number of topics and issues that need further investigation and research in this shifting policy environment. |
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| Keywords: | Broadband Public libraries Telecommunications policy Information policy e-Government |
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