Technology boosts
Mid-Columbia library use
(Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, WA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Mar. 26--An increasing number of people visiting Mid-Columbia Libraries aren't coming for the books but for the computers.The public access computers are rarely without someone taking advantage of the free online service or the no-cost wireless internet available within the libraries.
"We are seeing a definitive upward trend in computer use in 2010," said Kyle Cox, administrative services director for the district's 11-branch library system.
The growing demand for online access at public libraries in the Tri-Cities matches the trend across the nation.
A study done by the University of Washington Information School shows that a third of Americans 14 and older -- about 77 million people -- use public library computers for basic information tilling, ferreting job leads or communicating with family and friends.
"The trend is evident here. Much of the computer use at the library is people checking e-mail accounts and visiting social network websites," said Cox.
The Mid-Columbia Libraries tracking of log-ons in January and February compared with a year ago shows about 35 percent more computer use, he said.
Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs & Service Providers at the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference and EXPO West, October 4-6, 2010. Los Angeles, CA."Each of those months tallied more than 30,000 log-ons, and that is not counting the wireless internet activity that occurs inside library facilities that have it available, Cox said.
Ken Staley of Couer d'Alene said he's not surprised.
Staley, who attended schools in Richland and comes to the Tri-Cities often to visit family, brings his Toshiba laptop along so he can take care of online business at the Kennewick branch on Union Street.
"I'm here today to research court dockets," Staley said Thursday morning.
With his laptop already wired for accessing the internet through the library's free wireless network, Staley said it is far easier, less expensive and more reliable than trying to get connected through a telephone line at his parents' home, if they even had internet service, which they don't.
"And there's no interference here that can cause disconnect problems," Staley said.
All the public-access computers at the library were occupied Thursday morning, but people who bring their own laptop computers can take a seat anywhere and access the net.
"People who are wire-savvy know they can get information quicker this way. Besides, it's a lot more fun," Staley said.
Cox said it is becoming more common to see wireless computing at the libraries.
"Some people are looking for jobs, or are revising and printing out their resumes on our printers," he said.
The Associated Press reported that the university survey, which was paid for by the Gates Foundation, confirms what public libraries have been saying as they compete for public dollars to expand their services and high-speed internet access: Library use by the general public is widespread and not just among poor people.
Researchers found that those living below the federal poverty line -- families of four with a household income of $22,000 or less -- had the highest use of library computers. Among those households, 44 percent reported using public library computers and internet access during the past year.
Among those ages 14 to 24 in poor households, 61 percent used public library computers and internet for educational purposes, though young people were the biggest library computers among all demographic groups, the AP reported.
Staley said two possible reasons for the increase in library computer use is that libraries provide free access through an internet service provider, saving on the monthly cost charged for home- or business-based service, and the library's system has a built-in firewall to block certain sites that are undesirable because of offensive content or potential computer virus infection.
"I especially appreciate that the library has filters and firewalls (to block that dangerous material)," he said.
Staley said he brings his computer to the library every day he's in town.
The AP reported that the survey found the most common uses of public library computers included gaining access to government agencies, searching for jobs and filling out applications, doing homework, communicating with friends and family, banking, seeking health advice, running a business, completing online courses and seeking financial aid for college. It also reveals that people across all age and ethnic groups used computer libraries.
The AP said the survey gathered information in three ways: -- A random national telephone survey of 3,176 people from April to August.
-- In-person interviews with library patrons in Baltimore, Fayetteville, Ark., Marshalltown, Iowa, and Oakland, Calif.
-- An online survey that was answered by 45,000 people after they logged on to use a public library computer.
One in four Americans use public library computers while traveling, said Michael Crandall, one of the principal authors of the study and chairman of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School, according to The Associated Press.
"In terms of library services, we're deeply undercounting," Crandall told The Associated Press.
John Trumbo: 582-1529; jtrumbo@tricityherald.com To see more of the Tri-City Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tri-cityherald.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash.
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