Springfield Town Library is conducting a survey to
better understand how our patrons use library technology and how our community
benefits from free access to computers and the Internet at the Library. The survey will be available online at the
Library’s website, www.SpringfieldTownLibrary.org
and on all seven public access computers in the Library, starting Monday, March
30. The survey is completely anonymous
and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
Paper copies of the survey are also available for those who prefer that
format. (Read More)
The information gathered will help the Library improve
its technology services and communicate the value of providing these services
to the community. People of all ages and walks of life use
Library computers to perform a variety of tasks, from routine things like emailing
friends and family to life-changing opportunities like finding a job, applying
to college, and making critical health decisions.
A national study conducted by the University of
Washington reported that public use of free library technology had a significant
impact in employment, education, health, and connecting with their
community. The study revealed that 40%
of library computer users received help with employment needs, including
searching for jobs online and submitting job applications and resumes. 37% focused on health issues while 42% used
their local library computers for school work and other educational
concerns. And 60% -- 43 million people –
used their public library computers to connect with government, civic groups,
friends and family.
These are national figures, but in order for the Springfield
Town Library to best meet our community’s technology needs and to demonstrate
how these services make a difference, it’s necessary to collect this
information at the local level. Please
support your public library and help improve its public technology
services. Go to the Library’s
website, www.SpringfieldTownLibrary.org,
to fill out the survey, or access it from one of our free public access
computers.
