Bertot, J., McClure, C., & Jaeger, P. (2008). THE IMPACTS OF FREE PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS ON PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRONS AND COMMUNITIES. Library Quarterly, 78(3), 285-301. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

This article discussed the library's now-ingrained role as an internet provider for the community. Since approximately 99.1% of libraries offered internet access at the time this article was written, and 73.1% reporting that they are the only providers of free internet in the community. While it's sometimes a sore spot with librarians that the library has become more of an internet cafe than a place for people to get books, this article talks about how much people rely on that access.

Job-seekers, students, and travelers all use the library to get general internet access they might not be able to get or afford somewhere else, but the library also provides services that can only be accessed in the library, like library databases, genealogy services, government resources online and sometimes emergency information. The article mentions communities in which the libraries were the only place where individuals could get information during hurricane season during recovery.

In addition to access, libraries provide training and support for internet use. Most libraries provide at least some computer classes and have staff who can help with basic services. The article argues that at some point, libraries will need to increase these services by increasing internet bandwidth, rearranging libraries to better accommodate internet services, hiring staff with internet expertise, and determining how this changes the role of the library.