Kinney B. The Internet, Public Libraries, and the Digital Divide. Public Library Quarterly [serial online]. April 2010;29(2):104-161. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 8, 2010.


This study used census information and and a linear regression model to determine both how libraries are trying to combat the digital divide, and how having internet access effects library usage. The study found that there were no disparities in the number of computers available between lower-income area libraries and their counterparts in higher income areas, but found a large disparity in areas with a higher percentage of non-white and non-English speaking areas. Having computers available to the public increased the libraries' gate counts, but didn't necessarily have an effect on their circulation.


The hope has been that libraries would be able to offer access to information for those who can't afford computers and home internet access. The article points out that students who weren't doing well in school were more likely to be without internet access at home. There are divides along racial lines, religion lines, education levels, and language lines. However, research shows that the benefits of computer usage are huge - for education, for job searching, even for researching hobbies. Those who use the library solely for internet access are far more likely to be digitally disadvantaged, and disadvantaged groups use the library for internet access far more than the national average.


Simply offering internet access isn't always enough. Libraries should be prepared to both offer access and help people who don't know how to use the internet to access the information they need. It isn't the final solution, but libraries certainly help, and they are being used by those who would otherwise have minimal access.