The 2009-2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access survey (available for completion at www.plinternetsurvey.org) conducted by the American Library Association (ALA – www.ala.org/plinternetfunding) and the Center for Library & Information Innovation at the University of Maryland (www.liicenter.org/plinternet) closes Friday, November 13, 2009.
Vermont libraries are responding. So far we only have a 52.1% response rate. Last year’s response rate was 61%. We know that you’re completing the Annual Public Library Report and Standards Application, but please take the time to complete all of these.
Funded by the American Library Association and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the survey provides important data regarding public library Internet connectivity, use, funding, and services. Since 1994, these surveys have been used by the American Library Association and others to inform and educate policymakers, funders, elected officials, supporters, and the media – at the local, state and national levels about the issues and needs your library faces in providing public computer and Internet access services and resources.
Your participation in the survey is extremely important, and has a direct impact on the ability of ALA and others to advocate on behalf of public libraries and the tremendous contribution public libraries make to their communities through their public access Internet services and resources. Data from the study appeared most recently in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/2009-09-01-library-co mputers-internet_N.htm) in a discussion of how public libraries help job seekers.
For those libraries in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online Hardware program, participation in the survey is required. However, it is critical for us to have a good response from libraries not in the program so that we may present a balanced view of public library Internet connectivity and funding
The survey is open through November 13 2009. To participate, go to http://www.plinternetsurvey.org. You will need an ID number, which is the same number you use for the Annual Public Library Report and Standards application login. If you don’t have this easily available, you may look it up on the website. Questions regarding the survey should be directed to support@plinternetsurvey.org or 301.405.9445. You may also call or email Rob Geiszler, in Rutland, at 786-3839 or rob.geiszler@mail.dol. state.vt.us.
If you’d like to see how valuable this information is, details regarding the survey, as well as previous survey results are available at http://www.liicenter.org/plinternet. The full Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study can be found online at www.ala.org/plinternetfunding.
Thank you for your willingness to participate!
Rob Geiszler