Internet Connectivity: The Promise Fulfilled; NCLIS bookmark

We must also work with the private sector to connect every classroom, clinic, every library, every hospital in America into a national information superhighway by the year 2000. - William J. Clinton, 1994.

Internet Connectivity
The Promise Fulfilled

In the United States there are more than 16,000 public libraries, serving a population of 264 million.

In 1994, only one in ten library systems provided Internet access. In 2000, 95% of all library locations provided this service.

In 2000, of the fifty-three percent of public library outlets in rural areas, ninety-three percent are connected to the Internet.

It is fundamental that we, as a Nation, assure that all areas in America have access to essential telecommunication services for the future. I, for one, will not vote to deprive schools and libraries and hospitals of the affordable telecommunication services that they need and require.
- Senator Olympia Snowe, 1995.

The 2000 NCLIS study revealed:

88% of public libraries in the U.S. use local operating funds for Internet-related technology and infrastructure expenses. 30% use state grants and 18% use federal funds to pay for a portion of these expenses.

49% benefited from the Education Rate (E-rate) discounts and 31% from special grants for technology and infrastructure, including the Gate’s Library Program.

29% of public libraries provide special hardware or software for accessing the Internet by individuals with disabilities.

62% provide Internet training services; 55% to adults and 44% to children or youth.

For more information on the Public Libraries and the Internet 2000 Outlet Connectivity study, as well as prior studies, visit the NCLIS website at

http://www.nclis.gov/info/nationalinfo.html

Or, call NCLIS at (202) 606-9200.

The U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science is a permanent, independent agency of the Federal government charged by Public Law 91-345 to appraise the adequacies and deficiencies of current library and information resources and services and to advise the President and Congress on national and international policies and plans.

Rev. 12/00