FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
January 11, 2008
Press Contacts:
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov
202-653-4632
University
of Washington to Examine the Benefits of Free Access
to Computers in Public Libraries
WASHINGTON, DC—The
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced
that it has entered into a cooperative agreement with
the University of Washington to conduct a national study
on the social, economic, personal, and professional value
of free access to computers at public libraries.
The University of Washington Information
School, working with the Urban Institute, a non-partisan
economic and social policy research organization, will
examine the impact of free access to computers and the
Internet on the well-being of individuals, families, and
communities. The IMLS project will be carried out with
support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Public libraries, with support from the
government and private foundations, have provided free
access to the Internet and computers since the 1990s.
Libraries have also provided access to digital resources,
databases, networked and virtual services, training, technical
assistance, and technology-trained staff. However, little
research has been done on the relationship between free
access to computers and the benefits to individuals, families
and communities. Working with libraries, users, and communities,
and an expert committee of library leaders, researchers,
and public policy organizations, the research team will
develop methods of measuring the benefits of free computer
access. These indicators may help guide decision-making
and be used to generate public support for public access
computing.
“I am so pleased to work with the University of
Washington, the Urban Institute, and the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation on this important study,” said
Anne-Imelda Radice, PhD, Institute Director. “This
research will advance our shared mission of connecting
people with information and ideas. Access to information
is the touchstone of democracy.”
“The University of Washington is proud
to be part of this effort, which builds on and extends
research already underway at the Information School on
the impacts of public access computing at the local and
international level,” said Mike Crandall, senior
lecturer and chair of the Master’s of Science in
Information Management program. Crandall and Karen Fisher,
PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of the Master's of
Library and Information Science Program, are co-directors
of the University of Washington project.
“People use free technologies in public
libraries to transform their lives. This research will
help capture the value of that access which, in turn,
can help libraries raise awareness and support,”
said Jill Nishi, Director of the U.S. Libraries program
at the Gates Foundation.
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About the Institute of Museum
and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary
source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000
libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission
is to create strong libraries and museums that connect
people to information and ideas. The Institute works at
the national level and in coordination with state and
local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and
knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support
professional development. To learn more about the Institute,
please visit www.imls.gov.
About the University of Washington
Information School
Founded in 1911, The University of Washington Information
School (iSchool) focuses on meeting individual, organizational,
and societal needs through more effective use of information.
All programs embrace human-centered approaches to knowledge
organization. Faculty has backgrounds in fields as diverse
as library science, computer science, business, education,
philosophy, and law, creating a strong interdisciplinary
environment. The iSchool believes that connecting people
with knowledge is of fundamental importance and that access
to information is a basic human right. The iSchool sustains
this vision through research, service, and community outreach
in the information field. To learn more about the iSchool,
please visit www.ischool.washington.edu.
About the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value,
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce
inequities and improve lives around the world. In developing
countries, it focuses on improving health, reducing extreme
poverty, and increasing access to technology in public
libraries. In the United States, the foundation seeks
to ensure that all people have access to a great education
and to technology in public libraries. In its local region,
it focuses on improving the lives of low-income families.
Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer
and Co-chairs William H. Gates Sr., Bill Gates, and Melinda
French Gates. More information is available at www.gatesfoundation.org.
About the Urban Institute
The Urban Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy
research and educational organization established in Washington,
D.C., in 1968. Its staff investigates the social, economic,
and governance problems confronting the nation and evaluates
the public and private means to alleviate them. Through
work that ranges from broad conceptual studies to administrative
and technical assistance, Institute researchers contribute
to the stock of knowledge available to guide decision-making
in the public interest. To learn more about the Urban
Institute, please visit www.urban.org.
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