WARDSBORO — Recently, Wardsboro Public Library conducted a survey to better understand how our community uses and benefits from free access to computers and the Internet at the library.
The library offers four computers, wireless Internet, and assistance for all members of our community. Of the survey respondents who reported visiting the library in the past year, 77 percent used a public-access computer or the library's wireless network during their visits.
Highlights from the survey include:
• 4 percent of public technology users indicated they had used public-access technology for employment needs;
• 21 percent used it for educational activities;
• 12 percent of users completed coursework or homework;
• 33 percent used the Internet to get information on health and wellness topics;
• 21 percent reported learning about diet or nutrition - and of those, 19 percent made a change to their diet;
• 46 percent of public technology users reported using library resources to stay in touch with family and friends and to build and maintain social networks
• 67 percent of public-access technology users also received help from a librarian when using the computers or Internet at the library. Of those users, 94 percent also have access to the Internet at home, school, or work but still choose to use the library's technology.
These are only a few of the impacts from the library's public technology access and training. This data shows the library offers critical resources and services even as people increasingly have their own Internet connections and devices.
The future of our community depends on Wardsboro Public Library's ability to sustain the quality technology services that provide opportunities for all people.
Let's make sure our library gets the support it needs to make this happen. Visit Wardsboro Public Library to see how you can help.