Library funding & Technology survey

The ALA and the Center for Library & Information Innovation (UMD) have extended the deadline for the 2009-2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access survey (www.plinternetsurvey.org ( http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/ )) one week. The online survey will remain open until Friday, November 13. At least 60% of libraries in each state must respond in order to provide state-level analysis in all 50 states (http://tinyurl.com/y8hbdjf), in addition to the most current national data available on 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 stakeholders - 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. Most recently data has been used to support the need for libraries, as community anchor institutions, to have access to robust high speed Internet connectivity as part of the recent broadband stimulus component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the Stimulus Bill.

Your participation in the survey is extremely important, and directly impacts 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 also is used in national media stories: http://www.ala.org/ala/research/initiatives/plftas/2008_2009/media.cfm.

To participate, go to http://www.plinternetsurvey.org ( http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/ ). You will need an ID number, which you may look up on the website.

Thank you for your willingness to participate! Additional information regarding the survey and previous survey results is available at http://www.liicenter.org/plinternet. The full Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, funded by the ALA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, can be found online at www.ala.org/plinternetfunding. Questions regarding the survey should be directed to support@plinternetsurvey.org or 301.405.9445.