Information Use Management and Policy Institute 

Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: 

Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

By: 

John Carlo Bertot <jcbertot@lis.fsu.edu> 

Associate Professor and Associate Director 

Information Use Management and Policy Institute 

School of Information Studies 

Florida State University 

Louis Shores Building, Room 244 

Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100 

(850) 644-8118 phone 

(850) 644-4522 fax 

Charles R. McClure <cmcclure@lis.fsu.edu> 

Francis Eppes Professor and Director 

Information Use Management and Policy Institute 

School of Information Studies 

Florida State University 

With the Assistance of: 

Kim M. Thompson 

Research Fellow 

Information Use Management and Policy Institute 

School of Information Studies 

Florida State University 

December 2002 

School of Information Studies 

Florida State University 

Information Institute 

http://www.ii.fsu.edu
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This study was made possible by a National Leadership Grant provided by the U.S. Institute 

of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The authors express their thanks and gratitude to 

IMLS for their support. 

The success of this study is also due to a number of other individuals. The authors would 

like to thank: 

• Ms. Denise Davis, whom at the time of the study was the Director of the Statistics 

Program at the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Ms. Davis’ 

assistance throughout the survey process served to make the survey instrument more 

effective. 

• The 50+ state data coordinators (SDCs) who provided invaluable suggestions, comments, 

and support throughout the entire survey process. While we cannot list all the SDCs by 

name, we are in their debt for all of their hard work and assistance throughout the study. 

• Ms. Lesley Langa, Mr. Paul T. Jaeger, and Ms. Kim M. Thompson for their efforts in 

calling sampled libraries to boost the survey response rate. 

• Paragon New Media of Tallahassee, FL, which produced, maintained, and facilitated the 

web-based survey form used in the study. 

To all these individuals and groups, we say thank you. The help with which you provided us 

made this the 6th Public Library Internet study to achieve a better than 70% response rate! 

Bertot & McClure i December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1 

METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 1 

READING THE TABLES.............................................................................................................. 2 

KEY SURVEY FINDINGS............................................................................................................ 4 

Connectivity and Public Access.................................................................................................. 4 

Internet Services Provision and Implementation ........................................................................ 8 

Public Library System Funding ................................................................................................ 10

Digital Reference Services........................................................................................................ 12 

Training Services ...................................................................................................................... 12 

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................... 16 

APPENDIX A – ONLINE SURVEY FORM............................................................................... 17 

Bertot & McClure ii December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

INTRODUCTION 

In 2002, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) commissioned a study to 

determine the current state of U.S. public library Internet connectivity. The study, conducted 

through a national survey, was part of a larger study funded by IMLS that focused on public 

library roles in the digital divide (McClure, Ryan & Bertot, 2002). Since 1994, the authors have 

conducted a number of studies that track longitudinally a number of key aspects concerning 

public library Internet involvement, including connectivity, bandwidth, public access services, 

and other Internet-based library services and resources. Over the years, these studies have 

enjoyed multiple sponsors such as the National Commission on Libraries and Information 

Science (NCLIS) and the American Library Association (ALA). 

METHODOLOGY 

The 2002 study updated statistics about public library outlet and system Internet connectivity 

and network services using the 1997 public library dataset produced by the National Center for 

Education Statistics (NCES)1 through the Federal-State Cooperative System (FSCS).2 Using 

geographic information system-based techniques, a research team at the Florida State University 

geocoded 16,004 public library outlets in terms of their poverty (defined as less than 20%, 20%-

40%, and greater than 40%) and metropolitan status (urban, suburban, and rural) using the same 

techniques as for the Public Library Internet 1998 and 2000 studies.3 From the 16,004 geocoded 

outlets,4

 the consultants drew a sample of 1,500 outlets in proportion to their percentage in 

poverty and metropolitan status categories. This sample was the same as that of 1998 Public 

Library Internet study. 

 The study team developed and pre-tested a number of survey questions for inclusion on the 

2002 survey form. These pre-test methods included: 

• Distributing and discussing the draft survey with state data coordinators using the state 

data coordinator listserv maintained by NCLIS; 

• Distributing copies of the draft survey questions to selected individuals involved with 

public library data collection efforts (e.g., Public Library Data Service); and 

• Distributing draft copies of the survey to library school faculty and public librarians. 

 

1

 National Center for Education Statistics. Available at: http://nces.ed.gov/ 2

 Background of the Federal-State Cooperative System (FSCS) for Public Library Data. Available at: 

http://www.state.me.us/msl/fscsdef.pdf 3

 For a detailed discussion of the geocoding process, see Appendix C of U.S. National Commission on Libraries and 

Information Science. (1998). Moving toward more effective public Internet access: The 1998 national survey of 

public library outlet Internet connectivity. Washington, D.C.: National Commission on Libraries and Information 

Science. 

4

 According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 16,925 public libraries in 1997. Of those, 

many have P.O. boxes for mailing addresses and several are bookmobiles. It is not possible to geocode bookmobiles 

nor some service outlets with P.O. boxes as these are not fixed locations. With the techniques available in April 

2000, it was possible to geocode 16,004 of the 16,925 outlets. 

Bertot & McClure 1 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Based on the comments provided by the various survey reviewers, the consultants developed a 

final version of the survey form. 

 In a departure from previous Public Library Internet studies, the study team did not produce a 

mail-based survey form. Rather, all data collection for the 2002 study occurred via a web-based 

survey form. Each library was assigned a unique ID number (the FSCS library ID number from 

the FSCS/NCES dataset) for access to the appropriate survey form or set of forms for the library 

to complete. Those completing the form, if applicable, first completed the questions regarding 

the surveyed branches (outlets) and then completed the questions regarding the entire library 

system (see Appendix A for a screen copy version of the survey form). 

 The study team mailed a letter in June 2002 that identified the intent of the study, the 

branches (outlets) surveyed (if applicable), and survey completion instructions to the library 

director of the library systems selected to participate in the study. At the same time, the study 

team distributed the sample list to the state data coordinators to apprise them of the library 

outlets sampled in their states. The study team attempted to correct letters returned due to 

incorrect addresses. When it was not possible to correct the address, or the library outlet closed, 

the study team selected a replacement outlet in the same poverty and metropolitan status 

category. Survey collection occurred through August 2002, with a final response rate of 73.3%. 

 The state data coordinators provided tremendous support to the data collection effort, often 

calling and e-mailing non-responding libraries within their states to urge participation. To also 

boost the survey response rate, members of the study team called non-responding libraries and 

conducted phone interviews to elicit the survey information for the libraries. 

READING THE TABLES 

National estimates of public library connectivity were weighted based on metropolitan status 

and poverty classification. Thus, the analysis uses the actual responses from the 1,100 completed 

surveys from library outlets to estimate to all geocoded outlets. 

For example, Winter Harbor Public Library in Winter Harbor, Maine, is coded as a rural 

library outlet with less than 20% poverty. Winter Harbor Public Library’s responses (and all 

others designated rural with less than 20% poverty) are weighted by 14.023 to generate an 

estimate for all rural library outlets with less than 20% poverty.5

Tables 3 through 16 present these weighted study findings. Readers should note that this 

weighting necessitates some amount of rounding of the numbers generated in which case the 

total may not add up to 100%. 

 

5

 By multiplying the weight of 14.023 by the total number of respondents in the rural with less than 20% poverty 

outlets (14.023 x 485 – see Table 2), one should get the total number of outlets for that cell in Table 1 (6,801). 

Bertot & McClure 2 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 1. Public Library Outlets by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty 

Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

Urban 10.1% 

(n=1,614) 

5.7% 

(n=905) 

1.4% 

(n=223) 

17.1% 

(n=2,742) 

Suburban 27.7% 

(n=4,432) 

2.0% 

(n=316) 

0.1% 

(n=16) 

29.8% 

(n=4,764) 

Rural 42.5% 

(n=6,801) 

10.1% 

(n=1,611) 

0.5% 

(n=86) 

53.1% 

(n=8,498) 

Overall 80.3% 

(n=12,847) 

17.7% 

(n=2,832) 

2.0% 

(n=325) 

100.0%*

(n=16,004) 

Based on geocoding of 16,004 outlets. 

Table 2. Response Rate of 2000 Outlet Study by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty 

Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

Urban 10.6% 

(n=117) 

5.2% 

(n=57) 

2.1% 

(n=23) 

17.9% 

(n=197) 

Suburban 25.4% 

(n=279) 

1.9% 

(n=21) 

0.4% 

(n=4) 

27.6% 

(n=304) 

Rural 44.1% 

(n=485) 

9.9% 

(n=109) 

0.5% 

(n=5) 

54.5% 

(n=599) 

Overall 80.1% 

(n=881) 

17.0% 

(n=187) 

2.9% 

(n=32) 

100.0%*

(n=1,100) 

Based on 1,100 responses out of 1,500 for a total response rate of 73.3%. 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 3 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

KEY SURVEY FINDINGS 

The tables and narratives below describe public library outlet Internet connectivity as of 

September 2002 and, where possible, identify significant changes from the Public Libraries and 

the Internet 2000 study findings. 

Connectivity and Public Access 

Almost all public library outlets (98.7%) have an Internet connection, an increase from 

95.7% in 2000 (see Table 3). Notably, urban libraries have increased from 98.3% in 2000 to 

100% in 2002, and rural libraries have increased from 93.3% in 2000 to 97.8% in 2002. Public 

library outlets with more than 40% poverty have also reached 100% connectivity in 2002. 

Most library outlets (95.3%) also provide public access to the Internet (see Table 4). Of 

particular interest is that 100% of urban library outlets surveyed provide public access to the 

Internet, up from 97.7% in 2000, and 100% of outlets with more than 40% poverty do as well, an 

increase from 93.5% in 2000. 

Outlets with public access Internet services have an average of 10.8 workstations per outlet, 

an increase from 8.3 in 2000 (see Table 5 and Figure 1). Indeed, public library outlets have 

doubled or almost tripled the number of public access workstations for patron use in the past four 

years (see Table 6). In 2002, one quarter of public library outlets have three (3) or fewer 

workstations as compared to two (2) in 2000 and one (1) in 1998. Half of library outlets have six 

(6) or fewer workstations, as compared to four (4) in 2000 and three (3) in 1998, and threequarters of public library outlets now have eleven (11) or fewer workstations as compared to 

eight (8) or fewer in 2000 and four (4) or fewer in 1998. 

Figure 1. Average Number of Public Access Workstations.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

1998 2000 2002

25% of Public

Libraries

50% of Public

Libraries

75% of Public

Libraries

Bertot & McClure 4 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Connection speeds for public access Internet services also increased (see Table 7). Indeed, 

49.1% of outlets have T1 (1.5mbps) or faster speed of connectivity for public access services, as 

compared to 36.2% in 2000. With regard to rural outlets, 49.7% have greater than 56kbps (direct 

connect) service as their maximum speed of connectivity for public access services as compared 

to 35.4% in 2000 and 22.2% in 1998. Also, 33.2% of rural library outlets and 47.2% of libraries 

with more than 40% poverty are able to provide T1 (1.5mbps) service or greater. 

Table 3. Public Library Outlets Connected to the Internet by Metropolitan Status and 

Poverty. 

Poverty 

Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

Urban 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=1,614) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=905) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=223) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=2,742) 

Suburban 

99.6% 

+/- 0.6% 

(n=4,416) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=316) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=16) 

99.7% 

+/- 0.5% 

(n=4,748) 

Rural 

98.4% 

+/- 1.3% 

(n=6,689) 

95.4% 

+/- 2.1% 

(n=1,537) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=86) 

97.8% 

+/- 1.5% 

(n=8,312) 

Overall 

99.0% 

+/- 1.0% 

(n=12,719) 

97.4% 

+/- 1.6% 

(n=2,758) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=325) 

98.7% 

+/- 1.1% 

(n=15,802) 

Table 4. Connected Public Library Outlets that Provide Public Access to the Internet by 

Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty 

Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

Urban 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=1,614) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=905) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=223) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=2,742) 

Suburban 

95.0% 

+/- 2.2% 

(n=4,194) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=316) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=16) 

95.3% 

+/- 2.1% 

(n=4,526) 

Rural 

92.7% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=6,198) 

98.1% 

+/- 1.4% 

(n=1,508) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=86) 

93.7% 

+/- 2.4% 

(n=7,792) 

Overall 

94.4% 

+/- 2.3% 

(n=12,006) 

98.9% 

+/- 1.0% 

(n=2,729) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=325) 

95.3% 

+/- 2.1% 

(n=15,059) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and Policy 

Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 5 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 5. Average Number of Public Library Outlet Graphical Public Access Internet 

Terminals by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty 

Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

Urban 16.6 

range: 1-171 

29.1 

range: 1-680 

12.9 

range: 2-36 

20.6 

range: 1-680

Suburban 11.9 

range: 1-139 

9.3 

range: 1-40 

3.5 

range: 2-5 

11.7 

range: 1-139

Rural 6.5 

range: 1-81 

7.5 

range: 1-45 

4.0 

range: 1-5 

6.7 

range: 1-81 

Overall 9.8 

range: 1-171 

15.1 

range: 1-680 

10.6 

range 1-36 

10.8

range: 1-680

Table 6. Frequency Analysis of Public Library Outlet Number of Graphical Public 

Access Workstations. 

Quartile Number of Graphical Workstations 

Per Outlet 

1 (25%) 3 

2 (50%) 6 

3 (75%) 11 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 6 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 7. Public Library Outlet Maximum Speed of Public Access Internet Services by 

Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Urban Suburban Rural 

Less 

than 

20% 

20%-

40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Maximum 

Speed 

Less than 

56kbps - - 

3.3% 

+/- 1.7% 

(n=257) 

1.4% 

+/- 1.1% 

(n=168) 

3.3% 

+/- 1.8% 

(n=89) 

 - 

1.7% 

+/- 1.3% 

(n=257) 

56kbps dialup - 

2.8% 

+/- 1.6% 

(n=126) 

11.0% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=858) 

7.7% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=925) 

2.2% 

+/- 1.5% 

(n=59) 

 - 

6.5% 

+/- 2.4% 

(n=984) 

56kbps 

direct 

connect 

6.6% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=181) 

10.6% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=478) 

20.1% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=1,567) 

14.3% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=1,717) 

15.8% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=432) 

23.7% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=77) 

14.8% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=2,226) 

64kbps – 

128kbps 

4.5% 

+/- 2.1% 

(n=124) 

8.1% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=365) 

8.2% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=638) 

6.9% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=832) 

10.0% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=272) 

7.2% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=23) 

7.5% 

+/-2.6% 

(n=1,127) 

128kbps – 

1.5mbps 

7.4% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=204) 

11.6% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=523) 

8.3% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=650) 

9.9% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,193) 

6.7% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=183) 

 - 

9.1% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=1,377) 

T1 

(1. 5mbps) 

43.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,182) 

38.3% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=1,734) 

27.9% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=2,170) 

33.2% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=3,981) 

36.3% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=991) 

35.3% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=115) 

33.8% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=5,087) 

Greater 

than 

1.5mbps 

34.1% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=936) 

21.0% 

4.0% 

(n=951) 

5.3% 

+/- 2.2% 

(n=413) 

14.8% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=1,781) 

17.6% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=481) 

11.9% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=39) 

15.3% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=2,301) 

Don’t Know 

3.7% 

+/- 1.9% 

(n=102) 

5.9% 

3.0% 

(n=268) 

15.6% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=1,212) 

10.5% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=1,259) 

9.2% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=252) 

21.8% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=71) 

10.5% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=1,582) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 7 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Internet Services Provision and Implementation 

The survey form queried public library outlets as to their provision and implementation of 

public access online databases, blocking of Internet services (i.e. Chat), and filtering or blocking 

of Internet content (i.e. objectionable sites or images). Responses to the surveys showed that 

90.6% of public library outlets offering database subscription services on some or all of their 

public access workstations (see Table 8). This is an increase from 81.1% in 2000. Remote 

database access has also increased, from 36.1% in 2000 to 44.3% in 2002. 

The 2000 Public Libraries and the Internet survey queried public library outlets about the 

blocking of Internet services. The 2002 iteration of the study divided this question to address 

both the blocking of Internet services and, a related but separate issue, the blocking of Internet 

content. Responses to the 2000 survey indicated that 9.6% of public library outlets blocked 

Internet services on all public access workstations, 15% blocked services on some workstations, 

and 75.5% of public library outlets did not block Internet services at all. The 2002 survey 

responses show that 16.4% block Internet services on all public access workstations, 9.6% block 

services on some workstations, and 73.9% of public library outlets do not block Internet services 

on their public access workstations (see Table 9). 

Table 8. Public Library Outlet Public Access Database Subscription Services by 

Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 

20%-

40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Subscription 

Database 

Services 

On all 

workstations

75.5% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=2,071) 

61.7% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=2,792) 

63.3% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=4,962) 

64.5% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=7,741) 

69.0% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=1,881) 

53.2% 

+/- 

5.0% 

(n=173) 

65.0% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=9,795) 

On some 

workstations

21.8% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=598) 

31.0% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=1,402) 

23.8% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=1,851) 

25.5% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=3,066) 

24.4% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=667) 

36.2% 

+/- 

4.8% 

(n=118) 

25.6% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=3,851) 

On no 

workstations

2.7% 

+/- 1.6% 

(n=73) 

7.3% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=332) 

12.9% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=1,008) 

10.0% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=1,199) 

6.6% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=180) 

10.6% 

+/- 

3.1% 

(n=34) 

9.4% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=1,413) 

Subscription 

services offered 

remotely to offsite users

61.9% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,698) 

41.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,866) 

40.0% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=3,114) 

44.7% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=5,364) 

43.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,176) 

42.5% 

+/- 

4.9% 

(n=138) 

44.3% 

+/-4.9% 

(n=6,678) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 8 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 9. Public Library Outlet Public Access Internet Blocking of Internet Services 

(i.e., Chat) by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 

20%-

40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Blocking of 

Internet 

Services 

On all 

workstations

29.8% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=817) 

15.0% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=679) 

12.6% 

+/- 3.2% 

(n=981) 

15.0% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=1,802) 

23.0% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=627) 

14.9% 

+/- 

3.3% 

(n=48) 

16.4% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=2,477) 

On some 

workstations

9.7% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=266) 

13.0% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=587) 

7.7% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=600) 

9.4% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,131) 

9.4% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=257) 

20.2% 

+/- 

4.0% 

(n=66) 

9.6% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,453) 

On no 

workstations

60.5% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,659) 

72.0% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=3,260) 

79.7% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=6,210) 

75.6% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=9,074) 

67.6% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=1,844) 

64.9% 

+/- 

4.7% 

(n=211) 

73.9% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=11,129) 

Table 10. Public Library Outlet Public Access Internet Blocking of Internet Content 

(i.e., objectionable material) by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 

20%-

40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Blocking of 

Internet 

Content 

On all 

workstations

38.9% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=1,066) 

19.5% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=884) 

22.1% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=1,724) 

21.6% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=2,592) 

36.9% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=1,007) 

23.2% 

+/- 

4.2% 

(n=75) 

24.4% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=3,674) 

On some 

workstations

18.1% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=496) 

23.8% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=1,077) 

13.7% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=1,066) 

18.5% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=2,217) 

12.7% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=346) 

23.2% 

+/- 

4.2% 

(n=75) 

17.5% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=2,639) 

On no 

workstations

43.0% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,180) 

56.7% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=2,565) 

64.2% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=5,002) 

59.9% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=7,197) 

50.4% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,375) 

53.6% 

+/- 

4.9% 

(n=174) 

58.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=8,747) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 9 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

With regard to filtering of Internet content, 24.4% of library outlets responded that they 

block objectionable material on all workstations, 17.5% of outlets block on some public access 

workstations, and 58.1% of public library outlets do not block Internet content on any of their 

public access workstations (see Table 10). 

The remainder of the survey focused on system wide questions. To remain consistent in the 

overall presentation of the data, responses from the systems were projected nationally to public 

library outlets. 

Public Library System Funding 

Compared with 2000 data, the trend in funding for Internet-related technology and 

infrastructure appears to be moving away from local government funding (down 13.5% since 

2000), shifting toward more state library funding (up 16.2%) and federal government funding 

(up 4.8%) (see Table 11). 

E-rate discount funding in public libraries has decreased by 5.5% since 2000, while library 

foundation funding has increased by 10.6%. Gates library program funding has also slightly 

increased (up 2.6%), and gifts, contributions, donations, local fundraisers and other local income 

sources in sum increased by 12.3%. 

The study found that 29.9% of the public libraries surveyed would continue to apply for Erate discounts if the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is upheld, and 18.9% replied that 

they would not (see Table 12). More than half (51.3%) were unsure of how CIPA would affect 

their intention to apply for E-rate discounts. 

Bertot & McClure 10 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 11. Public Library System Funding for Internet-Related Technology and Infrastructure. 

Funding Source Percentage of Funding Source 

Operating funds from local government/tax districts

74.2% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=11,181) 

Operating funds from state library

39.8% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=5,992) 

State grants

28.9% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=4,352) 

Federal government funds (LSTA, TIAPP)

23.1% 

+/-4.2% 

(n=3,483) 

Education Rate (E-rate) discount

43.4% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,536) 

Library foundation funds

18.9% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=2,845) 

Gates library program 

34.0% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=5,122) 

Gifts, contributions, donations

30.5% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,593) 

Local fund raisers

13.7% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=2,057) 

Other income sources

9.9% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,483) 

Percentages will not total to 100.0% as respondents could select multiple funding options. 

Table 12. Public Library Intention to Apply for E-Rate Discounts if CIPA is Upheld. 

Continued Application for E-rate Discounts Percentage of E-rate Discount Applications 

Yes would continue to apply

29.9% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,498) 

No would not continue to apply

18.9% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=2,843) 

Unsure

51.3% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=4,352) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 11 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 13. Public Library Provision of Digital Reference Services. 

Provision of Digital Reference Services Percentage of Digital Reference Services 

Currently provide digital reference services

31.7% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,771) 

Do not provide digital reference services

59.9% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=9,028) 

Plan to provide digital reference services 

within the year

8.4% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=1,260) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Digital Reference Services 

A new question added to this iteration of the Public Libraries and the Internet survey was 

with regard to the implementation of digital reference services. As Table 13 shows, 31.7% of 

public libraries currently provide digital reference services and 8.4% of libraries have plans to 

provide digital reference services within the year. 

Training Services 

With the increases of Internet provision in public library outlets, public libraries are 

providing formal Internet training services for patrons. These training services were the subject 

of a few of the new questions of the 2002 Public Libraries and the Internet survey. Survey 

responses showed that 42% of public libraries offer formal Internet training services for patrons 

(see Table 14). Of the libraries that provide training services, 22.9% have their own training 

facilities and 14% have shared facilities. Another 4.4% will have a training facility within the 

next year. 

Bertot & McClure 12 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Table 14. Public Library Formal Patron Internet Training Services and Training 

Facilities. 

Public Training Services Percentage of Public Training Services 

Library provides formal Internet training 

services to its patrons

42.0% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,332) 

Library does not provide formal Internet 

training services to its patrons

58.0% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=8,728) 

Technology Instructional Facility Percentage of Instructional Facility 

Library has a separate instructional facility in 

a library facility/branch

22.9% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=3,446) 

Library has access to a shared instructional 

facility (e.g., shared with a school or local 

agency)

14.0% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=2,108) 

Library does not have access to a separate 

instructional facility 

63.1% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=9,505) 

Library will have access to an instructional 

facility within the next year 

4.4% 

+/- 2.0% 

(n=667) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 13 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Almost half (49.1%) of the public libraries surveyed target the senior adult public for 

training services, 31.4% target non-senior adults, and 32.6% of the libraries provide Internet 

training services specifically for children and youth groups (see Table 15). Another 18% of 

libraries target local businesses and 8% target local government audiences for training services. 

Table 15. Public Library Formal Patron Internet Training Services Target Audiences. 

Target Audiences for Public Training 

Services

Percentage of Public Target Audiences 

Adult (non-senior) public

31.4% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,731) 

Adult (senior) public

49.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=7,392) 

Children/youth public

32.6% 

+/-4.7% 

(n=4,906) 

Local businesses

18.0% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=2,714) 

Local government

8.0% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=1,212) 

Other targeted populations 

10.2% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=1,538) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 14 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Finally, the data show that 43.6% of libraries offer formal technology training for staff 

members (see Table 16). Trainings for staff include such technology instruction topics as: 

• General computer skills (28.1%); 

• General computer software use (44.9%); 

• General technology troubleshooting (37.2%); 

• General Internet use (44.3%); and 

• Online Web searching (47.5%). 

Focused staff training was offered in some library systems for locating government information 

on the web (31.5%) and using online databases (41.6%). 

Table 16. Public Library Formal Staff Technology Training Services and Training Topics. 

Staff Training Services Percentage of Staff Training Services 

Library offers formal technology training services 

to its staff

43.6% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,559) 

Library does not offer formal technology training 

services to its staff

56.4% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=8,501) 

Technology Instruction Topics Percentage of Instruction Topics 

General computer skills (e.g., mouse use, 

printing)

28.1% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=4,228) 

General computer software use (e.g., word 

processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation)

44.9% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,754) 

General technology troubleshooting (e.g., dealing 

with frozen computers, jammed printers, etc.) 

37.2% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=5,595) 

General Internet use (e.g., e-mail, web browsing) 

44.3% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,678) 

Online/web searching (e.g., using Google, 

AltaVista, other to locate information and 

sources) 

47.5% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=7,147) 

Locating government information on the web 

31.5% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,738) 

Using online databases (e.g., using commercial 

databases to search and find content) 

41.6% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,270) 

Source: Bertot, J.C., and McClure, C.R. (2002). Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet 

Connectivity and Networked Services. Tallahassee, FL: Information Use Management and 

Policy Institute, Florida State University. Available at: <http://www.ii.fsu.edu>. 

Bertot & McClure 15 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

The Internet has become an integral part of public libraries in the United States. Services in 

libraries are changing based on a foundation of connectivity. Notable data from this most recent 

survey of public library outlets and systems show that: 

• Within the past eight years, public library Internet connectivity has increased 

substantially, from 20.9% of public library systems connected to the Internet in 1994 to 

98.7% of public library outlets connected to the Internet in 2002. 

• About 95% of outlets provide public Internet access. 

• The filtering of content is substantial in public libraries, with 41.9% blocking 

objectionable content on all or some outlet-based workstations. 

• Public library funding for technology is shifting toward more state and local nongovernment funds. 

• Almost one third (31.7%) of public libraries offer digital reference services, and 8.4% 

plan on implementing such services within the next year. 

• 42% of public libraries offer formal Internet training and 36.9% of these have a separate 

facility, whether private or shared, for this training. 

The data indicate that libraries are increasing Internet technologies and services to meet the 

perceived demand for increased online services and resources. Increases in the provision of 

subscription databases both within libraries (up 9.5% since 2000) as well as by remote access to 

online subscription databases (up 8.2% since 2000) further demonstrate the increasing 

importance of online services provided by public libraries. 

Bertot & McClure 16 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

APPENDIX A – ONLINE SURVEY FORM 

(Please note that the survey form appeared differently in its online format) 

Bertot & McClure 17 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Survey Screen 1 – Survey Login and Introduction 

2002 Public Library Internet Survey 

Since 1994, Drs. John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. McClure have conducted a bi-annual 

survey of public library Internet connectivity with support over the years from the 

American Library Association (ALA), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), 

and the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS). This 

survey has pioneered a number of questions that provide extremely important data 

regarding public library Internet connectivity, use, and involvement that enable 

practitioners, policy makers, and researchers understand the nature, extent, and 

changes of public library Internet connectivity. We encourage you to review prior 

studies and see the value your response provides in developing state and national 

information policy (http://www.nclis.gov/statsurv/statsurv.html). 

Your library has been selected to participate in the study this year. The survey asks 

questions regarding your library’s Internet connectivity and Internet-based services. In 

particular, the survey asks about whether your library is connected to the Internet and 

provides public access, the number of graphical workstations for public access, speed 

of connectivity, whether your library filters Internet content and services, availability 

of online databases, and public and staff training services. 

The survey does not take more than 5 minutes to complete, however, your 

participation will provide important data for years to come. THANK YOU for your 

willingness to participate! Please enter your library’s survey ID (found on your survey 

alert letter) to begin the survey process. If you cannot remember and/or locate your 

survey ID, please follow the link below to locate your library by zip code. 

Enter your Access Code in the field below to begin the survey. You will be able to come 

back and change your answers at any time, or print your survey for your records. 

Access 

Code:

 

If you do not have your access 

code 

follow this link. 

Login

Bertot & McClure 18 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Survey Screen 2 – Internet Connectivity Screening Question 

Getting Started 

Is your library system, including all branches or service outlets, currently connected to 

the Internet in any way? 

 No (Thank you for your participation) 

 Yes 

Submit Reset Form

Bertot & McClure 19 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Survey Screen 3 – Branch/Outlet Questions 

Welcome to the Survey. 

This portion of the survey contains questions regarding specific branches or outlets in 

your Library System. The branches that have been chosen for this survey are listed below. 

When you click 'Submit and Continue' at the bottom of this form, you will automatically

be taken to the form for the next branch or outlet. Once you have completed the questions

pertaining to these outlets, you will be taken to a short form containing questions relating 

to your entire Library System. 

Branch Name Survey Status 

Alviso Library Incomplete 

Biblioteca Latino Americano Incomplete 

Rosegarden Library Incomplete 

You are answering questions regarding the following library branch or service outlet: 

Alviso Library

Question 1. (required) 

Is this library branch/service outlet currently connected to the Internet in any way? 

 No (If you answer 'no', please click here.) 

 Yes, staff access only (If you answer 'yes, staff only' please click here.) 

 Yes, public and staff access 

Question 2. 

Please indicate the number of GRAPHICAL PUBLIC ACCESS Internet workstations

provided by this library branch/service outlet (include in the count multi-purpose 

workstations that allow access to the Internet. Exclude workstations that only access the 

library's web-based OPACs): 

(Please type in number): 

Question 3. 

Please indicate the maximum speed of this library branch's/service outlet's PUBLIC 

ACCESS Internet service connection: 

[ select one ]

Bertot & McClure 20 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Question 4. 

Please complete the following questions about this library branch's/service outlet's 

PUBLIC ACCESS Internet services: 

 On all 

workstations

On some 

workstations

On no 

workstations

Service 

offered 

remotely to 

off-site users 

This library outlet offers public access 

to subscription databases (e.g., 

EbscoHost, InfoTrac, SIRS, etc. 

Answer "yes" if the library does not 

subscribe directly to these subscription 

databases, but rather receives them 

through consortia, state library, or 

other means) 

This library outlet uses technology 

measures (e.g., filtering software) to 

block users from accessing various 

Internet SERVICES (e.g., e-mail, chat) 

 

This library outlet uses technology 

measures (e.g., filtering software) to 

block users from accessing various 

Internet CONTENT (e.g., images, text) 

 

Submit and Continue Reset Form

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact John Bertot via e-mail at 

jcbertot@lis.fsu.edu or by phone at (850) 644-8118." 

Bertot & McClure 21 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectiv

Question 5. 

Please indicate your library's sources of funding for Internet-related technology and 

infrastructure (e.g., space, wiring, telecommunications services, workstations, servers, 

furniture, etc.) for the library's last fiscal year. (Select all that apply) 

 Operating funds from local government/tax 

districts Library foundation funds 

 Operating funds from state library Gates Library Program 

 State grants Gifts, contributions, 

donations 

 Federal government funds (LSTA, TIAPP) Local fund raisers 

 Education Rate (E-rate) discount Other income sources 

If your library applied for and received E-rate funding during the library's last 

fiscal year, please answer the following questions: 

a.) Will your library continue to apply for E-rate funding should the Children's 

Internet Protection Act (CIPA) that requires the filtering of public access Internet 

content in exchange for continued E-rate funding survive its legal challenges? 

 

b.) Can you please estimate the percentage of cost for your library's Internet 

connectivity/telecommunications services that E-rate funding covered during the last 

fiscal year? 

 % 

ity and Networked Services 

Bertot & McClure 22 December 2002 

Survey Screen 5 – System Level Questions 

System Questions 

You are now answering questions regarding your entire LIBRARY SYSTEM. 

[ select one ]

Question 6. 

Does your library currently offer digital reference services (e.g., receive/answer reference 

questions via e-mail or web-based technologies)? 

[ select one ]
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Survey Screen 5 – System Level Questions (cont’d) 

Question 7. 

Does your library offer formal Internet training services for its patrons? 

If yes, please answer the following questions:

a.) Does your library have access to a separate instructional room (e.g., computer lab) for its 

training services? 

 

b.) Please identify the target audiences of these training services: 

 Adult (non-senior) public Adult (senior) public Children/youth public 

 Local business Local government Other targeted populations 

c.) If your library uses technology measures to filter Internet content, does your library inform 

patrons of this during its training sessions? 

 

[ select one ]

[ select one ]

[ select one ]

Bertot & McClure 23 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Survey Screen 5 – System Level Questions (cont’d) 

Question 8. 

Does your library offer formal Internet training services for its staff? 

elect

If yes, please answer the following questions:

a.) Please identify the most common topics covered in these training session: 

 

 General computer skills (e.g., mouse use, printing) 

 General computer software use (e.g., wordprocessing, spreadsheets, databases,

presentation) 

 General technology troubleshooting (e.g., dealing with frozen computers, 

jammed printers, etc.) 

 General Internet use (e.g., e-mail, web browsing) 

 Online/web searching (e.g., using Google, AtlaVista, other to locate information 

and sources) 

 Locating government information on the web 

 Using online databases (e.g., using commercial databases to search and find 

content) 

 Technology planning and management (e.g., developing and implementing 

technology infrastructure, managing equipment) 

[ s one ]

Submit Survey Reset Form

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact John Bertot via e-mail at 

jcbertot@lis.fsu.edu or by phone at (850) 644-8118." 

Bertot & McClure 24 December 2002 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2002: Internet Connectivity and Networked Services 

Bertot & McClure 25 December 2002 

Survey Screen 6 – Hyperlinked Glossary of Terms 

GLOSSARY OF SURVEY ABBREVIATIONS/KEY TERMS 

Outlet/Branch

A library facility. In the case of some public libraries, there is only one facility or outlet. 

Other public libraries have several outlets or facilities sometimes referred to as branches. 

[top] 

Graphical Workstation

A workstation and/or computer that is capable of displaying graphical images, pictorial 

representations, or other multi-media formats. 

[top] 

Public Access Internet Workstations

Those library outlet graphical workstations that provide public access to the Internet, 

including those that provide access to a limited set of Internet-based services such as 

online databases. 

[top] 

KBPS

Kilobits per second. 

[top] 

MBPS

Megabits per second. 

[top] 

Dial-up Internet Connection

Internet connection using a modem and a phone line. 

[top] 

Direct Internet Connection

Internet connection using a dedicated connection such as a leased line (e.g., T1, 56kbps, 

ISDN, DSL), cable, or satellite. 

[top] 

Service Offered Remotely to Off-Site Users

Internet-based services such as online databases (e.g., EbscoHost) the library offers that 

users can access via the Internet from home, office, school, or other non-library locations. 

[top] 

Formal Internet Training Services

Instruction offered in the use of information technology or resources obtainable using 

information technology in structured sessions. 

[top] 

Technology measures to filter Internet content

Technology measures include filtering software that blocks and/or filters Internet content 

and/or software that prevents Internet-based activities such as chat. 

[top]