PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THE INTERNET 2000: 

SUMMARY FINDINGS AND DATA TABLES

Submitted To: 

National Commission on Libraries and Information Science 

1110 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 820 

Washington, DC 20005 

(202) 606-9200 phone 

(202) 606-9203 fax 

By: 

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

Associate Professor and 

Associate Director 

Information Use Management and Policy Institute 

School of Information Studies 

Louis Shores Building 

Florida State University 

Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100 

(850) 644-6400 phone 

(850) 644-9763 fax 

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

Francis Eppes Professor and 

Director 

Information Use Management and Policy Institute 

School of Information Studies 

Louis Shores Building 

Florida State University 

Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100 

(850) 644-8109 phone 

(850) 644-9763 fax 

September 7, 2000 

NCLIS Web Release Version 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 1 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

INTRODUCTION 

 The U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science 

(NCLIS) commissioned a Public Libraries and the Internet study for the year 

2000. This study both updated previous NCLIS-sponsored studies (1994, 

1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998)1 and explored new territory regarding public 

library involvement with and use of the Internet. 

 In particular, the 2000 Public Libraries and the Internet study sought to 

(see Appendix B for a copy of the survey form): 

• Provide longitudinal data regarding the percentage of public libraries 

connected to the Internet; 

• Provide longitudinal data regarding the percentage of public libraries 

that provide graphical public access Internet services; 

• Provide longitudinal data regarding the speed of library public access 

Internet services; 

• Explore the funding sources that support public library Internet 

connectivity and information technology infrastructure development; 

• Explore the level of use of online database resources, blocking 

technologies, and special software/hardware for individuals with 

disabilities by public libraries that provide public Internet access 

services; 

• Explore the extent and nature of library public access Internet 

acceptable use policies; and, 

• Explore the extent and nature of library Internet training services 

offered by libraries to various types of library users and staff. 

These areas formed the basis for the survey form developed by the 

consultants in conjunction with NCLIS staff. 

STUDY APPROACH AND METHOD 

 The 2000 study updated and re-geocoded all public library outlets using 

the 1997 public library dataset produced by the National Center for 

Education Statistics (NCES) through the Federal-State Cooperative System 

(FSCS). The 1997 file was the most current release available to the 

consultants. Using geographic information system-based techniques, a 

research team at Florida State University was able to successfully geocode 

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 1998 Public 

Library Internet study.2 From the 16,004 geocoded outlets,3 the consultants 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 2 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

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

poverty and metropolitan status categories. 

 The consultants developed and pre-tested a number of survey questions 

for inclusion on the 2000 survey form. These pre-test methods included: 

• Distributing and discussing the draft survey with state data 

coordinators at the FSCS professional development conference in 

March 2000; 

• A focus group during the Public Library Association meeting in March 

2000 with approximately 15 public librarians, state librarians, state 

data coordinators, and others knowledgeable in the area of public 

library Internet activities; and, 

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

public librarians. 

Based on the comments provided by the various survey reviewers, the 

consultants and NCLIS staff developed a final version of the survey for 

distribution to the sample of 1,500 public library outlets. 

 The consultants mailed the surveys to the 1,500 outlets in May 2000.4 At 

the same time, the consultants distributed the sample list to the state data 

coordinators to apprise them of the library outlets sampled in their states. 

The consultants and NCLIS staff attempted to correct surveys returned due 

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

library outlet closed, the consultants selected a replacement outlet in the 

same poverty and metropolitan status category. Survey collection occurred 

through June 2000, with a final response rate of 73.9%. The state data 

coordinators provided tremendous support to the data collection effort, 

assisting the consultants and NCLIS staff achieve such a high response rate 

in a month’s time. 

READING THE FIGURES 

 The consultants used a weighted analysis approach to analyze the data 

and generate national estimates. As such, the analysis uses the actual 

responses from the 1,108 library outlets from which a completed survey was 

received to estimate to all [geocoded] outlets. 

 For example, Hawkins Memorial Library in La Porte City, Iowa, is coded 

as a suburban library outlet with less than 20% poverty. Hawkins Memorial 

Library’s responses (and all others designated suburban with less than 20% 

poverty) are weighted by 14.251 to generate an estimate for all suburban 

outlets with less than 20% poverty.5
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 3 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

 Figures 3 through 13 present the weighted study findings. Thus, the data 

presented in the figures represent the national estimates of connectivity, 

public access, and other presented analysis. Readers should note that, due to 

the type of analysis and weight generation process, rounding occurs in the 

weights used, number of estimated outlets for a particular response, 

percentages/averages generated, and confidence intervals. 

KEY SURVEY FINDINGS 

 Public libraries continue to connect to the Internet, enhance their 

connectivity, and provide a variety of public access Internet services. The 

sections below describe public library outlet Internet connectivity as of June 

2000 and, where possible, identifies significant changes from the 1998 Public 

Libraries and the Internet study findings. The figures referenced in the 

following sections are in Appendix A of this report. 

Connectivity and Public Access 

 Nearly all public library outlets – 95.7% – have an Internet connection 

(see Figure 3). This is an increase from 83.6% in 1998. The most notable 

increases in connectivity occurred in suburban and rural library outlets. 

Suburban library connectivity increased from 88.1% in 1998 to 98.5% in 2000, 

and rural library connectivity increased from 78.4% in 1998 to 93.3% in 2000. 

 Most library outlets also provide public access to the Internet, with 94.5% 

doing so (see Figure 4). This is up substantially from the 73.3% of library 

outlets that provided public access to the Internet in 1998. Significant 

increases in public access services occurred across all types of outlets by 

poverty and metropolitan status. Of particular interest is that all outlets in 

the poverty designations moved from the 72.8% to 79.5% range of public 

access service provision in 1998 to the 93.5% to 95.8% range in 2000. 

 The 1998 Public Libraries and the Internet study asked libraries if they 

expected to be connected to the Internet for public and staff access by June 

1999. Overall, 47.6% of libraries responding that they were not currently 

connected expected to be by June 1999. Clearly, the overall increase in public 

library connectivity by more than 21% is a result of libraries being successful 

with Internet connectivity plans. 

 Of the outlets that provide public access Internet services, there is an 

average of 8.3 workstations per outlet (see Figure 5). Not surprisingly, rural 

libraries have fewer workstations (4.9) as compared to urban libraries (17.3). 

Since 1998, however, library outlets have nearly doubled the number of 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 4 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

public access workstations available to the public (see Figure 6). For 

example: 

• 25% of public library outlets now have two (2) or fewer workstations 

as compared to one (1) workstation in 1998;

• 50% of public library outlets now have four (4) or fewer workstations 

as compared to three (3) in 1998; and,

• 75% of public library outlets now have eight (8) or fewer workstations 

as compared to four (4) or fewer in 1998.

Thus, public library outlets are providing more public access workstations to 

the populations that they serve. 

 Speed of connectivity for public access Internet services also increased 

since 1998. Of particular interest is that: 

• 36.2% of outlets now have T1 (1.45mbps) service as their maximum 

speed of connectivity for public access services, as compared to 21.9% 

in 1998;

• 53.6% of outlets have greater than 56kbps (direct connect) service as 

their maximum speed of connectivity for public access services, as 

compared to 33.7% in 1998; and

• 35.4% of rural outlets have greater than 56kbps (direct connect) service 

as their maximum speed of connectivity for public access services, as 

compared to 22.2% in 1998.

The data demonstrate an overall increase in speeds of connectivity and a 

shift away from dialup connections. It is valuable to recognize that even 

rural libraries and those with poverty levels greater than 40% are able to 

provide T1 access. The data show an increase of 10.1% for rural libraries, an 

increase of 7.6% for libraries with more than 40% poverty, and an overall 

increase of connectivity at T1 speeds by 14.3%. As such, public libraries 

continue to augment the bandwidth available for their public access services. 

Funding Connectivity and Information Technology Infrastructure 

 Public libraries combine a variety of funding sources to support their 

Internet services and information technology infrastructure (see Figure 8): 

• 87.7% make use of operating funds from local governments and/or tax 

districts;

• 48.9% make use of Education-rate (E-rate) discounts; and,

• 23.6% to 31.4% make use of state library grants, state grants, gifts, 

and special grants (e.g., Gates Library Initiative).
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 5 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

Of particular interest is that 62.1% and 69.6%, respectively, of library 

outlets with 20-40% poverty and more than 40% poverty designations make 

use of the E-rate discount to support their Internet connectivity services. 

Internet Services Provision and Implementation 

 The survey form queried public libraries as to their provision and 

implementation of public access online databases, disability, and training 

services. The study found that: 

• 60.4% of public library outlets offer access to online database 

subscription services on all of their workstations (see Figure 9); 

• 36.1% of public library outlets offer remote access to their online 

database services (see Figure 9); 

• 71.2% of public library outlets do not provide special hardware/ 

software on their public access workstations for individuals with 

disabilities (see Figure 10); 

• 75.5% of public library outlets do not block and/or filter Internet 

content on their public access workstations (see Figure 11); 

• 95.5% of public library outlets have acceptable use policies for their 

public access Internet services, and 43.6% differentiate between users 

(e.g., children, adults) in their policies (see Figure 12); and, 

• 62.3% of public library outlets offer Internet training services, of 

which 55.1% that provide training to the adult public, 44.3% to 

library staff, and 43.7% to children/youth public (see Figure 13). 

In general, therefore, public library outlets offer online database services, do 

not filter and/or block Internet content, do not provide special hardware/ 

software for individuals with disabilities to use the Internet, have 

acceptable use policies in place, and offer the public Internet training 

services. 

NOTES AND REFERENCES 

1. See McClure, C. R., Bertot, J. C., and Zweizig, D. L. (1994). Public 

libraries and the Internet: Study results, policy issues, and recommendations. 

Washington, D.C.: National Commission on Libraries and Information 

Science; McClure, C.R., Bertot, J.C., and Beachboard, J.C. (1995). Internet 

costs and cost models for public libraries. Washington, D.C.: National 

Commission on Libraries and Information Science; Bertot, J. C., McClure, C. 

R., and Zweizig, D. L. (1996). The 1996 national survey of public libraries 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 6 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

and the Internet: Progress and issues. Washington, D.C.: National 

Commission on Libraries and Information Science; Bertot, J. C., McClure, C. 

R., and Fletcher, P. D. (1997). The 1997 national survey of U.S. public 

libraries and the Internet: Final report. Washington, D.C.: American Library 

Association, Office for Information Technology Policy; 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. 

2. 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. 

3. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 

16,925 public library outlets 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. CITE NCES. 

4. Respondents also had the option of completing the survey form online via 

a web-based survey. 

5. By multiplying the weight of 14.251 by the total number of respondents in 

the suburban with less than 20% poverty outlets (14.251x311 – see Figure 2), 

one should get the total number of outlets for that cell in Figure 1 (4,332). 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables

Bertot & McClure 7 September 7, 2000 

Web release version

APPENDIX A – SUMMARY FIGURES OF SURVEY FINDINGS
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 8 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 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. 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 9 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 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 11.4%

(n=126) 

5.3%

(n=59) 

1.9%

(n=21) 

18.6%

(n=205) 

Suburban 28.1%

(n=311) 

1.7% 

(n=19) 

0.4%

(n=4) 

30.1%

(n=334) 

Rural 42.2%

(n=468) 

8.4%

(n=93) 

0.6%

(n=7) 

51.3% 

(n=568) 

Overall 81.7%

(n=905) 

15.4%

(n=171) 

2.9%

(n=32) 

100.0%*

(n=1,108) 

Based on 1,108 responses out of 1,500 for a total response rate of 73.9%. 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 10 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 3. Public Library Outlets Connected to the Internet by 

Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty Base=16,004 Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

 

Urban 

98.4% 

+/- 1.3%

(n=1,588) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=905) 

90.5% 

+/- 2.9%

(n=202) 

98.3% 

+/- 1.3% 

(n=2,695) 

Suburban 

98.4% 

+/- 1.3%

(n=4,361) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=316) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=16) 

98.5% 

+/- 1.2% 

(n=4,693) 

Rural 

93.1% 

+/- 2.5%

(n=6,336) 

93.5% 

+/- 2.5%

(n=1,507) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=86) 

93.3% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=7,929) 

Overall 

95.6% 

+/- 2.0% 

(n=12,285) 

96.3% 

+/- 1.9% 

(n=2,728) 

92.8% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=302) 

95.7% 

+/- 2.0% 

(n=15,317) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 11 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 4. Connected Public Library Outlets that Provide Public 

Access to the Internet by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty Base=16,004 Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

 

Urban 

98.4% 

+/- 1.3%

(n=1,588) 

98.3% 

+/- 1.3%

(n=890) 

90.5% 

+/- 2.9%

(n=202) 

97.7% 

+/- 1.5% 

(n=2,680) 

Suburban 

97.1% 

+/- 1.7%

(n=4,304) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=316) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=16) 

97.3% 

+/- 1.6% 

(n=4,636) 

Rural 

91.5% 

+/- 2.8%

(n=6,220) 

93.5% 

+/- 2.5%

(n=1,507) 

100.0% 

+/- 0.0%

(n=86) 

91.9% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=7,813) 

Overall 

94.3% 

+/- 2.3% 

(n=12,112) 

95.8% 

+/- 2.0% 

(n=2,713) 

93.5% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=304) 

94.5% 

+/- 2.3% 

(n=15,128) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 12 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 5. Average Number of Public Library Outlet Graphical Public 

Access Internet Terminals by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Poverty Base=15,128 Less than 20% 20%-40% More than 40% Overall 

Metropolitan 

Status 

 

Urban 13.7 

range: 1-191 

24.9 

range: 1-700 

11.9 

range: 2-32 

17.3 

range: 1-700 

Suburban 8.9 

range: 1-220 

6.5 

range: 1-23 

3.5 

range: 2-5 

8.7 

range: 1-220 

Rural 4.6 

range: 1-41 

6.1 

range: 1-38 

5.9 

range: 1-19 

4.9 

range: 1-41 

Overall 7.3 

range: 1-220 

12.3 

range: 1-700 

7.2 

range 1-32 

8.3

range: 1-700 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 13 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 6. Frequency Analysis of Public Library Outlet Number of 

Graphical Public Access Workstations. 

Quartile 

Number of Graphical 

Workstations 

Per Outlet 

1 (25%) 2 

2 (50%) 4 

3 (75%) 8 

Base=15,128 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 14 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 7. Public Library Outlet Maximum Speed of Public Access 

Internet Services by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less 

than 20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Maximum 

Speed 

 

Less than 

56kbps 

1.0% 

+/- 0.1% 

(n=26) 

2.5% 

+/- 1.5% 

(n=114) 

9.4% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=738) 

6.7% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=808) 

0.7% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=16) 

0.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=0) 

5.8% 

+/- 2.3% 

(n=877) 

56kbps dialup 

1.0% 

+/- 0.1% 

(n=26) 

7.4% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=344) 

25.3% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=1,975) 

17.7% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=2,141) 

9.5% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=204) 

16.2% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=49) 

15.5% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=2,345) 

56kbps 

direct 

connect 

10.0% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=269) 

25.6% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=1,184) 

29.8% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=2,331) 

24.4% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=2,995) 

8.7% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=186) 

26.3% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=80) 

25.0% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=3,784) 

64kbps – 

128kbps 

7.9% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=211) 

9.0% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=417) 

6.9% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=543) 

7.1% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=863) 

5.1% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=108) 

8.3% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=25) 

7.7% 

+/-2.7% 

(n=1,171) 

128kbps – 

1.5mbps 

15.7% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=420) 

6.6% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=304) 

3.8% 

+/- 1.9% 

(n=296) 

6.0% 

+/- 2.4% 

(n=727) 

6.8% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=146) 

0.0% 

+/- 0.0% 

(n=0) 

6.7% 

+/- 2.5% 

(n=1,020) 

T1 

(1. 5mbps) 

56.9% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,524) 

45.6% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=2,115) 

23.4% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=1,831) 

35.3% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=4,272) 

23.5% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=502) 

41.6% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=126) 

36.2% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=5,471) 

Greater than 

1.5mbps 

7.7% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=205) 

3.4% 

+/- 1.8% 

(n=157) 

1.3% 

+/- 1.1% 

(n=99) 

2.9% 

+/- 1.7% 

(n=346) 

0.6% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=12) 

7.5% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=123) 

3.0% 

+/- 1.7% 

(n=461) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 15 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 8. Public Library Outlet Funding for Internet-Related 

Technology and Infrastructure by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Funding 

Source 

 

Operating 

funds from 

local government/tax 

districts

96.2% 

+/- 1.9% 

(n=2,579) 

90.1% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=4,176) 

83.3% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=6,507) 

87.2% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=10,560) 

91.1% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=2,472) 

75.5% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=229) 

87.7% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=13,262) 

Operating 

funds from 

state library

19.7% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=529) 

19.6% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=908) 

27.2% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=2,126) 

21.1% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=2,559) 

34.8% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=943) 

20.1% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=61) 

23.6% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=3,563) 

State grants

33.6% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=899) 

27.2% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=1,261) 

29.6% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=2,312) 

29.1% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=3,526) 

30.5% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=826) 

39.6% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=120) 

29.6% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,472) 

Federal 

government 

funds (LSTA, 

TIAPP)

23.3% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=626) 

12.6% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=583) 

19.9% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=1,558) 

17.8% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=2,153) 

19.8% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=537) 

25.3% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=77) 

18.3% 

+/-3.9% 

(n=2,767) 

Education Rate 

(E-rate) 

discount

58.9% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,580) 

44.1% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=2,043) 

48.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=3,769) 

45.4% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=5,496) 

62.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,684) 

69.6% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=211) 

48.9% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=7,392) 

Library 

foundation 

funds

20.5% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=549) 

2.8% 

+/- 1.6% 

(n=128) 

7.4% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=577) 

7.1% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=857) 

13.1% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=355) 

14.0% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=32) 

8.3% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=1,255) 

Special grant 

funding (e.g., 

Gates Library 

Program)

45.5% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,220) 

25.9% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=1,119) 

29.8% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=2,331) 

26.1% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=3,162) 

53.1% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,440) 

48.4% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=147) 

31.4% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=4,749) 

Gifts, 

contributions, 

donations

17.9% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=480) 

21.7% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=1,006) 

30.0% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=2,342) 

26.9% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=3,259) 

18.2% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=494) 

24.7% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=75) 

25.3% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=3,828) 

Local fund 

raisers

4.7% 

+/- 2.1% 

(n=126) 

7.5% 

2.3% 

(n=347) 

9.2% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=719) 

8.5% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=1,028) 

4.3% 

+/- 2.0% 

(n=118) 

15.1% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=46) 

7.9% 

+/- 2.7% 

(n=1,192) 

Other income 

sources

5.8% 

+/- 2.3% 

(n=155) 

9.9% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=460) 

8.8% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=691) 

9.7% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,172) 

3.6% 

+/- 1.9% 

(n=98) 

11.8% 

+/- 3.2% 

(n=36) 

8.6% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=1,306) 

Percentages will not total to 100.0% as respondents could select multiple funding options. 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 16 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 9. Public Library Outlet Public Access Database Subscription 

Services by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Subscription 

Database 

Services 

 

On all 

workstations

77.3% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=2,071) 

63.9% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=2,960) 

52.6% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=4,108) 

59.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=7,161) 

66.6% 

+/- 4.7% 

(n=1,807) 

56.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=171) 

60.4% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=9,139) 

On some 

workstations

19.8% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=532) 

25.2% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=1,168) 

18.2% 

+/- 3.8% 

(n=1,426) 

20.7% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=2,511) 

20.1% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=545) 

22.8% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=69) 

20.7% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=3,125) 

On no 

workstations

2.9% 

+/- 1.7% 

(n=77) 

10.9% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=508) 

29.0% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=2,265) 

20.0% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=2,425) 

13.3% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=360) 

21.0% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=64) 

18.8% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=2,849) 

Subscription 

services offered 

remotely to offsite users

59.6% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,598) 

43.9% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=2,036) 

23.4% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=1,831) 

35.6% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=4,314) 

39.0% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,059) 

30.6% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=93) 

36.1% 

+/-4.8% 

(n=5,465) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 17 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 10. Public Library Outlet Public Access Provision of Special 

Hardware/Software for Individuals with Disabilities by Metropolitan 

Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Hardware/ 

Software for 

Persons with 

Disabilities 

 

On all 

workstations

8.7% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=233) 

7.0% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=325) 

9.3% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=725) 

5.8% 

+/- 2.3% 

(n=706) 

20.4% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=554) 

7.5% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=23) 

8.5% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=1,284) 

On some 

workstations

26.6% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=713) 

23.9% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=1,109) 

6.1% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=1,256) 

18.5% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=2,242) 

29.6% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=804) 

10.5% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=32) 

20.3% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=3,078) 

On no 

workstations

64.7% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=1,734) 

69.1% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=3,201) 

74.6% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=5,832) 

75.7% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=9,163) 

49.9% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,355) 

82.0% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=249) 

71.2% 

+/- 4.5% 

(n=10,767) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 18 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 11. Public Library Outlet Public Access Internet Blocking of 

Internet Services by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Blocking of 

Internet 

Services 

 

On all 

workstations

10.7% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=287) 

8.4% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=390) 

9.9% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=770) 

9.5% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,154) 

9.9% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=270) 

7.5% 

+/- 2.6% 

(n=23) 

9.6% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,446) 

On some 

workstations

18.5% 

+/- 3.9% 

(n=495) 

21.8% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=1,012) 

9.7% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=758) 

14.6% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=1,767) 

16.7% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=453) 

14.5% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=44) 

15.0% 

+/- 3.6% 

(n=2,265) 

On no 

workstations

70.8% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=1,898) 

69.8% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=3,234) 

80.4% 

+/- 4.0% 

(n=6,285) 

75.9% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=9,191) 

73.3% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=1,990) 

77.9% 

+/- 4.2% 

(n=237) 

75.5% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=11,417) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 19 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 12. Public Library Outlet Acceptable Use Policies for Public 

Access Internet Services by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less than 

20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Acceptable use 

policy in place 

for public 

access Internet 

Services

96.8% 

+/- 1.8% 

(n=2,595) 

97.1% 

+/- 1.7% 

(n=4,504) 

94.0% 

+/- 2.4% 

(n=7,345) 

94.7% 

+/- 2.2% 

(n=11,469) 

99.4% 

+/- 0.7% 

(n=2,695) 

91.7% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=279) 

95.5% 

+/- 2.1% 

(n=14,443) 

Acceptable use 

policy 

differentiates 

between users 

(e.g., children, 

adults)

31.4% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=841) 

41.1% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,906) 

49.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=3,842) 

43.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=5,234) 

43.9% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,191) 

53.8% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=163) 

43.6% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=6,589) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 20 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

Figure 13. Public Library Outlet Internet Training Services Provision 

by Metropolitan Status and Poverty. 

Metropolitan Status Poverty Level 

Base=15,128 Urban Suburban Rural Less 

than 20% 20%-40% 

More 

than 

40% 

Overall 

Library 

outlet offers 

Internet 

Training 

Services 

75.9% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=2,033) 

69.6% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=3,228) 

53.4% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=4,169) 

62.4% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=7,556) 

60.9% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=1,651) 

73.1% 

+/- 4.4% 

(n=222) 

62.3% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=9,430) 

Training 

Audiences 

Library Staff 

47.9% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,283) 

50.1% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=2,321) 

39.7% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=3,099) 

44.4% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=5,379) 

43.7% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,184) 

46.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=140) 

44.3% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=6,704) 

Local 

Business 

13.4% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=359) 

9.6% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=447) 

10.9% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=851) 

10.3% 

+/- 3.0% 

(n=1,250) 

13.8% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=373) 

11.0% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=34) 

11.0% 

+/- 3.1% 

(n=1,657) 

Adult Public 

68.9% 

+/- 4.6% 

(n=1,846) 

62.5% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=2,895) 

46.0% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=3,593) 

55.1% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=6,676) 

54.2% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,470) 

61.5% 

+/- 4.9% 

(n=187) 

55.1% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=8,334) 

Local 

Government 

11.3% 

+/- 3.2% 

(n=302) 

8.6% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=399) 

8.6% 

+/- 2.8% 

(n=671) 

9.2% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,119) 

8.9% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=242) 

3.5% 

+/- 1.8% 

(n=11) 

9.1% 

+/- 2.9% 

(n=1,372) 

Children/ 

Youth Public 

59.4% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,592) 

46.5% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=2,158) 

36.6% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=2,859) 

42.7% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=5,175) 

45.6% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=1,238) 

64.3% 

+/- 4.8% 

(n=195) 

43.7% 

+/- 5.0% 

(n=6,608) 

Other 

Targeted 

Populations 

21.9% 

+/- 4.1% 

(n=586) 

12.9% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=597) 

12.5% 

+/- 3.3% 

(n=975) 

13.6% 

+/- 3.4% 

(n=1,648) 

16.2% 

+/- 3.7% 

(n=439) 

23.6% 

+/- 4.3% 

(n=72) 

14.3% 

+/- 3.5% 

(n=2,158) 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 21 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

APPENDIX B – 2000 STUDY SURVEY FORM 

(Note: the original survey was one page, front and back. The front contained the 

survey questions, the back contact information and a glossary of terms)
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 22 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

National Survey of Public Library Outlet Internet Connectivity 

Instructions: The U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science is surveying a national sample of public 

libraries regarding their connectivity to the Internet. Please respond to the questions that follow for the outlet or library listed 

on the backside of this survey form. There is a glossary of terms on the back of the survey form to assist you complete the 

survey. Thank you for your participation! PLEASE RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRE BY Friday, June 16, 2000.

1. Is this library outlet currently connected to the Internet in any way? (FILL IN ONE ! ONLY) 

" No (please return the survey. THANK YOU!) 

"#Yes, staff access only (please return the survey. THANK YOU!) 

"#Yes, public and staff access (please go to question 2) 

2. Please indicate the number of GRAPHICAL public access Internet workstations provided by this library 

outlet: 

 (FILL IN ONE ! ONLY) 

"#1 " 2 " 3 " 4 " 5 " 6 " 7 " 8 " 9 " 10 

"#11 " 12 " 13 " 14 " 15 " 16 " 17 " 18 " 19 or more (please 

indicate):_________ 

3. Please indicate the maximum speed of this library outlet’s public access Internet service connection: 

 (FILL IN ONE ! ONLY) 

" Less than 56kbps " 56kbps direct connect " More than 128kbps but less than 1.5 mbps 

" 56kbps dial-up " 64kbps-128kbps " 1.5 mbps (T1) " More than 1.5 mbps 

 

4. Please indicate this library outlet’s sources of funding for Internet-related technology and infrastructure (e.g., 

space, wiring, telecommunications services, workstations, servers, furniture, etc.): (FILL IN ALL ! THAT 

APPLY) 

" Operating funds from local government/tax districts " Library foundation funds 

" Operating funds from state library " Special grant funding (e.g., Gates Library 

Program)

"#State grants " Gifts, contributions, donations 

"#Federal government funds (LSTA, TIAPP) " Local fund raisers

" Education Rate (E-rate) discount " Other income sources 

 

5. Please complete the following questions about this library outlet’s public access Internet services: 

 (FILL IN ALL ! THAT APPLY) 

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.) " " " "

This library outlet provides special hardware/software 

to assist access for individuals with disabilities (e.g., 

large print display, oversized keyboards, voice 

conversion software) 

" " "

This library outlet uses technology measures (e.g., 

filtering software) to block users from accessing 

various Internet services (e.g., e-mail, chat) 

" " "

6. Does this library outlet have an acceptable use policy for public Internet access in place? (FILL IN ALL !

THAT APPLY) 

" Yes " No If yes, does the policy differentiate between users (e.g., children, adults)? " Yes " No 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 23 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT 

7. Does this library outlet offer Internet training services: (FILL IN ONE ! ONLY): 

 " Yes " No (If no, please return the survey. THANK YOU!) 

 If yes, to whom does this outlet offer Internet training services? (FILL IN ALL ! THAT APPLY) 

 " Library staff " Adult public " Children/youth public

 " Local business " Local government " Other targeted populations 

Survey glossary and contact information are on the other side 

GLOSSARY OF SURVEY ABBREVIATIONS/KEY TERMS 

Outlet 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. 

Graphical Workstation A workstation and/or computer that is capable of displaying 

graphical images, pictorial representations, or other multimedia formats. 

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. 

KBPS Kilobits per second. 

MBPS Megabits per second. 

Dial-up Internet Connection Internet connection using a modem and a phone line. 

Direct Internet Connection Internet connection using a dedicated connection such as a 

leased line (e.g., T1, 56kbps, ISDN, DSL) or cable. 

Service Offered Remotely to OffSite 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. 

Acceptable Use Public Access 

Policy

A formal, written statement that governs the use of public 

access Internet workstations by the users. 

Internet Training Services Formal training sessions with developed curriculum modules 

that cover specific topics (e.g., web browser basics, Internet 

searching, basic computing skills). 

For questions concerning the survey, please contact: 

John Bertot <jcbertot@csc.albany.edu> 

Associate Professor 

School of Information Science and Policy 

University at Albany, State University of New York 

c/o The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science 

1110 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 820 

Washington, DC 20005-3522 

(518) 442-5125 phone 

(877) 368-7142 fax 
Public Libraries and the Internet 2000: Outlet Connectivity Final Tables 

Bertot & McClure 24 August 30, 2000 

 DRAFT