It was natural when they began to think about how to attack the problem of the Digital Divide, that libraries would play a key role. The Library Program was launched with the objective of making sure that everyone in America, no matter how disadvantaged by poverty, lack of education or location, would have access to modern computers, advanced educational software, and the Internet. As of the fourth quarter 1999, our program has been completed in nine states, with the installation of computers with Internet access in 2,672 buildings. Realizing the pivotal role of librarians in helping patrons to use computers and navigate the Internet, technology training and technical support to librarians is provided as part of each grant. Funding is targeted to libraries serving low-income communities, where the need is the greatest.
Libraries are the ideal place to offer public technology access.
Their doors are open to everyone, and are often open in the evenings, on weekends and in the summer. They are found in nearly every community, and are staffed by librarians whose job it is to help people manage information, whether in books or over the Internet. Even the smallest libraries when operated with efficiency, clarity, and vision, can bring the world to their communities. Unfortunately, library systems serving rural and urban communities tend to be among the most poorly funded and the least endowed with computers and librarians trained in technology. In fact, one in three rural public libraries do not offer public Internet access.