However, individuals in this age group were almost three times as likely to be Internet users if they were in the labor force than if they were not. Online shopping and bill paying are seeing the fastest growth. Low income users were the most likely to report using the Internet to look for jobs. The August 2000 data show that schools, libraries, and other public access points continue to serve those groups that do not have access at home. For example, certain groups are far more likely to use public libraries to access the Internet, such as the unemployed, Blacks, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Internet access is no longer a luxury item, but a resource used by many.
Overall, the findings in this report show that there has been tremendous progress in just 20 months, but much work remains to be done. Computer ownership and Internet access rates are rapidly rising nationwide and for almost all groups. Nonetheless, there are still sectors of Americans that are not adequately digitally connected. Until everyone has access to new technology tools, we must continue to take steps to expand access to these information resources.