The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has issued the results of the first large-scale study looking at who uses computers at public libraries and how those services impact their lives. The study shows that teenagers are the most active group of users, with half of all 14- to 18-year-olds having gone online at the public library within the previous year, most often to complete homework. Additionally, 44 percent of people who live below the poverty line go online at the library to use the Internet and access e-mail. The study reveals that technology services available at the library have the greatest impact on people’s lives in four key areas: education, health, employment, and community engagement. However, a significant percentage of libraries report not having an adequate number of workstations with Internet connections of sufficient speed to meet demand.

Full report (PDF)