27 February 2009

Public libraries provide vital infrastructure for Australia’s digital future

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The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) announces the release of the latest Internet access in public libraries survey 2008 which demonstrates the vital role of Australian public libraries in addressing the need for equitable community access to online information and services.

The survey, the fourth conducted by the Association since 2002, shows that since 2005 there has been a 41% increase in the number of public access internet terminals in public libraries. The increase since 2005 in the number of users each week is 91% – that means that an estimated 147,000 users access the internet via their local public library each week.

The survey shows that public library users are happy with the services they receive. Overwhelmingly, their issues relate to shortage, rationing, and resource limitations. The extremely small number of complaints received by libraries about content reflects the ability of the public library to closely match and manage the expectations of their own user community.

"Access to the internet is an extremely important enabler for the delivery of better health, education, information and community services, particularly as many government services are increasing online service delivery to clients," said Derek Whitehead, President of the Association. "Australia's long-term economic development is closely connected to the ability of all of us to participate in the digital economy and use information in our daily lives."

"Public libraries provide the main means by which people can access the internet outside home, work and school. They are the key provider of free internet access for many people who do not have access online in other ways; skilled staff are on hand to help and public libraries are recognised as trusted, friendly, socially-inclusive and non-threatening spaces for individuals and groups."

"The federal government has emphasised the importance of parental responsibility and education in achieving safe internet access for children. The Association fully supports this position but this is only part of the story for public libraries. We must ensure freedom of access to information for all in the community," he said.

ALIA has a long-standing and active interest in the public debate on the regulation of internet content in Australia. The Association has a particular interest in policy and legislative issues relating to the provision of public access internet services in public libraries. The latest survey on this issue indicates that library users are generally satisfied with the way public libraries manage access to internet content. ALIA is committed to promoting the free flow of information and ideas in the interest of all Australians and a thriving culture, economy and democracy. ALIA supports the development of an information infrastructure with libraries as the conduit for a sustainable knowledge economy.

The Internet access in public libraries survey 2008 is available at: http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/internet.access/

ENDS