Public Libraries and Networked Information Services in Low-Income Communities

Public Libraries and Networked Information Services in Low-Income Communities

Prairienet, Public Libraries, Community Informatics, Digital Divide, 1990s

This article presents findings from an empirical study of community information
exchange and computer access and use among low-income,
predominantly African-American residents in one locale. Data were
collected through household interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Results
indicate that, while computer use is minimal, many low-income
community members are poised to participate in the local development
of networked information services. The article emphasizes appropriate
roles for public libraries in community-wide efforts to bridge the digital
divide that cuts computer use along socioeconomic lines.

Study based in Champaign-Urbana

Ann P. Bishop, Tonyia J. Tidline, Susan Shoemaker, Pamela Salela

Volume 21, Number 3, pages 361–390

Library & Information Science Research

1999

No