U.S.

IMPACT
A research initiativ e examining the impact of f ree access to computers and the Internet in public libraries. http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact

March 31, 2010

Ginnie Cooper, Chief Librarian

District of Columbia Public Library
901 G Street, N.W. (Room 400)
Washington, DC 20001-4599

Re: U.S. IMPACT Studies web survey report

Dear Ginnie Cooper:

Thank you for helping the University of Washington conduct the U.S. IMPACT Studies web survey last
year. The attached report compiles your patrons’ responses to the survey. We are very pleased to share
these findings and hope that you will find them useful in your efforts to communicate how your library’s
technology services benefit your community.

According to survey results, patrons primarily use the library’s computers and Internet access for
employment and social inclusion activities. Based on the overall findings from the national surveys, we
estimate that 140,307 people used computers and the Internet at the District of Columbia Public Library
in the past year.1 As a result, 17 survey respondents reported that they had found new jobs, 37 changed
wellness activities, and 28 submitted forms online. We encourage you to share these results with key
decision makers and the public in your community. Doing so will help them better understand the value
of the library and its services.

To help you use the results of this report in your community outreach activities, we have created an
online toolbox (http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact/toolbox) with some sample communication
tools. The toolbox includes:

· Press release template: This release can be used to announce your library’s participation in the
research and to communicate local results to the public and others through the media. It can be
customized with data from your library report and quotes from patrons.
· Sample letter to the editor: This sample can be tailored for local newspapers to advocate for
support of public access technology. Ideally, a library board member or active patron would
write the letter.

1
Actual use of library computers may vary by library depending on the community make up.
 · Drop-in article: This article template, focused on reporting the results of the U.S. IMPACT
Studies and findings from your library, can be tailored for library newsletters or in-library
informational bulletins.
· PowerPoint presentation: This short presentation can be used to communicate the value of
public access technology to library boards, policy makers, and funders.

The full report on the national study, published by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS),
is available on the study website at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact.

We hope that the study results, both at a national level and for your own library, will help you to raise
awareness within your community of the tremendous value that you provide by offering free, quality
access to computers and the Internet. Thank you again for making this study possible.

Sincerely,

Samantha Becker, MLIS, MPA

Research Manager
206-616-2841
srbecker@uw.edu

University of Washington
The Information School
Roosevelt Commons Building
Box 354985
4311 11th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105

http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact/
 U.S. IMPACT Study
Web Survey Results

District of Columbia Public February, 2010

Library

The U.S. IMPACT Study

A research initiative examining the impact of
free access to computers and the Internet in
public libraries.

Principal Authors
Samantha Becker
Michael D. Crandall
Karen E. Fisher

Web survey report preparation

Rebecca Blakewood
Christine Lee
Alice Tsoi

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 1
Foreword
Thank you for participating in the U.S. IMPACT web survey! From March through June, 2009, over 400
public libraries across the United States participated in the web survey, with a result of over 45,000
completed responses from library patrons and public access computing users. The data have provided
rich and valuable insights about how library patrons use public access computers, wireless Internet
connections, and other related library resources and services and the impact it has on their lives. The
following is a report of the results we gathered from patrons of the District of Columbia Public Library.
We hope you will find this information useful for internal decision-making, demonstrating the value of
offering such services to stakeholders and elected officials, and for advocacy efforts with the public.

The implementation of the U.S. IMPACT web survey was the first time public libraries were enlisted in a
nationwide effort to gather patron-level data. We are grateful to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
and the Institute of Museum and Library Services for their support of this effort. We also greatly
appreciate your library’s participation in this study, and hope that you find this report helpful as you
continue your library advocacy efforts in your community. We invite you to learn about the overall
research findings in the project report: Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from
Internet Access.

Sincerely,

Karen E. Fisher, Ph.D.

Professor
fisher@uw.edu

Michael Crandall, MLIS

Senior Lecturer & Chair, Master of Science in Information Management Program
mikecran@uw.edu

Samantha Becker, MLIS, MPA

Research Manager
srbecker@uw.edu

University of Washington
The Information School
Box 352840
Mary Gates Hall, Ste 370
Seattle, WA 98195-2840
Phone: (206) 685-9937
Fax:(206) 616-3152

http://tascha.uw.edu/usimpact

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 2
About this report
The U.S. IMPACT Study research project and associated survey instruments were designed around a
situated logic model which contextualizes public access computing (PAC) resources and services within
seven domains: civic engagement, eGovernment, education, health, employment and entrepreneurship,
eCommerce, and social inclusion. In this framework, the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
associated with public access computing are connected with broad-level public policy goals. An example
of this connection is illustrated in Figure 1, where measures related to using PAC for job-seeking are
linked to workforce development goals.

Figure 1: A sample situated logic model

The situated logic model is a useful tool for libraries to evaluate how the library’s computing resources
are being used and also to show policy makers and funders how computing and networking resources
and services contribute to public policy goals. The data in this report can be used to understand the
types of activities library patrons engage in with public computers and the outcomes of that use. It can
also be used over time to track how changes in resources, services, and policies affect outcomes and can
help focus the library’s resources on carrying out those activities with high value in the library’s
community.

The web survey was conducted in public library systems selected using a stratified probability
proportionate to size (PPS) sampling procedure, with the measure of size being the population of the
library service area (LSA) as reported in the 2006 Public Libraries Data Files. The probability
proportionate to size sample was necessary to ensure that the survey was deployed in communities
with populations large enough to yield the target number of completed surveys. The sample stratified
these libraries between self-representing libraries 1, single-outlet systems, and multiple-outlet systems,
and an oversample of libraries serving fewer than 5,000.

1
The self-representing strata threshold equals 75 percent of the sum of the legal service area populations divided
by 580 library systems (number of sampled libraries not including the small library over-sample).

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 3
The following results are from patrons of the District of Columbia Public Library; while they are not
generalizable to the library’s service population, they can be used to understand the ways in which
patrons are using PAC in the library. Appendix A contains tables reporting the national weighted
averages as well as the actual (unweighted) results from other libraries participating in the web survey;
these results are organized by library size to aid in comparisons between peer libraries.

The U.S. IMPACT Study website contains additional tools and suggestions for using the information
contained in this report and to communicate with the public, policymakers, and funders about the value
of PAC resources and services, including examples of how the data might be used in presentations to
policymakers, samples of factsheets that could be used for generating financial support for PAC
resources, and short summaries of benefits of PAC in specific domains that could be used to gain
support from sector-specific agencies. Please visit http://tascha.uw.edu/usimpact to download these
materials.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 4
Overall results
We received 419 completed survey responses from patrons of the District of Columbia Public Library.
Figure 2 shows the concentration of responses by the ZIP codes reported by survey respondents.

Figure 2: ZIP codes of web survey respondents

Library use
All but 6 survey respondents had visited the library in the past 12 months. Of those who did,
• 155 (38%) visited the library once a week or more frequently;
• 186 (45%) visited the library about 1-3 times a month;
• 72 (17%) visited the library less than once a month.

Accessing library resources through the library website

Survey respondents were asked how they access library resources available through the library website.
About 86% (359) of respondents used computers in the library to access online resources such as the

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 5
catalog, placing holds or interlibrary loan requests, or to access the library’s subscription databases. Of
those who reported using library computers for these purposes,

• 71 (20%) did so once a week or more frequently;

• 96 (27%) did so about 1-3 times a month;
• 192 (53%) did so less than once a month.

Over 91% (380) of respondents accessed library resources remotely through the library’s website from
outside the library (e.g. from home, school, or work). Of those who accessed library resources this way

• 47% (177) did so once a week or more frequently;

• 34% (130) did so about 1-3 times a month;
• 19% (73) did so less than once a month.

Finally, 13% (54) reported they had used a handheld device such as an iPhone or Blackberry to access
library resources through the library website.

Use of public access computers or wireless network

Overall, 62% of survey respondents had used a public access computer or wireless connection on their
own computer to access the Internet. Using either means of access qualified respondents as public
access technology users.

When asked specifically if they had used a computer in the library to access the Internet, 54% (228)
reported that they had done so, with frequencies as follows:

• 25% (56) once a week or more frequently;

• 11% (24) about 1-3 times a month;
• 65% (148) less than once a month.

Wireless use was less frequently reported: 32% (133) of respondents had used the library’s wireless
network on their own computers to access the Internet. Of those who did,

• 20% (26) used the library’s wireless network once a week or more frequently;
• 17% (23) used the library’s wireless network about 1-3 times a month;
• 63% (84) used the library’s wireless network less than once a month.

Most survey respondents (94%) reported having regular access to a computer and the Internet
somewhere other than the library. 2 Of those with alternative access, the reported locations were as
follows:

• 93% (364) at home;

• 64% (252) at work;

2
Some respondents reported having access to computers and the Internet at more than one location.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 6
 • 9% (34) at school;
• 2% (9) at a community center;
• 8% (31) someplace else.

One important reason for using computers in the library when alternative access is available is while
traveling. Of the users, 39% (101) reported that they had used a library computer or wireless Internet
connection while out-of-town for business or pleasure.

In addition to use while traveling, the U.S. IMPACT Study main findings included several other important
reasons why respondents with alternative access use networked computers in the public library:

• Lack of access to high speed Internet at home. The library Internet connection is used to
download large files or access websites that require a high speed connection.
• During gaps in access, such as when moving to a new location or during power outages, or
when a primary computer is broken or lacking in necessary software.
• Household competition. Especially among youth, competition with siblings or parents over a
single household computer was a significant reason for using the library’s computers when one
was available at home.
• For a change in scenery. People who work at home sometimes use library computers and
wireless Internet network to get out of the house. Job seekers also reported using computers in
the library to maintain a normal schedule and stay connected to the community.
• During lunch breaks or while out running errands. Many users reported that they stop in to use
the library’s computers to check email, look up phone numbers or driving directions, or other
quick tasks.
• As a supplement to the library catalog for such activities as looking up book reviews, reading
lists, and other aids for selecting materials.

Help and training

Another reason why some patrons with alternative access use library computers may also have to do
with help available at the library: 67% of public access technology users reported having gotten
technology help from library staff or volunteers. As seen in Figure 3, of those receiving help, the most
frequent types of help received were using the computer equipment (45%) and finding information on
the library’s website (28%).

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 7
 Printing or saving files 21%
Using software 3%
Using library's website 28%
Finding a specific website 7%
Connecting to library wireless 16%
Using computer equipment 45%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Percent of those receiving help

Figure 3: Type of help received from library staff or volunteers

Though not as frequently used as one-on-one help, 9% (24) of public computer users took advantage of
computer-related training or classes at the library. Note that this question was not asked of nonusers;
the District of Columbia Public Library may have patrons who take computer-related training but
otherwise do not use the library’s computers.

Using the library’s computers on behalf of others

While many people used computer services in the library primarily for themselves, 50% (131) of users
find information or perform tasks for other people using library computers. Thus the benefits of
Internet access in public libraries extend beyond individual users. As seen in Figure 4, of users reporting
using the library computers on behalf of others, the most frequent beneficiaries were family members
(54%), followed by friends (44%).

Family member 54%

Friend 44%
Work-related 27%
Stranger 36%
Other 15%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Percent of PAC users helping others

Figure 4: Relationship of those receiving help to computer user

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 8
Public access technology uses by activity area
Public access technology users use library computers and wireless Internet connections to satisfy their
information needs and do tasks in a variety of areas. We chose seven specific activity areas as the focus
of the U.S. IMPACT Study research initiative based on their relevance to public policy and public library
goals: civic engagement, eGovernment, education, health, employment and entrepreneurship,
eCommerce, and social inclusion. The following detailed results reflect the activities of qualified public
access technology users, defined as those respondents who indicated they had used the library’s
computers or wireless networks to access the Internet in the past year.

As seen in Figure 5, library computer users from the District of Columbia Public Library showed the most
activity in the areas of social inclusion, employment, and eGovernment.

Civic engagement 29%

9%

eGovernment 32%
10%

Education 29%
9%

Health 30%
15%

Employment 40%
10%

eBusiness 8%
2%

eCommerce 21%
4%

Social inclusion 44%

10%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Used for self Used to help someone else

Figure 5: Public computer use by area for self and others

Civic engagement
Public libraries provide a venue for citizens to engage with their community by keeping track of local
events, local causes and political candidates, and clubs and nonprofits in the area. Of the 76 users who
reported they had used the Internet for civic engagement, the most frequently reported uses were to
keep up with news and current events through news websites and to learn about social causes or
political activity or candidates (Table 1). In comments, many respondents who use the Internet for
accessing news websites reported that they were doing so to keep up with international or hometown
news.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 9
Table 1: Civic Engagement
Used library computers to: % of users n
Keep up with news/current events 24% 63
Learn about political activity/candidate or social cause 23% 60
Get involved with political activity, candidate, or cause 14% 36
Make a donation to political candidate/cause 3% 7
Learned about starting club/non-profit 3% 7
Started club/non-profit 1% 3
Organized/managed club, civic/community/church group, or non-profit 7% 19
Scheduled meetings 7% 17
Promoted activities 5% 14
Looked for grants/funding for group 2% 6
Applied for grants/funding 1% 2
Received grants/funding 0% 0
*Bolded rows indicate activities that show outcomes of other activities, i.e. users actually followed
through on their earlier information seeking to accomplish a task.

eGovernment
Libraries play a significant role in connecting citizens with essential eGovernment services, such as filing
tax returns, applying for Medicare or other benefits, and getting immigration forms. In emergencies,
public libraries play a role helping the community find missing family, request aid, or file FEMA and
insurance claims.

As seen in Table 2, the most frequent uses in the eGovernment area were to get government forms and
to learn about government programs and services such as Social Security or unemployment benefits
(22% of computer users), followed by learning about laws or regulations (20%) and seeking help from a
government agency (16%).

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 10
Table 2: eGovernment
Used library computers to: % of users n
Seek help from government agency 16% 42
Got help needed 13% 34
Get government forms 22% 57
Submit forms online 11% 28
Learn about laws/regulations 20% 52
Learn about permits/licenses 13% 35
Apply for permit/license 2% 4
Seek legal assistance/advice 13% 34
Got legal help needed 8% 22
Learn about government programs/services 22% 57
Apply for government programs/services 7% 17

Education
Children, teenagers, and adults all benefit from educational services offered at the library, not just by
having Internet access for class research, but also by participating in online classes, finding resources for
homeschooling, and learning through educational games. From early literacy programs, homework help,
and information on college admission, the library offers many educational opportunities to the
community. Overall, 29% of the library computer users indicated they had used public library computers
or Internet access for education or learning and 9% had done so on behalf of someone else.

Youth education
The U.S. IMPACT Study web survey collected responses from youth aged 14-18. 1 out of 2 youth users
reported having used the library’s computers to do homework (Table 3).

Table 3: Youth education

Youth used library computers to: % of youth users n

Do homework 50% 1
Do online assignment/course 50% 1
Learn about colleges/admissions 0% 0
Apply for college 0% 0
Apply for financial aid 0% 0

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 11
Adult education
The most frequent (10% of adult users) educational use of library computers reported among adult
users was to learn about degree or certificate programs. Of those looking for this type of information,
the most common programs were at the graduate (59%) and baccalaureate (44%) levels; 2% used their
library’s computers to apply for a degree or certificate program. About 5% of adult computer users also
indicated that they had used public library computers or Internet access to do coursework (Table 4).

Table 4: Adult education

Adults used library computers to: % of adult users n

Learn about degree/certificate program 10% 27
Apply for degree/certificate program 2% 6
Admitted to program 1% 2
Apply for financial aid 5% 13
Received financial aid 1% 2
Do online tutorial 9% 22
Take online class/workshop 5% 12
Complete coursework 5% 14
Communicate with school or classmates 6% 16

Health
Increasingly, information about health care providers and medical records is provided online. Survey
respondents reported using the library Internet to research illnesses, insurance and health care
providers, and online medical records. Meeting health-related information needs was the fourth most
common use of library computers in the District of Columbia Public Library, with 30% of the users
indicating they had used a public library computer or wireless Internet connection for this purpose.

The most frequent (24%) use of library computers for health and wellness needs was to learn about
an illness, disease, or medical condition (Table 5). The second most frequent (17%) health-related use
reported by computer users was to learn about diet or nutrition. 14% of all library computer users, or
82% of those who learned about diet or nutrition using computers in the library, reported that this
use helped them decide to make a change to their diets.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 12
Table 5: Health and wellness
Used library computers to: % of users n
Learn about illness, disease, or medical condition 24% 63
Learn about medical procedure 12% 32
Find online/in-person support groups for health need 6% 15
Learn about prescription/OTC drugs 12% 31
Made decision about prescription/OTC drug use 8% 21
Purchased drugs online 3% 8
Find out about diet/nutrition 17% 45
Made decision about diet changes 14% 37
Learn about exercise/fitness 14% 36
Made changes in exercise habits 13% 33
Find info about doctor/health care provider 14% 37
Made appointment 5% 12
Received needed care 4% 11
Find info on health insurance/drug discount program 7% 17
Bought insurance/enrolled in drug discount program 4% 10

Employment & entrepreneurship

The public library plays a vital role for job seekers, from giving them Internet access to find online job
postings and fill out online applications, to helping write cover letters and resumes. With the national
unemployment rate at 9.5% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009), many libraries have anecdotally reported
an increase in the networked library computers for job searches. 40% of the computer users at District
of Columbia Public Library reported they had used these resources for employment or career purposes
in the past 12 months. The most frequent (32% of library computer users) use of library computing
resources for employment purposes was to search for a job or career opportunity, followed by
researching job related information (Table 6). Of users who used library computers to search for a job
opportunity 39% were granted an interview and 20%, or 17 District of Columbia Public Library survey
respondents, were actually hired for a new position.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 13
Table 6: Employment
Used library computers to: % of users N
Look for job 32% 83
Apply for job/send out resume 18% 47
Got interview 12% 32
Got job 7% 17
Work on resume 21% 55
Receive skill-based training 10% 25
Research/find info related to job/profession 29% 76

In comments, many respondents also indicated they used computer access at libraries to do actual work
for an existing job, either while away from the workplace on travel, or for self-employment needs like
freelance writing, website design, and also as an alternative location for home-based offices.

Members of the community looking to start or maintain their own business also find valuable resources
with the library’s computing services. From looking up a business plan to finding new clients and
contracting opportunities, library Internet access is essential for these users. While using library
computers and Internet connections to start or manage a business was the area with the least frequent
use, with just 8% of library computer users using library resources for this purpose, use for this purpose
did have significant outcomes (Table 7). Of those respondents who used library computers for self-
employment activities, 48% started a business and 52% (11) located potential customers.

Table 7: Entrepreneurship
Used library computers to: % of users n
Started own business 4% 10
Wrote business plan 3% 9
Got loans/venture capital 2% 6
Apply for business license/permit 4% 10
Found potential customers 4% 11
Business increased 3% 7
Learned about government contract opportunities 3% 7
Applied for government contract 1% 3
Received government contract 1% 2

eCommerce
eCommerce activities include online banking, looking up investment information, and comparing
product prices and reviews. Providing access to networked computers allows community members to
research prices and reviews on products to gain information that would not be available to them

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 14
otherwise. Consumers connected to the Internet are able to use search tools at no charge to easily find
and compare shopping information, leaving those without access to the Internet at a disadvantage when
it comes to making informed purchasing decisions.

21% of District of Columbia Public Library users indicated that they used a public library computer or
Internet connection for eCommerce purposes. The most common tasks were online banking (13%),
researching products and services (12%), and making online purchases (12%) (Table 8). Some people
also looked up their credit ratings and strategies to reduce or manage debt. Of those who used library
technology resources to learn about getting out of debt, 71% indicated that as a result of this use,
they were able to reduce or better manage their debt.

Table 8: eCommerce
Activities and Outcomes % of users n
Online banking 13% 34
Paid bills 11% 28
Investment info 5% 13
Researched products/services 12% 30
Bought online 12% 30
Sold online 3% 7
Looked up credit rating 4% 11
Researched loans /refinancing 2% 6
Learn about getting out of debt 3% 7
Reduced/managed debt 2% 5

Social inclusion
Patrons use public access technology to keep in touch with family and friends, for social networking, and
pursue hobbies. Social inclusion uses were the most frequently reported, with 44% of users reporting
having used the library computers and Internet connection for a social purpose. The most common
(33%) social use was to communicate with family and friends; 46% (39) of those using library technology
for this purpose communicated with people living outside the United States. Figure 6 shows other social
uses accomplished using library computers and Internet connections.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 15
 Online social activities

Pursue hobby 13%

Learn new skills 10%

Do something online w/family or friends 7%

Get in touch with old friends 10%

Meet new friends 3%

Genealogy 5%

Personal website/blog 9%

Social networking sites 18%

Get support for a problem 8%

Organize an event 7%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Figure 6: Social inclusion activities

Patron Satisfaction/Suggestions for Improvement

Respondents indicated their satisfaction levels with their access to public computing services. Of public
computer users, 54% said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their library and access
to public computing services.

Satisfaction with public access technology

1%

10% 18% Very satisfied

Satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
26%
Dissatisfied
36% Very dissatisfied

Figure 7: Patron satisfaction with PAC resources and services

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 16
Respondents were also given an opportunity to write-in suggestions for improving library computing
services and resources; 193 computer users from the District of Columbia Public Library provided
responses to this question. The most frequent recommendations for improvements are shown in Figure
8. In addition to specific computer-related recommendations, 7 respondents suggested separating
computer workstations for different types of use, 7 respondents also recommended improving
instructions; other suggestions included adding staff, computers, and hours as well as focusing on more
“traditional” library services.

Computer-related Policy-related Other

•More computers (51) •Separate •More staff for PAC (3)

•Faster Internet computers/policies for •More computer classes
connections (16) different types of use (7) (3)
•Get or improve Wi-Fi (11) •Improve instructions •Focus more on
(signage, posting “traditional” library
policies/procedures) (7) services (3)
•More library hours (3)

Figure 8: Suggestions for improvements to PAC resources and services

Importance of computer resources

We asked all respondents about the importance of free computer access for themselves and their
community. 49% of respondents reported that public computing resources are important or very
important to themselves, personally; however, even more (93%) felt that these resources are important
or very important to have available for others in the community (Figure 9).

PAC importance (personal) PAC importance (community)

4% 1%

9%
Very important Veryimportant
30% 18%
19% Important Important
Moderately important Moderatelyimportant
Of little importance Oflittleimportance
21% 19% 75%
Unimportant Unimportant

Figure 9: Responses to the importance of having public computers personally and for the community

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 17
Demographic Information
The following Figures 10-12 provide demographic information about survey respondents from the
District of Columbia Public Library.

Race Sex
4%
White
4% 8%
Black/African American
Asian
30%
17% American Indian/Alaska Native Female
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Male
67% 70%
Two or more races
Refused

Figure 10: Race and sex of respondents

U.S. Citizenship 1%
Education Level
3%
3%
7% Grade School
3%
Some high school
High school or GED
U.S. Citizen
Some college

Non-U.S. 56% 30% 2 year degree

97%
Citizen 4 year degree
Post graduate study

Figure 11: Citizenship status and level of education attained among respondents

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 18
 Income Level as Percentage of Poverty
Threshold
76%
80%

60%

40%

20% 13%
5% 6%
0%
<100% 100-200% 200-300% >300%

Figure 12: Income level (calculated as a percentage of the National Poverty Threshold) among
respondents

Conclusion
We hope that this report has given you useful information about your library and public computer users.
Linking this information with higher level policy goals and current, relevant concerns in the library’s
community will help demonstrate the value that the public library and free computing resources and
services bring to your community. Suggestions for framing your advocacy efforts in a way that shows the
value and political importance of the library’s services can be found on the U.S. IMPACT Study website
at http://tascha.uw.edu/usimpact.

U.S. IMPACT Study Survey results for the District of Columbia Public Library | 19
Appendix A: Comparison of results of weighted population estimate to actual responses by library size

The following tables provide comparative data to aid in interpreting the results from your individualized
library report. The weighted population estimates are from the national surveys and are representative
of the U.S. population age 14 or older. The full report discussing these findings from the U.S. IMPACT
Study, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access in U.S. Libraries, can
be found at: http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact/projects/us-public-library-study/. The table also
contains the average responses from libraries according to the strata used in drawing the sample of web
survey participants. All responses represent use over the past 12 months.

Library characteristics
Libraries participating in web survey
Single Multiple
Small outlet outlet Large
libraries libraries libraries libraries
Average population served 2,942 38,998 170,652 927,404
Average per capita expenditures $6.76 $5.94 $4.02 $5.37
Average number of branches 0 0 7 24
Average number of public access computer
terminals 6 26 106 527
Average number of completed surveys 11 33 82 313

Library and public access technology use

Percent of respondents from libraries
participating in web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
population Small outlet outlet Large
estimate 1 libraries libraries libraries libraries
Visited library or bookmobile 69.2% 91.8 89.0 85.6 84.5
Used public library computer to access
library resources 53.9% 80.2 73.2 69.2 65.4
Used handheld mobile device to access
library resources 6.3% 8.5 4.2 7.5 7.6
Used Internet from outside the library to
access library resources 65.0% 48.6 71.1 78.1 79.5
Used computer in public library to access
Internet 29.5% 71.6 45.6 37.0 33.7
Used public library wireless Internet
connection on own computer 11.6% 26.4 16.9 13.6 13.4
Used public library computer or wireless
network to access the Internet 31.5% 89.0 74.9 71.4 69.1

1
Percent of U.S. population age 14 or older

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 1

 General public access technology use
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate 2 libraries libraries libraries libraries
Have regular access to a computer and
Internet somewhere other than public
library 77.8% 59.9 82.8 86.0 88.7
Used PAC 3 while traveling 24.1% 15.2 13.5 10.4 10.1

Check or send email 72.4% 83.2 77.0 73.4 73.7

Participated in computer-related training or
classes 13.7% 15.1 7.1 5.4 6.3
Helped by library staff or volunteers to use
PAC 67.2% 58.2 37.9 28.1 28.3
Helped someone else 63.2% 56.7 33.3 27.0 26.9

Civic Engagement
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
Civic engagement used for self 33.2% 36.5 36.6 34.6 33.9
Civic engagement helped someone else 13.3% 16.0 14.4 14.9 13.6
Keep up with news/current events 27.3% 31.2 31.1 28.8 28.4
Learn about political activity/candidate or
social cause 26.9% 29.9 29.7 28.3 28.3
Got involved with political activity,
candidate, or cause 20.1% 24.2 22.6 22.3 21.6
Make a donation to political candidate or
cause 3.4% 4.0 3.3 3.5 3.9

Learned about starting club/non-profit 5.3% 4.5 4.2 5.0 5.3

Started club/non-profit 1.8% 0.8 1.5 1.5 1.7
Organized/managed club or non-profit
group 8.3% 10.0 9.4 9.3 8.6
Scheduled meetings 6.3% 8.1 8.0 7.9 7.0
Promoted activities 5.6% 6.6 6.3 6.5 5.9
Looked for grants/funding for group 2.7% 3.4 2.6 3.4 3.2
Applied for grants/funding 1.6% 1.9 1.3 1.7 1.6
Received grants/funding 1.1% 1.5 1.1 1.0 0.9

2
Percent of U.S. population that used a public access computer or wireless network to access the Internet
3
“PAC” encompasses library computers or wireless networks for access to the Internet

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 2

eGovernment
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
eGov used for self 34.0% 39.7 38.0 37.1 36.3
eGov helped someone else 13.6% 18.1 15.7 16.5 14.8
Seek help from government agency 18.3% 22.1 19.4 19.1 20.5
Got help needed 15.2% 19.5 17.7 16.4 17.6
Get government forms 20.1% 26.1 22.7 23.4 23.2
Submit forms online 9.2% 13.4 8.8 10.8 10.9
Learn about laws/regulations 20.6% 22.3 21.8 21.8 21.8
Learn about permits/licenses 15.0% 17.6 14.8 15.6 16.1
Apply for permit/license 3.9% 5.3 3.9 4.3 4.0
Seek legal assistance/advice 13.2% 13.2 13.5 13.8 13.9
Got legal help needed 10.7% 11.5 11.3 11.4 11.6
Learn about government programs/services 19.4% 21.0 20.1 20.7 21.1
Apply for government programs or
services 7.0% 7.2 5.9 6.5 7.1

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 3

Education
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
Education used for self 42.3% 42.0 39.4 39.9 39.1
Education helped someone else 19.8% 19.8 18.7 21.0 18.7

Youth education
Do homework 41.6% 48.3 41.3 44.9 42.8
Do online assignment/course 17.7% 13.8 17.4 16.2 20.3
Learn about colleges/admissions 18.0% 17.2 17.4 18.6 20.4
Apply for college 5.3% 10.3 7.6 7.8 7.7
Apply for financial aid 3.6% 6.9 5.4 5.4 4.4
Adult education
Learn about degree/certificate program 15.4% 15.7 13.3 14.4 15.2
Apply for degree/certificate program 6.0% 6.2 3.9 4.9 4.9
Admitted to program 7.5% 6.8 4.9 5.5 6.2
Apply for financial aid 3.8% 4.0 2.6 2.9 3.4
Received financial aid 10.1% 11.9 10.8 11.2 10.7
Do online tutorial 9.1% 10.6 8.4 9.5 8.6
Take online class/workshop 11.3% 8.9 10.0 11.4 10.9
Complete coursework 10.7% 9.1 8.9 10.8 9.8

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 4

Health
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
Health used for self 36.6% 48.6 45.5 42.6 39.4
Health helped someone else 20.6% 26.4 25.8 26.5 22.4
Learn about illness, disease, or medical
condition 30.8% 40.6 37.5 36.0 33.4
Learn about medical procedure 19.7% 26.8 24.2 22.9 22.1
Find online/in-person support groups for
health need 18.7% 23.8 23.8 23.0 21.5
Learn about prescription/OTC drugs 12.6% 17.0 16.1 14.9 14.0
Made decision about prescription or
OTC drug use 3.4% 4.0 3.7 3.2 3.7
Purchased drugs online 22.1% 28.7 27.7 27.5 25.6
Find out about diet/nutrition 18.2% 23.4 23.4 22.8 21.2
Made decision about diet changes 17.8% 22.5 21.3 21.6 20.4
Learn about exercise/fitness 14.9% 20.0 18.0 18.1 17.3
Made changes in exercise habits 6.4% 7.6 6.9 6.2 6.9
Find info about doctor/health care provider 13.9% 16.8 18.8 16.8 17.5
Made appointment 6.8% 8.7 9.2 8.8 9.1
Received needed care 6.3% 8.7 8.8 8.2 8.3
Find info on health insurance/drug discount
program 14.9% 8.1 7.5 7.1 7.0

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 5

Employment
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
Employment used for self 39.9% 42.5 41.5 40.7 41.7
Employment helped someone else 14.8% 16.6 15.6 18.3 16.5
Look for job 30.6% 28.0 31.2 29.8 32.3
Apply for job/send out resume 20.6% 18.7 20.3 19.5 22.2
Got interview 9.9% 8.9 10.0 9.9 10.9
Got job 4.8% 5.1 4.7 4.8 5.2
Work on resume 18.7% 18.7 20.2 18.6 21.6
Receive skill-based training 9.3% 11.7 10.1 9.2 10.2
Research/find info related to job/profession 24.4% 23.8 26.9 25.1 27.7

Entrepreneurship
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
Entrepreneurship used for self 7.0% 7.0 7.5 7.5 8.3
Entrepreneurship helped someone else 3.2% 2.8 2.7 3.6 3.5
Started own business 3.3% 3.0 2.8 2.6 3.5
Wrote business plan 2.3% 1.1 2.2 2.0 2.8
Got loans/venture capital 2.3% 1.3 1.7 1.6 2.3
Apply for business license/permit 3.1% 3.4 3.2 2.7 3.5
Found potential customers 3.5% 2.8 3.5 3.2 3.7
Business increased 1.7% 1.7 1.7 1.4 1.7
Learned about government contract
opportunities 2.1% 1.7 1.4 1.5 2.1
Applied for government contract .9% 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.7
Received government contract .6% 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.5

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 6

eCommerce
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
eCommerce used for self 25.0% 35.0 30.7 31.0 29.2
eCommerce helped someone else 7.3% 8.7 8.5 9.4 7.9
Online banking 15.8% 22.5 19.4 20.6 19.7
Paid bills 12.8% 17.4 16.7 17.3 16.4
Investment info 5.7% 5.3 7.9 6.6 6.8
Researched products/services 12.4% 17.6 15.5 16.1 15.5
Bought online 13.5% 21.0 17.8 18.0 16.6
Sold online 3.1% 4.5 5.0 3.6 3.5
Looked up credit rating 4.2% 6.8 5.3 4.8 4.9
Researched loans /refinancing 2.6% 1.9 3.2 3.2 3.3
Learn about getting out of debt 3.7% 3.6 4.8 4.3 4.7
Reduced/managed debt 2.7% 3.0 3.7 3.1 3.5

Social engagement
Percent of users from libraries participating in
web survey
Weighted Single Multiple
user Small outlet outlet Large
estimate libraries libraries libraries libraries
Social engagement used for self 60.1 65.4 60.6 57.0 55.3
Social engagement helped someone else 20.2 23.0 18.3 19.9 17.7
Used PAC to communicate with friends 44.7 53.3 48.2 43.9 42.5
Friends or family live in local community 29.1 27.0 31.2 28.5 28.2
Friends or family live outside the United
States 15.3 14.6 14.5 13.1 14.7
Communicate to friends or family in
languages other than English 8.1 5.5 6.3 4.4 6.6
Visit social networking site 29.4 29.7 29.1 26.5 25.4
Maintain personal website 13.0 11.0 11.8 11.3 11.3
Explore family genealogy 15.5 19.1 15.3 15.6 12.8
Meet new friends 13.7 12.5 10.2 8.7 9.6
Get in touch with old friends 18.2 22.3 18.4 16.2 15.9
Do something online with family or friends 12.9 13.8 11.8 11.4 10.6
Learn new skills 15.5 16.8 14.6 14.6 14.5
Pursue a hobby 19.9 18.5 18.5 19.1 17.8
Organize an event 6.4 7.9 7.4 7.0 6.9
Find support for a personal problem 10.2 10.8 10.9 10.6 10.4

U.S. IMPACT Study Web Survey Results Appendix A | 7