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The article discusses key findings from the 2007-2008 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study (PLFTAS). The survey team used a sample and replacement strategy, inducing 96% of the U.S. libraries that were sampled to respond. Results showed that 98.9% of public library branches offer public Internet while 72.5% report that they are the only ones to provide free public computer and Internet access in their communities. An average of 12 public access workstations has been posted, increasing from 10.7 in 2006-2007.

The article focuses on a study on the growth of computer and Internet services in public libraries in the U.S. and how such services are financed. It notes that 90% of libraries provide formal training or information technology assistance to effectively utilize computers and online resources. According to the study, Internet services available in public libraries have increased. Also mentioned is an increase in the number of libraries which report that offering services for job seekers is important to the role of the public library.

The author offers insights concerning her use of Wikis and Google Docs Web 2.0 applications at the Stargate Charter School library in Thornton, Colorado to bring groups in community together. She stresses the use of Wikis to reach alumni and disseminate committee information and of Google Docs to schedule teachers and volunteers for work and events such as book fair visits. It cites several advantages of Google applications including having information available at any time with Internet access.

The author reflects on the findings of the report "Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits From Internet Access at U.S. Libraries" from the University of Washington regarding the use and importance of internet access in public libraries. Internet use for employment applications, education, and researching health issues is examined and the risks of reduced access to technology and information caused by library budget cuts are explored.

Presents the results of "Public Libraries and the Internet 2004: Survey Results and Findings," a report issued in June 2005 by the Information Use Management and Policy Institute at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Challenge facing U.S. libraries in providing enough workstations to meet Internet demand; Selected goals of the study; Key issues identified from the research; Implications of the data for many issues that affect public libraries and the roles they play, or can play, in the networked society.

The article focuses on a 2008-2009 study by the American Library Association (ALA) about funding and technology access in public libraries. Results of the study indicated that over 71% of libraries claim that they stand as the sole source of free access to computers and the Internet in their respective communities. Job-seeking services were regarded by the libraries as one of the most crucial online services offered. About 38% of libraries experienced budget increases at or above the inflation rate.

The article reports that many libraries are now phasing out their print journal collections as more and more become available online. However, database publishers still have not managed to recreate the experience of browsing journals in a reading room. The best journals in a specific subject area may be scattered across several databases, requiring time and effort to track them down. Information on emerging technologies to address this issue are presented.

The article discusses new services offered by the University of Washington, Seattle Public Library, and King County Library System. Apart from visiting these libraries in person, users can now access them through the libraries' websites. The author says each of these libraries gives great service and represents high levels of professionalism and innovation.

The article reports on the adoption by the authority board of the Sacramento Public Library in California of an Internet-use policy intended to balance the protection of children with the right of adult patrons to view potentially offensive materials. The new policy implemented on March 22, 2007, offers filtered access as a default, but unfiltered access can be requested on a per session basis, although patrons under age 17 must obtain parental consent.

The article offers news briefs related to library censorship in the U.S. as of March 2006. Library media specialists at the Irving Independent School District in Texas have agreed to withdraw their appeal of a policy requiring middle-school students to get parental permission before checking out the novel "When Jeff Comes Home." A bill introduced in the Iowa Senate would withhold state funding to public libraries unless they eliminate access to pornography on the public library's computer equipment.