ASHEBORO — Free access to computers and the Internet at Randolph County’s public libraries is a critical link in helping people find work, according to a May survey of library computer, WIFI and website users.
The Impact Survey, provided by the University of Washington Information School, also reveals how county residents use the library’s electronic resources for education, health and wellness, entrepreneurship and more, while demonstrating the importance of librarians who provide assistance to people using the resources.
“The Impact Survey shows that the public technology provided by the library makes a big difference in people’s lives,” said Randolph County Public Library Director Ross Holt.
Of the 208 people who responded, 83 percent said they had used computers or Internet at the library during the past year.
Of those, 44 percent said they used the technology to look for a job, and 34 percent to send out a resume or apply online for a job.
Nine percent reported being hired for a new position.
“In raw numbers, that’s 16 people in the three-week survey period who said that using computers or Internet at the library had helped them get a job,” Holt said.
Forty-three percent of computer/Internet users sought information about health and wellness, and 36 percent used library computers for educational purposes, such as homework, research, online classes and learning about degree programs.
Entrepreneurs were a small but significant part of the sample. Four respondents reported using library computers/Internet access to start a new business, and nine to manage an existing business.
Eight users said they found potential customers, and seven found business-to-business opportunities.
Social interaction also was important, with 44 percent using library computers/Internet to communicate with family and friends; 34 percent to pursue a hobby or interest; 30 percent to find recipes; and 24 percent to learn new skills.
The survey also showed the impact of assistance provided by librarians: 72 percent of users reported receiving one-on-one help from a librarian in the past year; of those, 98 percent found that assistance “very” or “somewhat” helpful.
Eleven percent took advantage of library computer classes.
Sixty percent of users reported having computer/Internet access elsewhere, but of those, 63 percent said they had received computer help when they visited the library. Another finding showed that 54 percent of those who used library computers/Internet had done so to assist others.
“The proliferation of computers and personal devices has only increased demand for our services,” Holt said, noting that based on statistical counts, Randolph librarians field an average of 87 technology-related questions each day.
Income also was a factor, with 47 percent of users under 200 percent of the poverty line. Of those, 66 percent had no alternative access to computers or the Internet.
Overall, 76 percent of users said that free access to computers/Internet at the library was very important/important to them, and 91 percent said it was very important/important to the community.
To see the complete survey report, visit www.randolphlibrary.org/