Florida State University researchers will continue studying patterns of Internet use at public libraries, at least for a while. The American Library Association has awarded a $1.4-million grant to the university’s College of Information, which should help Florida State put three more years of work into its biennial surveys on the costs and benefits of Internet connectivity.
The surveys have provided librarians and policy makers with raw data about libraries’ use of the Web, and more recently, with updates on key trends. Last year Florida State researchers released special reports on wireless networking in libraries and on the role played by libraries’ Internet connections in the aftermath of destructive hurricanes. —Brock Read
