Randolph library to join national survey of library computer, Internet users

Users of the Randolph County Public Library’s online resources will be able to share their opinions in a national survey from September 12-30.

The U.S. Impact Study, sponsored by the University of Washington Information School and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will collect data about the impact on people’s lives of free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries

Library patrons can respond to the survey on the library’s websites, randolphlibrary.org and randquest.org, or when logging into a computer at the library. During the survey period, the library will add 10 minutes to in-house Internet time limits to assist patrons in both completing the survey and getting their online work done.

The survey takes 10-15 minutes, and is voluntary and confidential. It seeks information on how people use library computers for jobseeking, education, health, e-commerce, social inclusion and other activities.

Survey results will help local libraries evaluate and tailor their online services, and provide a national snapshot of computer use in libraries.