Library

Abstract

At a time of increased public library use, this project looks at patron use of one suburban library’s public computer network and how that use measures against general use of the library. Two years of information about the M G P—– M—— Library in D—–, Massachusetts were examined including circulation statistics, attendance numbers, staffing levels, computer classes offered, network usage, and the library budget. A staff tally of general categories of computer questions asked and issues raised was kept for two weeks to provide a snapshot of current patron use including job searches, access to government resources, and first time use. This data is then examined in the context for two largescale Internet studies about the public’s use of the Internet and library computer resources.