U.S. and Australian Public Libraries and the Internet: Connectivity Issues and Policy Implications

This paper presents findings from two separate public library Internet connectivity surveys conducted in the United States and Victoria, Australia. The primary survey goals were to assess U.S. and Victoria public library involvement with and use of the Internet. The surveys found considerable progress in U.S. and Victoria public library Internet connectivity. This article argues, however, that connectivity is not the same as the provision of network-based services. Thus, this article identifies issues that public librarians, policy makers, and researchers should consider as public libraries make the transition to the electronic networked environment and increasingly provide electronic services.