Impacts of Public Access to Computers and the Internet in Libraries

Abstract

This report has been prepared within the framework of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries (DC-PAL). It follows DC-PAL network consultations held in April 2021, which identified evaluation of public access to computers and internet in libraries among priorities for the DC-PAL working agenda for 2021-2022. Hence, the report offers libraries and other stakeholders an easy-to-use overview of recent evidence, good practices, and methodologies for public access impact assessment. A working version of the study was presented at the DC-PAL session of the 2021 Internet Governance Forum, on 9 December 2021, and shared for feedback and contributions from the broader internet governance community, libraries, and other stakeholders interested in public access to the internet and the role and potential of libraries for provision of public access to computers and internet. Thank you to everyone who contributed, gave feedback, and made suggestions.

The Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries provides a space within the IGF to facilitate policy dialogue and action to leverage public access – shared, low-or no-cost access to the internet and ICT in libraries and similar facilities – to power digital. You are welcome to join the DC-PAL mailing list for updates and news on further work and discussions: http://lists.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/pal-dc.

Special thanks for leading the preparation of this report go to Valensiya Dresvyannikova (IFLA), Ugne Lipeikaite (EIFL) and Ramune Petuchovaite (EIFL).