ST. CLOUD - A recent impact survey conducted at the Great River Regional Library in April shows that library tecnology services are a key public access point for information.

The 32 Great River Regional Library locations have a total of 201 computers available with internet service for public use. The survey was conducted to find what the computers are used for, findings show-

  • 37% said they used computers for communicating with friends and family, pursuing a hobby or interest, finding reviews for books/movies and learning new skills.
  • 31% said they used technology for employment needs and to look for jobs.
  • 28% used computers for educational activities.
  • 27% used the computers to get information on health and wellness topics

The survey also showed that many people had personal computers at home, but chose to use library technology for access to better internet and services.

Associate Director of Patron Services at the library, Karen Pundsack, says the survey shows that computers and technology is crucial for library locations.

"Whether they are checking in to see when their library books are due to be returned, or searching for business information, or checking their email for messages, having access to computers at the library is something patrons rely on," Pundsack says.

Twenty-three percent of technology users are also low income who use the computers as one of their main access points to the internet.

The computer usage also impacts library staff. More than half of users reported that they received one-on-one technology help from library staff in the last year.

More information from the impact survey can be found at the library website.

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