Required reading

This year's report from American Libraries digital supplement about the state of technology in public libraries has more bad news than good. Of course it's great to read that more than 99% of public libraries offer Internet access, and 86% of them have wireless access. This is important, not only for the kids in the children's room trying to do their homework, but for adults searching for jobs or looking for information about starting their own business. Despite the heavy coverage, many libraries are facing cutbacks in hours, which means less open time for those job-hunters who count on them. With increasing demand in libraries, many are finding their equipment slow and inadequate for many users, but the cost of upgrading Broadband is prohibitive for many libraries. Children's librarians sometimes think that budget concerns and technology access are the business of administration, but this is no time to hide in the children's room and concentrate on Harry Potter. The children listening to our storytimes today will be asking for wireless access for their laptops tomorrow. Funding for public libraries and increasing their ability to serve the community are important issues for all librarians--for all Americans. Take a look at the report and think about how you might influence your friends or patrons to offer more support to local libraries.