People's Network 2 survey
All Warwickshire Libraries provide free computer use. The service is called the People's Network after the government-led initiative to bring internet access to the whole UK population, by installing computers and broadband connections in all public libraries, training staff and supporting the creation of a wealth of digital material relevant to local needs.
During May & June 2004 we asked users of the People's Network, in Warwickshire Libraries, to complete an online questionnaire to help find out what they thought of the service in the libraries, what they are using it for and what impact it had and how they would like to see the service develop.
The questionnaire was available from Library web pages and computer screens. We received 496 responses to the survey.
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summary
- 7% were using the PCs for the first time
- 33% used them 1-2 times per week
- 98% used the Internet
- 76% emailed friends, family & colleagues
- 57% used it for general information/surfing
- 32% used it for searching or applying for a job
- 14% used it for learning
- Word processing is the most popular non-internet use
- 1881 Census is the most heavily used CD ROM
Asked how the PN had changed or made a difference to people’s lives 49% said easier to keep in touch with friends, family & colleagues
- 76% choose to use the pcs in the library because of the free Internet access
- 98% said they would use the facilities again
- When asked if a charge was introduced after the first free hour, 45% said that is should be £1 and 47% said no charge
Some of the comments on how the facilities had changed or made a difference to lives were:
- “A very useful alternative to using my home PC for faster Internet access”
- “As I am on a very low income (home carer for disabled relative), I cannot afford to buy or run my own computer, neither can I afford to have a telephone installed in my own home, so the library computer facilities are a godsend to me.”
- “Can use the library to revise online.”
- “I have been looking at places all over the world and it has got me interested in doing some travelling.”
Comments on improving facilities were:
- More PCs
- Free coffee
- Free printing
- More time on computers
- More space
- Less noise – from people chatting & mobile phones
- Longer opening hours
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