FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - “Toward Equality of Access: The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide,” was released during a speech by Bill Gates Sr. this morning in Seattle, Washington at the Public Library Association’s Biannual Meeting. The report recommends the public and private sectors work together to ensure that libraries can continue to provide this vital access to technology for years to come. “Today, if you can reach a public library, you can reach the Internet,” said Bill Gates, Sr., co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The challenge now is to continue providing this access that millions of our neighbors depend upon.

The report, “Toward Equality of Access: The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide,” finds that public libraries have helped narrow the digital divide by providing free, public access to computers and the Internet, particularly for people without access at home or work.

The report recommends governments, businesses, nonprofits, foundations, libraries and library supporters work together to ensure that libraries can continue to provide this vital access to technology for years to come.

"Toward Equality of Access" is available online at: http://www.imls.gov/pubs/pdf/Equality.pdf

In 1996, only 28 percent of public library systems offered public Internet access. Today, more than 95 percent of library buildings offer public access computing, and 14 million Americans regularly use these computers. This benefit has especially reached certain socioeconomic groups that are less likely to have access at home or work. African Americans and Hispanics are twice as likely to use library computers as Asian Americans and whites. Families making less than $15,000 annually are two to three times more likely to rely on library computers than those earning more than $75,000.

Dr. Robert Martin, IMLS Director said, “Thanks to the strong support of Congress and the Bush Administration the Institute of Museum and Library Services has played an important role in narrowing the digital divide."

The report notes that since 1998 IMLS has provided approximately $1 billion under the Library Services and Technology Act to states that in turn support local library services.

Dr. Martin added, "Closing the digital divide and keeping it closed requires not only access to technology, but literacy, computer training, and good digital content. IMLS remains committed to sustaining and creating new opportunities for all individuals to attain these four essential tools.”

The report was developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with the AARP, American Library Association, Beaumont Foundation of America, Benton Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, National League of Cities and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Pew Internet & American Life Project, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, served as research advisers.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent Federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners. The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums. To learn more about the Institute, please log onto: http://www.imls.gov