St. Charlies library seeks to improve its tech services

From June 17 to June 29, the St. Charles Public Library will conduct an online survey to find out how its patrons use the library's computers and Internet connection and how this service has made a positive impact on their lives.

This information will help the library improve its technology services and communicate the value of providing free access to computers and the Internet within the community. The Impact Survey is anonymous, available in English and Spanish, and takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

The Impact Survey is the result of a successful research initiative from the University of Washington with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2009, the University of Washington Information School conducted Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, which was the first large-scale investigation of the ways U.S. library patrons use computers and the Internet at public libraries, why they use it, and how it impacts their lives. The study was instrumental in providing evidence that access to the Internet at U.S. public libraries has a profound and measurable impact on individuals and communities.

You can support the library by accessing the web survey from the library computers or from the library website at www.stcharleslibrary.org between June 17 and June 29. The St. Charles Public Library is at One S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. For more information, visit www.st.charleslibrary.org or call (630) 584-0076.