The latest report from the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries, led by IFLA and EIFL, brings together key resources that explain the difference that public access in libraries can make, as well as offering hints and insights that can help drive evaluation of similar efforts.
Providing access to the internet, and the tools, training and support to make the most of it, is an essential part of the work of many libraries. This, also requires ongoing investment by governments and other funders.
There is already a strong base of evidence around the impact of public internet access in libraries.
To bring this together, this report has been prepared within the framework of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries (DC-PAL). The report offers libraries and other stakeholders an easy-to-use overview of recent evidence, good practices, and methodologies for public access impact assessment.
It follows DC-PAL network consultations held in April 2021, which identified evaluation of public access to computers and internet in libraries among priorities for the DC-PAL working agenda for 2021-2022. A first draft was presented at the 2021 Internet Governance Forum, and feedback received.
The report provides a key reference for libraries and library associations in advocating for support for their own work to guarantee public internet access in libraries for all.
Click here to read the original press release.
