Pew / Internet, Information searches that solve problems: How people use the internet, libraries, and government agencies when they need help

At first glance, I thought the latest Pew / Internet report would suggest who actually uses the internet at the library; it does such while offering a more profound analysis of how people, distinguished by levels of internet access, obtain information regarding "common problems that might be linked to government" [health problems, social security benefits, decisions regarding school enrollment/financing] and which groups frequent the library.

In making the distinction between high and low access, Pew reports that age (generation) emerges as the most salient factor followed by income/education level.

Notably, the report finds that "Since these matters are generally personal in nature, it should not be a surprise that most people (87%) reported using the internet at home, rather than at work or in a public venue, when they sought information or assistance with these matters." So, people are not going to access the internet at the library regarding the topics Pew interrogated.

Who is going to the library for what?

"Young adults in tech-loving Generation Y (age 18-30) [led the pack]" with high-access to the internet for general library patronage. Pew comments, "This is not to say that internet access is the cause of library use: rather, having low-access to the internet is strong proxy for having limited access to or, perhaps, recognizing the need for information."

And, my question, who uses the internet at the library? Evidentially not likely for civic matters or to investigate education, government benefits or aid.

"One demographic group did stand out: African-Americans were by far the most likely to report using the computers at the library, with four out of five reporting such activities. For comparison, just over half of white library users reported such activities at the library."

Regarding computer use at the library, Pew reports that "39% percent of library users report receiving help on reference services and 38% report one-on-one instruction in using computers or the internet".

& Finally, this little bit is interesting:

"Those with low-access are less likely to be satisfied with how things are going in their community, 64%, compared with 71% of respondents overall."

Will the internet/does the internet enhance community/civic life?