Library Systems Newsletter reported last month that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) had issued a report on the digital divide that includes much useful information about who is and is not online. Subsequent to the release of NTIA's report, the Pew Internet & American Life Project issued an even more compelling report. Although much of the data is similar to that in the NTIA report, the most compelling information is that 32% of those without Internet access now say they definitely will not get Internet access. That's more than 31 million people. Another 25% of non-Internet users say that they probably will not venture online. That leaves a minority of 41% who probably or definitely will seek Internet access.
Most of the Internet holdouts are older Americans-a total of 87% of those over 65 and 59% of those between 50 and 64. They are not only uncomfortable with the technology, but they often don't believe it can bring them any benefits. These two reasons are cited far more often than the cost of Internet access.
The significance of the data is that libraries must do more than make Internet access available to those who don't have it; they must also make patrons—especially those over 50—aware of the potential value of the Internet.
The text of the Pew report is available at www.pewinternet.org.
