Impact Survey Results for Independence Public Library
October, 2011
The IMPACT Survey is an online tool that allows public libraries to collect information about how their community’s use and benefit from the library’s computers and Internet connection.
Prepared for Independence Public Library by the University of Washington Information School with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Library Use
71% visited the library once a week or more frequently.
24% visited the library abut 1-3 times a month.
5% visited the library less than once a month.
79% used the library’s computers to access library resources such as the online catalog, placing holds or renewing library materials, downloading eBooks or Audiobooks, or to access the library’s databases.
67% accessed library resources through the library’s website from outside the library, (e.g. from home, school, or work).
17% accessed library resources through a handheld mobile device such as a cellphone, Blackberry, or iPhone.
77% used a library computer to access the Internet in the past 12 months.
36% accessed the library’s wireless network connection using their own computer.
82% used a public access computer or the library’s wireless network connection to access the Internet in the past 12 months.
Uses of Public Access Technology
Library printers: 54%
email: 72%
Search Engines: 78%
Instant Messaging: 33%
Video Chat: 2%
Blogs: 19%
Wikis: 17%
Social Networking: 52%
Streaming Video: 31%
Streaming Audio: 13%
31% of users reported having received one-on-one technology help from library staff or volunteers in the past 12 months.
20% of users attended computer-related training or classes at the library during the past 12 months.
56% or users found information or performed tasks for family or friends using the library’s computers or Internet connection.
Public Use By Area
Education: 37%
Employment: 48%
eBusiness: 2%
Health: 46%
eGovernment: 39%
Civic Engagement: 44%
eCommerce: 46%
Social Inclusion: 78%
Education Activities
In the past 12 months education tasks performed
26% Learn about a degree or certificate program
6% Apply for a degree or certificate program and 4% were admitted to the program
15% Take an online class or workshop
28% Do research for class
22% Complete course work or homework
2% Prepare for a standardized test
15% Take any school related test online and 2% had a librarian serve as a proctor
7% Apply for financial Aid and 6% received financial aid
Employment
Ages of patrons using public access technology for employment
14-24: 12%
25-34: 15%
35-44: 19%
45-54: 27%
55-64: 15%
65+: 12%
Employment Activities
41% Look for job, 26% applied for a job, 13% got an interview, and 4% got a job
19% Work on resume
13% Receive skill-based training
31% Research/find info related to job/profession
17% Do work for current job
Health and Wellness
33% Learn about Diet or Nutrition and 94% Made a change to their diet
26% learning about exercise or fitness and 79% made a change in their exercise habits
eGovernment Activites
24% Seek help from government agency
11% Access justice system
20% Get government forms and 11% submitted forms online
24% Learn about laws/regulations
11% Learn about permits/licenses and 2% applied for permit/license
20% Seek legal assistance/advice
31% Learn about government programs/services and 9% applied for government programs/services
Civic Engagment
37 % Keep us with news/current events
24% Learn about political activity/candidate or social cause and 17% got involved with political activity, candidate, or cause
4% Start a new civic or community group
13% Participate in a civic or community group
9% Organize/manage club, civic/community/church group, or non-profit
eCommerce
9% Find housing
26% Bank Online
19% Pay Bills
9% Get investment info
26% Research products/services
28% Purchase online
13% Sell Online
28% Make travel arrangements
11% Look up credit rating
11% Learn about getting out of debt
Patron Satisfaction with the public access technology at Independence Public Library
58% Very satisfied
38% Satisfied
2% Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
2% Dissatisfied
Importance of Computer Access and the Internet for Themselves
47% Very important
28% Important
14% Moderately Important
8% Of little importance
3% Unimportant
Importance of Computer Access and the Internet for their Community
69% Very Important
23% Important
5% Moderately Important
3% Of Little Importance
0% Unimportant
Demographic Information
White 73%, Two or More Races 9%, African American 3%, American Indian 5%, Refused 8%
Female 64%, Male 36%
Ages 14-24 21%, 25-34 17%, 35-44 17%, 45-54 18%, 55-64 18%, 65+ 9%
Education Level: Post graduate study 23%, High school or GED 20%, Some college 18%, 4 year degree 20%, 2 year degree 6%, some high school 9%
Languages spoken at home: English 89%, Other than English 8%, Refused 3%
