The University of Washington, with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is extending the benefits of the 2009 U.S. IMPACT Study patron web survey by making it available to all public libraries to use in their own data collection, evaluation, and advocacy efforts. Through the survey website, http://impactsurvey.org, public libraries will also benefit from new advocacy tools, including video instruction, to help them communicate the value of public access technology to policy makers.

The University of Washington is currently recruiting 400-600 library systems nationwide to pilot the survey tool and support materials. Pilot libraries will receive support throughout their involvement and will be asked to provide feedback on the process and support materials. Participating libraries must begin their survey fielding period by September 12th. To register your library for the pilot, please visit http://impactsurvey.org. For more information, please visit http://impactsurvey.org or contact the survey coordinator at or (206) 543-4324.

Conducted in 2009, the U.S. IMPACT Study was the first large-scale investigation of the ways library patrons use computers and the Internet at public libraries, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. The study consisted of 4 case studies, a national telephone survey, and an online survey designed to supplement the telephone survey and ensure that PAC (public access computing) users from all walks of life were represented. Over 400 libraries participated in the online survey, which yielded 45,000 responses. 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. The study’s second report, “Opportunity for All: How Library Policies and Practices Impact Public Internet Access” was recently released.