Technology

Pew finds that a quarter (26%) of lower-income Americans rely on their smartphones for internet access

May 2019

Pew recently published their latest post in a series examining how different demographic groups use technology and access the internet. Their analysis found that a digital divide persists between lower- and higher-income Americans, despite growing internet and technology use across the board. Survey respondents making less than $30,000 per year have lower levels of technology …

Pew finds that a quarter (26%) of lower-income Americans rely on their smartphones for internet access Read More »

Brookings Institution analysis shows that about 8 in 10 U.S. households now have a subscription to broadband internet

October 2018

The Metropolitan Policy Center at the Brookings Institution recently published an analysis of data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey concerning national broadband internet adoption, including cable, fiber optic, or DSL internet service. They found that while broadband subscriptions are rising, there are still gaps in this essential service. Brookings’ analysis found …

Brookings Institution analysis shows that about 8 in 10 U.S. households now have a subscription to broadband internet Read More »

Common Sense Media study finds that high percentages of teens have smartphones, use them a lot, and have trouble disconnecting – even to sleep

September 2018

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that studies youth and media, recently released the 2018 “Social Media, Social Life” report on teens and social media. The report summarizes the results of “a nationally representative survey of 1,141 13 to 17 year olds in the United States.” Since the survey was last administered in 2012, there …

Common Sense Media study finds that high percentages of teens have smartphones, use them a lot, and have trouble disconnecting – even to sleep Read More »

Pew survey finds that only 51% of US teens use Facebook, down from 71% in 2015

August 2018

Pew Research Center recently published the results of its Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018 study. Pew surveyed US teens aged 13-17 to gather information about their use and views of social media, providing an update to a similar study published in 2015. For the first time, Facebook is no longer the most popular social …

Pew survey finds that only 51% of US teens use Facebook, down from 71% in 2015 Read More »

Library Journal and SirsiDynix find that 2 in 5 public libraries offer a mobile device app to their patrons

April 2018

Library Journal, in collaboration with SirsiDynix, recently conducted a survey of 618 public libraries to gather information about mobile device trends in libraries. Their report reveals the increasing use of mobile-friendly websites and apps in public libraries. Out of the libraries that responded to the survey, about 2 in 5 (37%) currently offer a mobile …

Library Journal and SirsiDynix find that 2 in 5 public libraries offer a mobile device app to their patrons Read More »

SHLB Coalition report estimates that it would cost $13-$19 billion to connect all community anchor institutions to high-speed broadband internet

February 2018

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition recently released a report prepared by CTC Technology & Energy estimating how much it would cost to expand high-speed, fiber optic broadband internet to community anchor institutions – schools, libraries, hospitals, health care clinics, community colleges, and other public institutions that do not currently have direct fiber …

SHLB Coalition report estimates that it would cost $13-$19 billion to connect all community anchor institutions to high-speed broadband internet Read More »

ALA report finds that the number of rural public libraries offering internet services increases to 85%

August 2017

The American Libraries Association (ALA) recently published a report exploring the ways that rural public libraries meet the needs of their communities, especially by providing digital literacy training and free access to the internet. This report used data collected by the Public Libraries Survey and the Digital Inclusion Survey. Rural libraries tend to fall into …

ALA report finds that the number of rural public libraries offering internet services increases to 85% Read More »

Freedman Consulting study finds strong bipartisan support for net neutrality rules

July 2017

A recent study conducted by Freedman Consulting found that Americans across the political spectrum support net neutrality. The study also found a bipartisan belief that access to the internet is essential and that the government should play a role in expanding internet access. About three-quarters (77%) of the survey respondents indicated that they believe the …

Freedman Consulting study finds strong bipartisan support for net neutrality rules Read More »

Pew survey finds that the number of seniors who own smartphones has doubled since 2013

June 2017

The Pew Research Center recently published the results of a survey studying technology use among adults ages 65 and older in the United States. They found that while technology adoption is slower among senior citizens, the rate of technology use among seniors is growing. The percentage of seniors using technology has increased dramatically in the …

Pew survey finds that the number of seniors who own smartphones has doubled since 2013 Read More »

SLJ Technology Survey finds that technology spending has increased by 75% in schools

May 2017

The School Library Journal recently published the results of their 2017 Technology Survey and found that school librarians are experiencing increased spending on digital tools for their libraries, allowing school librarians to become technology leaders within their school districts. The survey found that the average amount spent on technology per school has increased by 75% …

SLJ Technology Survey finds that technology spending has increased by 75% in schools Read More »