Ask us a question!!

There are lots of ways to ask us a question besides coming in to the library. If you go to our website at http://www.northfieldmn.info/ - click on "Ask a Librarian". You'll see 3 ways to contact a Northfield Library librarian and another way to contact a librarian somewhere in Minnesota anytime of day.

To contact a Northfield Librarian you can either:
* call us at 507-645-1802
*contact us by email using our webpage at http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/library/askalibrarian
*or on that same webpage contact us via instant messaging on Meebo - Meebo is open when the library is open.

If you need help and it's after hours or on Sundays when we aren't open go to that same webpage again http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/library/askalibrarian - scroll to the bottom of that page and look for the Askmn logo. Askmn is a 24/7 reference service available for library patrons in Minnesota anytime - day or night.

So, what are you waiting for? Ask us a question.

77 Million People Using Library Computers

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Washington Information School (funded by the Gates Foundaton and the Institute of Museum and Library Services), a third of Americans - about 77 million people - used public library computers to access the internet in 2009. Low-income adults are more likely to rely on the public library as their sole access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. And people across all age and ethnic groups use library computers.

The use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health, and making community connections. In the last 12 months:

* 40 % of library computer users received help with career needs
* 37% of users focused on health issues
* 42% received help with educational needs (among these 37% used their local library computer to do homework for a class)
* Library computers linked patrons to their government, communities, and civic organizations.

According to Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, "There is no ambiguity in these numbers. Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge, and opportunities." "Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services."

Unfortunately, up to a third of all libraries say they lack even minimally adequate Internet connections to meet demand. According to Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, "Library technology services have created opportunity for millions of Americans, but public libraries struggle to replace aging computer workstations and increase the speed of their internet connections." "This study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn't keep pace with demand."

To read the entire report go to: http://cis.washington.edu/usimpact/