Through a $3.3 million, two year project that began in spring 2011, the Colorado State Library is overseeing the installation of 88 new and enhanced Public Computer Centers (PCCs) throughout Colorado. These PCCs provide internet access and computer training to foster broadband adoption. In 2012, LRS surveyed more than 7,300 PCC users to determine the impacts the PCCs are having on their lives. The results showed that the top outcomes of respondents who used the PCCs during open lab times were to communication with someone (52%), look for employment (38%), and use the printer, scanner, or fax (33%). Top outcomes of computer class attendees included getting better at using the computer (68%), the internet (49%), and software (38%) after taking a computer class. One respondent commented: “Probably the most valuable resource, dollar for dollar, available to community. I have found jobs…researched…located tax information, and have done school work over the years. Thank you!!”
Highlights of the study can be found in our one-page infographic, or for all the details, see our Closer Look Report.