Editing Public library (section)

===Digital engagement===
[[File:Fort Worth Library Computer Lab.jpg|thumb|Fort Worth Central Library Computer Lab]]

Part of the public library mission has become attempting to help bridge the [[digital divide]]. As more books, information resources, and government services are being provided online (see [[e-commerce]] and [[e-government]]), public libraries increasingly provide access to the Internet and [[public computer]]s for users who otherwise would not be able to connect to these services. They can also provide community  spaces to encourage the general population to improve their digital skills through Library Coding Clubs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goscl.com/coding-clubs-in-libraries-on-the-rise-330-increase-from-march-2016/|title=Coding Clubs in Libraries on the Rise: 330% Increase from March 2016|website=goscl.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109223036/http://goscl.com/coding-clubs-in-libraries-on-the-rise-330-increase-from-march-2016/|archive-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> and [[Library makerspace]]. Almost all public libraries now house a [[computer lab]].<ref>{{cite web|title=After Access: Libraries & Digital Empowerment|url=http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/ALA%20DI%20After%20Access_final_12%2017%2015.pdf|website=ALA|access-date=23 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224054349/http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/ALA%20DI%20After%20Access_final_12%2017%2015.pdf|archive-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> Internationally, public libraries offer [[Information and communication technologies|information and communication technology]] (ICT) services, giving "access to information and knowledge" the "highest priority".<ref>{{cite web |last=Haavisto |first=T. |year=2006 |title=Libraries and the WSIS action lines: Guideline for international, regional and local advocacy for libraries in relation with implantation of the WSIS by action line 2005-2015. (Update. Mincio, D. (2007)) Electronic Version |page=2 |work=International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and World Summit on the Information Society: Geneva 2003 – Tunis 2005 |access-date=15 July 2009 |url=http://www.ifla.org/files/wsis/Documents/libraries-and-the-wsis-action-lines-en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302192904/http://www.ifla.org/files/wsis/Documents/libraries-and-the-wsis-action-lines-en.pdf |archive-date=2 March 2012 }}</ref> While different countries and areas of the world have their own requirements, general services offered include free connection to the Internet, training in using the Internet, and relevant content in appropriate languages. In addition to typical public library financing, [[non-governmental organization]]s (NGOs) and business fund services that assist public libraries in combating the digital divide.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |year=2009 |title=Global Libraries: Opening a World of Information and Opportunities |access-date=15 July 2009 |url=http://www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries/Pages/global-libraries-projects-update.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501143133/http://www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries/Pages/global-libraries-projects-update.aspx |archive-date=1 May 2009 }}</ref>
		
In addition to access, many public libraries offer training and support to computer users. Once access has been achieved, there remains a large gap in people's online abilities and skills. For many communities, the public library is the only agency offering free computer classes, information technology learning and an affordable, interactive way to build digital skills.{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}} {{as of|2012}}, 91% of libraries offer free wireless Internet to their patrons; 76% offer e-books for borrowing; and 90% offer formal or informal technology training.<ref name="plftas"/> A significant service provided by public libraries is assisting people with e-government access and use of federal, state and local government information, forms and services.
	 	
In 2006, 73% percent of library branches reported that they are the only local provider of free public computer and Internet access.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bertot|first1=John Carlo|last2=Jaeger|first2=Paul T.|last3=Langa|first3=Lesley A.|last4=McClure|first4=Charles R.|title=Public access computing and Internet access in public libraries: The role of public libraries in e-government and emergency situations|journal=[[First Monday (journal)|First Monday]]|date=2006|volume=11|issue=9|doi=10.5210/fm.v11i9.1392 |doi-access=free }}</ref> A 2008 study found that "100 percent of rural, high poverty outlets provide public Internet access."<ref name="ii.fsu.edu">{{cite web |last1=Bertot |first1=J. C. |last2=McClure |first2=C. R. |last3=Jaeger |first3=P. T. |last4=Ryan |first4=J. |year=2008 |title=Public libraries and the Internet 2008: Study results and findings |access-date=31 May 2009 |publisher=Florida State University, Information Use Management and Policy Institute Website |url=http://www.ii.fsu.edu/plinternet_reports.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820204724/http://www.ii.fsu.edu/plinternet_reports.cfm |archive-date=20 August 2009 }}</ref> Access to computers and the Internet is now nearly as important to library patrons as access to books.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Leslie|title=Survey Finds Rising Reliance on Libraries as a Gateway to the Web|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/pew-survey-finds-reliance-on-libraries-for-computers-and-internet/?ref=technology&_r=0|access-date=28 July 2013|newspaper=New York Times|date=22 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103054834/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/pew-survey-finds-reliance-on-libraries-for-computers-and-internet/?ref=technology&_r=0|archive-date=3 November 2014}}</ref>