Connecting libraries is crucial - and possible

Speed Matters partner Connected Nation conducted scientific surveys of library Internet users during much of 2009. Disproportionately, single parents, minorities, low-income residents, and adults with disabilities rely on the public library as their primary Internet portal.

Also, library Internet users are more likely to search for jobs online, communicate with government officials, engage in local and community events, and access healthcare information.

Libraries are also playing a big role in the lives of the next generation. More than half (51 percent) of all library Internet users have children at home. Of this group, 42 percent do not have an Internet connection in their house - making the library portal particularly valuable for children's homework, social interaction, and college research.

Given these findings, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - one of Connected Nation's primary funders - plans to present a cost model and cost estimates for providing fiber optic connectivity to "anchor institutions such as libraries" to the FCC.

Connected Nation has produced a powerful video based around the results of the study:

Connected Nation.org (Connected Nation)