Internet & Technology

Director Lee Rainie shared findings from our new report on e-book lending at libraries at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference on Sunday, June 24. He also discussed general reading trends, the rise of e-books, and library patrons’ experiences with e-book borrowing. Research Specialist Kathryn Zickuhr also discussed our research at a session of the ALA’s Spectrum Leadership Institute on Monday, June 25.

As you may know, we recently published a big report about e-book lending at libraries. We’ll have some posts exploring different aspects of the report in the coming weeks, but you can also read the entire report online (or download the PDF, if you prefer). And if you want to jump to a specific section, here’s a brief outline of the findings.

Corporate responsibility: How far will tech firms go in helping repressive regimes?

Users of Twitter, Facebook and blogs weighed in heavily on the Supreme Court Health Care ruling last week. PEJ examines the sentiment on each of the three social media platforms, how that sentiment shifted in the days that followed the ruling and the degree to which users delved into implications for the presidential contenders.

Experts think tech-enhanced homes, appliances, and utilities will spread. But those systems are complex and so far there is low public demand, so they advise: Don't expect to see the "Home of the Future" by 2020.

As of early 2012, 88% of American adults have a cell phone, 58% have a desktop computer, 61% have a laptop, 18% own an e-book reader, and 18% have a tablet computer. Here’s a closer look at the demographic breakdown of U.S. adult gadget ownership.

The American Journal of Managed Care recently published a commentary entitled, "Bowling Alone, Healing Together: The Role of Social Capital in Delivery Reform."

17% of cell phone owners do most of their online browsing on their phone, rather than a computer or other device. Most do so for convenience, but for some their phone is their only option for online access.

At an ALA Spectrum Leadership Institute session in Anaheim, CA, Research Specialist Kathryn Zickuhr will discuss trends in technology access and use among various demographic groups, and what these changes might mean for libraries.

Director Lee Rainie shared recent survey findings and other research about the rise of e-books, their impact on people’s reading habits, and the way that library patrons are hoping to avail themselves of e-book borrowing. He also explored general ...