public libraries is due, in part, to the availability of public funding, including state and

local funding and the federal funding programs regulated by CIPA.

Many libraries face a large amount of patron demand for their Internet services. 

At some libraries, patron demand for Internet access during a given day exceeds the

supply of computer terminals with access to the Internet.  These libraries use sign in and

time limit procedures and/or establish rules regarding the allowable uses of the terminals,

in an effort to ration their computer resources.  For example, some of the libraries whose

librarians testified at trial prohibit the use of email and chat functions on their public

Internet terminals. 

Public libraries play an important role in providing Internet access to citizens who

would not otherwise possess it.  Of the 143 million Americans using the Internet,

approximately 10%, or 14.3 million people, access the Internet at a public library. 

Internet access at public libraries is more often used by those with lower incomes than

those with higher incomes.  About 20.3% of Internet users with household family income

of less than $15,000 per year use public libraries for Internet access. Approximately 70%

of libraries serving communities with poverty levels in excess of 40% receive E rate

discounts.  

a.  Internet Use Policies in Public Libraries

Approximately 95% of libraries with public Internet access have some form of

 acceptable use  policy or  Internet use  policy governing patrons' use of the Internet. 

These policies set forth the conditions under which patrons are permitted to access and

39