The Global Impact Study is excited to release a new brief based on some of our emerging findings! Does public access to computers and the Internet make a difference in people's lives? Do public access venues contribute to development? A brief, Public access and development: The impact of public access venues and the benefits of libraries<https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/bitstream/handle/1773/20918/Global%20Impact%20Study%20brief%201.pdf?sequence=1>, has just been released. This two-page brief describes findings about the impact of public access venues on development, including the unique benefits successful public libraries offer. This brief is based on data from the surveys <http://www.globalimpactstudy.org/surveys/> of over 5,000 public access venue users in five developing countries. Abstract Public access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play an important role in development. Communities benefit when people can access information and communicate with experts and people in their social networks to learn about health, jobs, education, leisure activities, or whatever inspires them. When access to ICTs is public and available to everyone in the community, such as in public libraries, telecenters, and cybercafés, it can be an effective tool for those that need it most. The findings in the brief are evident at all venues in the public access landscape, including libraries. However, in some instances, libraries may offer users unique benefits. Download Two-page brief: Public access and development: The impact of public access venues and the benefits of libraries<https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/bitstream/handle/1773/20918/Global%20Impact%20Study%20brief%201.pdf?sequence=1> Recommended Citation Clark, M., Sey, A., & Sullivan, J. (2012). Public access and development: The impact of public access venues and the benefits of libraries. Seattle: Technology & Social Change Group, University of Washington Information School. About the Global Impact Study The Global Impact Study of Public Access to Information & Communication Technologies is a five-year project (2007-2012) to generate evidence about the scale, character, and impacts of public access to information and communication technologies. Looking at libraries, telecenters, and cybercafes, the study investigates impact in a number of areas, including communication and leisure, culture and language, education, employment and income, governance, and health. The research is supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more at globalimpactstudy.org. -- Melody Clark Research Coordinator | Global Impact Study Technology & Social Change (TASCHA) http://about.me/melodyclark melclark@uw.edu<mailto:melclark@uw.edu> | 206.685.7819 Twitter: @ictimpact<http://twitter.com/#!/ICTimpact> | @melodyrclark<https://twitter.com/#!/melodyrclark> www.globalimpactstudy.org<http://www.globalimpactstudy.org/>