Public Computer Centers Reduce -- not Solve -- the Digital Divide
I recently listened to a presentation on how to evaluate the costs and benefits to a public computer center program by a representative of the Colorado state library system. The expansive program has created 81 centers with public computers throughout the state with 5 full-time employees to maintain the program, including training for computer users. The program provides access to 450 desktop computers, 700 laptops, and has offered training for 10,000 computer users. An example of one of Colorado's public computer centers. While the presentation was focused on helping organizations track and evaluate their public computer programs, they revealed a tremendously helpful resource for low-income community members. A successful public computer center provides easy computer access and skills training, which is what the Colorado program set out to accomplish. Their focus is computer skills, workforce and employment services, as well as health education and English as a ...