Academic and public libraries are essential community hubs providing free access to technology for patrons who do not have reliable internet or devices at home. Across the United States, persistent challenges with access to technology stem from issues of affordability and needed infrastructure. This is often referred to as the digital divide, a term that describes the stark disparities between those with access to modern technology and those without. Current research consistently identifies high costs and fees as major barriers to high-speed internet and technology access, especially in rural and underserved communities. Closing the digital divide, as well as addressing broadband affordability, requires high-quality, accessible infrastructure, including rural broadband initiatives, fiber optic cables in urban planning, supportive policy and regulation, and sustained funding programs.

Ithaka S+R has been researching what technology access looks like for different communities of learners, from community college students to students who are incarcerated. Our work in this area underscores the role both academic and public libraries play in supporting student and community well-being by providing access to broadband, digital literacy programs, and essential technology services like computer labs, printing, and device lending.

The first phase of the Maximizing Public-Academic Library Partnerships project, funded by ECMC Foundation, explored how community college and public libraries currently promote basic needs resources and services on their websites, including what kinds of technology access and tools they provide. Through a comprehensive inventory and analysis of library websites, we found that while their specific offerings may vary, technology access and resources were one of the top three basic needs addressed by public and community college libraries.

While our inventory of library websites revealed relatively few partnerships between academic and public libraries that focus on broadband access or technology lending, we did uncover one notable partnership between the Waubonsee Community College (WCC) library system, Aurora Public Library District (APLD), and Messenger Public Library of North Aurora (MPL). Our case study highlights how this collaboration is primarily aimed at expanding technology access and strengthening digital literacy skills. It serves as a promising model for how libraries across sectors can work together to address the digital divide in their communities.

Overall, 86 percent of the libraries in our inventory sample provided technology access and information on their websites, including 81 percent of community college libraries and 92 percent of public libraries. Eighty-four percent of public libraries and 71 percent of community colleges advertised printing services, and 80 percent of public libraries and 60 percent of community college libraries highlighted access to computer labs. Both community college and public libraries also provide other services, including copying, scanning, faxing, and tablet/laptop loaning.

We uncovered a few exemplary cases where a community college library and a public library each featured robust information about technology on their websites, promoting a wide range of available resources and services.

Community college libraries

Access to technology is crucial for community college students, enabling them to complete coursework, access online learning resources, communicate with instructors, and develop digital skills essential for today’s workforce. Without reliable technology, students may fall behind academically and face barriers to educational, career, and social opportunities. A survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that students lacking adequate technology found coursework more challenging and had a harder time meeting deadlines, as only 28 percent of students “without adequate technology” felt successful compared to 46 percent of their peers with sufficient technology and Internet access. Another study that examined community colleges across diverse regions found that students without reliable internet or devices struggled to participate in online learning, leading to decreased academic performance.

In our study, Chemeketa Community College (CCC) Library in Salem, Oregon, stood out for its efforts to support technological literacy. CCC’s library was the only community college library in our sample to offer resources and services in all nine technology sub-categories in our inventory, and several we didn’t list as well. Students at CCC have access to Wi-Fi hotspots, charging devices, laptop borrowing, graphing calculators, computer instruction, physical computer labs, printing services, and other items. Why does this matter? Comprehensive technology resources and clear guidance on their use can increase students’ likelihood of academic success.

From a user perspective, the CCC library’s website is student friendly and easy to navigate, with clear links to computer, printing, and library services directly from the homepage. Under the “Library Services” tab, students can quickly access information about borrowing equipment such as Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks, laptops, Zoom kits, drawing tablets, and more. Students can also reserve tech-equipped spaces for individual or group work. Notably, the library highlights technology by featuring “Popular Library Services” and “Computer Services” tabs prominently on the homepage, ensuring easy access to digital tools and support.

CCC’s library stands out in our review for its clear emphasis on technology access, offering at least three prominent links to technology resources directly from the homepage—a rare and commendable feature. This signals a strategic priority around equitable technology access. However, accessing this information still requires the internet and appropriate devices, which may present a barrier for some students.

Public libraries

Libraries serve as critical access points for technology, especially for individuals lacking reliable internet or devices at home. According to the American Library Association’s 2023 Public Library Technology Survey, nearly half of public libraries now lend internet hotspots, and 95 percent offer digital literacy training, highlighting their proactive role in bridging the digital divide. Moreover, public libraries offer a wide range of technology and digital literacy resources and services through events and workshops, such as one-on-one computer literacy instruction or workshops. For instance, the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library in Arizona offers 30-minute one-on-one computer tutoring sessions and the Great Falls Public Library in Montana provides digital literacy workshops that “introduce newly connected users to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites.”

Similar to our research on community college libraries, we searched public library websites to better understand how they offer essential technology resources. The Rochester Public Library (RPL) in New York stands out as exemplary not only because of the range of services and devices it provides but also because of its unique approach to technology access.       Aside from providing books and other physical materials, the RPL’s Mobile Library offers access to portable technology, including Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, tablets, and print/scan/fax technology. The RPL mobile library team specifically prioritizes visits to childcare centers, schools, senior living communities, and nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk or underserved populations who may have difficulty accessing technology at home or visiting the physical library.

The RPL library homepage also features a large calendar of events, where patrons and users can find information about the library’s regular walk-in technology office hours. During these sessions, patrons can seek support on how to use an iPad and Microsoft applications as well as answers to any other technological questions they may have.

Technology access initiatives between academic institutions and public libraries

Our research into academic and public library partnerships shows a growing focus on improving technology access and closing the digital divide. These collaborations demonstrate how libraries and academic institutions can jointly advance digital equity and connect communities to essential services. Three examples are particularly notable:

  • With funding from AARP, Oklahoma State University (OSU) collaborates with rural public libraries through its Digital Navigator Program to run a pilot program across five rural public libraries in the state. This initiative employs local community members as Digital Navigators who help patrons with tasks like setting up smartphones, enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and accessing low-cost broadband—both in libraries and at community events.
  • The Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption + Digital Equity (READY) initiative offers grants to public libraries in Central Illinois, led by Illinois State University (ISU) and Heartland Community College (HCC). These grants support digital equity projects, including device distribution, digital skills training, and staff support. The initiative focuses on increasing broadband usage and digital literacy in underserved communities across Central Illinois.
  • For 20 years, Metropolitan State University and the Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) have co-located their services in a shared facility in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This collaboration extends beyond shared space: the university library has issued over 3,000 community borrower cards and reserved 12 computers for public use. Joint efforts include coding classes, game nights, and a public library homework help center staffed mostly by university students—demonstrating how academic and public libraries can collaborate to boost digital access and literacy.

As this project nears completion, we will soon be publishing the third and final upcoming case study focusing on San José State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Library, a joint-use library with the City of San José that serves students and the general public in an urban setting. The insights from these case studies will culminate in the development of a library partnership implementation framework, designed to support institutions in building effective and sustainable collaborations.