Libraries, telecentres and cybercafés: An international study of public access information venues

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer early insight into ongoing research comparing public access venues such as libraries, cybercafés and telecentres in 25 countries around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors studied information needs and uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in these public access venues, with a particular focus on underserved populations.

Findings

Understanding trends, differences and similarities across venues and across countries offers an emerging map that will help researchers and policymakers conduct future research and make better decisions to strengthen public access to information through ICT.

Originality/value

The research was done in partnership with local research teams in 25 countries around the world, and studied public libraries, telecentres and cybercafés side by side, while most studies in the past have looked at them independently of one another.

Citation

Gomez, R., Ambikar, R. and Coward, C. (2009), "Libraries, telecentres and cybercafés: An international study of public access information venues", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 33-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678040910949675