Libraries Providing Internet Access a Bad Sign?

A New York Times piece published in July 2014 can be read two ways.  In her article, Susan Crawford, a visiting professor at Harvard University, cites data from several surveys and studies in highlighting the important role that libraries play in providing Americans with Internet access.  High-speed Internet access is "almost as essential as electricity," she claims.  Crawford goes on to argue for the centrality of libraries in giving patrons a place to apply for jobs, do their homework, and find information related to their finances, healthcare, and education.  Good news, right?

            Image courtesy of Creative Commons                

Crawford ends her article on a rather sour note:  "That libraries serve as the provider for millions of Americans isn't something to celebrate."  Rather, Crawford contends that such reliance on the library to provide public Internet services indicates a shortcoming.  The author notes that many public libraries are short on computers and bandwith, which leaves patrons with slow processing speeds when they finally have a chance to work on a computer.  Crawford fails to provide, however, any suggestion for remedying the problem.  Does providing high-speed Internet access fall on the shoulders of the federal government?  Cities and local governments?  How do we address the lack of access to high-speed Internet in rural areas?  Crawford succeeds in raising an important question and it will be up to library professionals in the very near future to provide a solution.