While public library adoption of broadband continues to increase over time, rural libraries lag behind in connectivity capacity and speed. In the 2010–2011 study, 21.8 percent of rural libraries reported having fiber-optic connections, compared to 65.6 percent for urban libraries and 42.8 percent for suburban libraries. And while for the first time more rural libraries reported connectivity speed greater than 1.5 Mbps than less than 1.5 Mbps, nearly 47 percent of rural libraries still reported that their connection speed is insufficient to meet patron needs some or all of the time. As outlined in the article by Nicole D. Alemanne, Lauren H. Mandel, and Charles R. McClure, by taking a leadership role among community broadband anchor institutions, rural libraries have the potential to transform their level of service and the life of the community and its residents.

As libraries encounter capacity limits in both broadband and physical space, an effective patron wireless network is an essential consideration for continuity of quality service. In interviews for the 2010–2011 study, library staff consistently noted that with the exponential growth of mobile devices tapping into library wireless networks, expansions and upgrades to the networks were becoming more critical. In this issue, Robert A. Caluori, Jr. reports that the affordable, high-quality wireless equipment libraries need to meet demand is a reality and provides detailed guidance for purchasing decisions and network implementation.

Recent news reports on the economy reinforce the role of the public library as a safety net for job seekers, and as government agencies eliminate print forms and close satellite offices, public libraries are increasingly on the front lines, connecting people with essential e-government resources. The increased demand on public libraries in these two areas has brought additional stresses in a number of areas, including staffing levels and computer availability. Author Nancy Fredericks addresses these challenges and presents a wide range of successful practices from her own Pasco County (FL) Library Cooperative and other examples of local, state, and national resources.

While almost all (99.3 percent) US public libraries provide free access to computers and the Internet, many citizens are still struggling to gain the skills to adequately access and use online resources. As noted in the article by Larra Clark and Marijke Visser, there is now a “broad recognition that digital literacy is a keystone for civic engagement, educational success, and economic growth and innovation.” In their work at the American Library Association Office of Information Technology Policy, Clark and Visser are part of the national effort to provide libraries of all types with the competencies and resources to play a lead role in any community efforts that ensure equity of access and advance digital literacy.

In the pursuit of community digital literacy, according to Stephanie Gerding, patron technology training at public libraries is no longer an optional service. While this absolute can be seen as a challenge for many libraries, Gerding provides in her article the building blocks for the “transformation of the library into a digital literacy oasis.” Any size and type of library can adopt and adapt the ideas and resources laid out in four key areas: creation of comprehensive training plans; professional development for library staff; cultivation of partnerships and volunteer relationships; and marketing of training programs.

In an interview for the 2010–2011 study, San Diego County Library Director José Aponte commented that “Technology was formerly a backbone of libraries, and now it's become the front door of public service.” This sea change has illuminated the need for a greater understanding of the transformation of our public libraries, propelled by community demands and the critical need for sustained funding to provide the technology services required to advance our nation to full digital literacy.