Internet Costs and Cost Models for Public Libraries:
Final Report

Acknowledgements

The members of the study team wish to thank the numerous librarians and other study participants who contributed their time, views, and experiences related to public library Internet costs and cost models. The participants came from all types of public libraries as well as from other organizational settings. It was their knowledge and experience that allowed us to develop the models and the cost worksheet. Because of their participation in the study other libraries will be able to learn from their experience and will be better able to plan for and provide Internet connections and services.

The support of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) was essential for the completion of this project. The direct involvement and leadership of Peter Young, Executive Director of NCLIS, contributed to the completion of the final report. His suggestions, comments, and guidance throughout the project also helped to ensure to the success of the project. The National Science Foundation (NSF) supported this project through Grant RED-9454732. Were it not for the support of NCLIS and NSF, this report could not have been written.

The able assistance of Beth Mahoney, Syracuse University School of Information Studies, in the design and production of the various graphics and figures was essential for the production of the report.

While we greatly appreciate all the assistance and support we received for this project, the content of the report is the responsibility of the authors alone.