In an age where Google is a verb, Facebook is a venue and ‘tweeting’ isn’t strictly for the birds, internet access has become as common as running water or microwave ovens. But in this era of endless information, are some Alabama residents getting lost in translation?
As part of his 2009 economic stimulus package, President Obama allocated $7 billion dollars to broadband expansion. According to a 2013 article in the New York Times, “nearly 98 percent of American homes now have access to some sort of high-speed broadband.”
The article goes on to say, however, that administration officials and policy experts note a ‘persistent digital inequality’ due to issues like inability to afford service and lack of computer literacy. This inequality is most apparent in southern states such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.
Vince Bellofatto, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL), said the library offers free computer and Wi-Fi access at all three library locations. While a library card is required, there is no charge to use the computers and service is based on a first-come-first-served basis.
“The library doesn’t track (the number of people who use their membership strictly for computer access), but the computer labs at all locations are continuously full throughout the hours of operation,” Bellofatto said. “A lot of the patrons using the computers in the library are ones who don’t have access to a computer or can’t afford home internet service.”
The TPL also offers various resources to combat computer illiteracy, including classes like Introduction to the PC/Internet/Email and Google: How to do Advanced Searching in the Google Engine. Bellafatto said these classes are well attended.
In a recent letter-to-the-editor submitted to the Tuscaloosa news, Northport Resident Sheila Hayes commented that Northport pales in comparison to Tuscaloosa. “What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership,” she wrote. “Oh, and we also lack a public library.”
In a follow-up article published by The Northport Gazette on Dec. 17, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon defended his administration, but agreed there is room for improvement in Northport, as with “any city.”
“As far as the comment about the library… you can get things on the internet,” he said.
Northport resident Steven Strickland called the mayor’s comment ignorant, asking “What about people who don’t have internet?”
“I didn’t say I didn’t want a library,” Herndon clarified in an interview with The Gazette on Jan. 5. “I’d like to have a library, but it’s not my top priority… You can get as much information, in my way of thinking, on the internet as you can by going to the library.”
“We’ve got a library just right across the river,” Herndon said.
Of course, this is not breaking news. In fact, Bellafatto said Northport residents account for 20 percent of all TPL circulation, citing 15,809 cardholders from Northport as of Dec. 31, 2014 — this number refers only to cardholders living within the city limits, and does not reflect those from outlying communities.
Northport citizen Sherry Smelley points out that the mayor may be missing the bigger picture — what if citizens rely on services like the ones offered by the Tuscaloosa Public Library to access or understand the internet?
“Northport DOES need a library,” she wrote in a comment on The Gazette’s Facebook page. “The Internet is not available to everyone. Where are the values of the Northport administrators? Learning and education should be put above property improvements and developments. Looks like we are headed back into the dark ages instead of going forward!”
“It’s just not my top priority,” Herndon said, stating his expectations for the city centered around finances.
“(In 2015), the city’s finances will continue to be strong… A lot of new businesses are coming to Northport in 2015, which means, you know, more sales tax for the city, which will result in better service to the citizens. We are growing, we are going to continue to grow, and I see a great year for (the city).”
Northport residents looking for free computer and internet access can still expect, however, to rely on the library ‘right across the river.’
In an age where Google is a verb, Facebook is a venue and ‘tweeting’ isn’t strictly for the birds, internet access has become as common as running water or microwave ovens. But in this era of endless information, are some Alabama residents getting lost in translation?
As part of his 2009 economic stimulus package, President Obama allocated $7 billion dollars to broadband expansion. According to a 2013 article in the New York Times, “nearly 98 percent of American homes now have access to some sort of high-speed broadband.”
The article goes on to say, however, that administration officials and policy experts note a ‘persistent digital inequality’ due to issues like inability to afford service and lack of computer literacy. This inequality is most apparent in southern states such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.
Vince Bellofatto, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL), said the library offers free computer and Wi-Fi access at all three library locations. While a library card is required, there is no charge to use the computers and service is based on a first-come-first-served basis.
“The library doesn’t track (the number of people who use their membership strictly for computer access), but the computer labs at all locations are continuously full throughout the hours of operation,” Bellofatto said. “A lot of the patrons using the computers in the library are ones who don’t have access to a computer or can’t afford home internet service.”
The TPL also offers various resources to combat computer illiteracy, including classes like Introduction to the PC/Internet/Email and Google: How to do Advanced Searching in the Google Engine. Bellafatto said these classes are well attended.
In a recent letter-to-the-editor submitted to the Tuscaloosa news, Northport Resident Sheila Hayes commented that Northport pales in comparison to Tuscaloosa. “What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership,” she wrote. “Oh, and we also lack a public library.”
In a follow-up article published by The Northport Gazette on Dec. 17, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon defended his administration, but agreed there is room for improvement in Northport, as with “any city.”
“As far as the comment about the library… you can get things on the internet,” he said.
Northport resident Steven Strickland called the mayor’s comment ignorant, asking “What about people who don’t have internet?”
“I didn’t say I didn’t want a library,” Herndon clarified in an interview with The Gazette on Jan. 5. “I’d like to have a library, but it’s not my top priority… You can get as much information, in my way of thinking, on the internet as you can by going to the library.”
“We’ve got a library just right across the river,” Herndon said.
Of course, this is not breaking news. In fact, Bellafatto said Northport residents account for 20 percent of all TPL circulation, citing 15,809 cardholders from Northport as of Dec. 31, 2014 — this number refers only to cardholders living within the city limits, and does not reflect those from outlying communities.
Northport citizen Sherry Smelley points out that the mayor may be missing the bigger picture — what if citizens rely on services like the ones offered by the Tuscaloosa Public Library to access or understand the internet?
“Northport DOES need a library,” she wrote in a comment on The Gazette’s Facebook page. “The Internet is not available to everyone. Where are the values of the Northport administrators? Learning and education should be put above property improvements and developments. Looks like we are headed back into the dark ages instead of going forward!”
“It’s just not my top priority,” Herndon said, stating his expectations for the city centered around finances.
“(In 2015), the city’s finances will continue to be strong… A lot of new businesses are coming to Northport in 2015, which means, you know, more sales tax for the city, which will result in better service to the citizens. We are growing, we are going to continue to grow, and I see a great year for (the city).”
Northport residents looking for free computer and internet access can still expect, however, to rely on the library ‘right across the river.’
