Information Access in Rural Areas of the United States: the Public Library’s Role in the Digital Divide and the Implications of Differing State Funding Models

Jennifer Thiele · 2016 · UWM Digital Commons (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee)

Summary. Rural public libraries in the United States face severe challenges providing internet access and digital literacy support due to small tax bases, poor infrastructure, and declining state funding. Federal broadband programs like E-rate and National Broadband Grants provide minimal help. The author examines five states with different funding models and finds that current support is insufficient. She argues for increased public funding and better policy to enable rural libraries to serve as critical community anchors for digital access and democratic participation.

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Thiele, J.. (2016). Information Access in Rural Areas of the United States: the Public Library’s Role in the Digital Divide and the Implications of Differing State Funding Models. UWM Digital Commons (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee). https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/1212

@article{thiele-2016-information-access-rural-areas-united,
  title   = {Information Access in Rural Areas of the United States: the Public Library’s Role in the Digital Divide and the Implications of Differing State Funding Models},
  author  = {Jennifer Thiele},
  journal = {UWM Digital Commons (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee)},
  year    = {2016},
  url     = {https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/1212}
}

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Details

Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: broadband-and-digital, policy, funding, general-innovation
Added: 2026-08-01