For generations, public libraries have played a central role in providing a vast range of information to Americans. From the stacks of non-fiction books, to racks of newspapers and magazines, to shelves of reference materials and government documents, libraries have been the place to go to find answers to questions.

Over the last 15 years, the internet has challenged libraries’ traditional role by providing a seemingly limitless amount of information for only the price of an internet connection and a computer. Now from one’s own living room, it is possible to track down a government document, look up an article in the archives of a magazine, a traditional encyclopedia or even in the newest user-created encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Even asking for – and getting – help for all manner of questions or circumstances is now possible online, at any hour of the day or night.

Libraries have rushed to adapt themselves to the internet age, adding computers with digital catalogs of library holdings as well as free internet access. Libraries have worked to become the place to go for those who cannot afford a computer or an internet connection, or who need training or help in computer and internet literacy.

To explore this changing landscape, the Pew Internet & American Life Project and the University of Illinois partnered with funding from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services¹ to explore the role of libraries, the internet and other avenues in how Americans seek information and assistance on matters often related to the government, how well they succeed in their searches and how they see their efforts in the future.