Speedtestreportmarch 30 Final

Broadband Quality in Public Libraries:
Speed Test Findings and Results

March 1, 2015
by
John Carlo Bertot, Ph.D.

Co-Director and Professor
jbertot@umd.edu
Jean Lee
Graduate Research Associate
Nishit Pawar
Graduate Research Associate
Paul T. Jaeger
Co-Director and Professor

Table of Contents
List of Figures ...
ii
Intro and Context ...
A Study of the User Experience ..
Methodology ....
Procedure and Approach ...
Data Quality and Speed Test Limitations
The University of Maryland Test v. Speedtest.net .
Digital Inclusion Survey and Speed Test Data .
2
3
4
5
5
Key Findings and Results .

Overall Speed Test Results by Connection Type and Locale .
Direct Connection Results ..
Wi-Fi Connection Results
Speed Test Results by Network Load .
City Libraries .
Suburban Libraries ..
Town Libraries ..
Rural Libraries ..
7
7
7
9
11
12
14
17
20
Grouping the Results .
20
The Dropoff: Subscribed Speed v. User Experience .
22
Speed Test and the Digital Inclusion Survey

Basic and Advanced Technologies Offered by Libraries
23
24
Conclusion .
25
A Call for Future Research .
26
References ..
26
Appendix A. Speed Test Data Tables ..

Appendix B. Digital inclusion and Speed Test Methodology ....
Appendix C. Selected Correlation Tables from DI Survey and Speed Test Analysis .
27
40
43
Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

University of Maryland College Park
March 1, 2015
i

List of Figures
Figure 1: Participation in 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey and Speed Test . 2

Figure 2: Total Speed Test Sample and Participation (Branch/Outlet) . 2
Figure 3: Total Public Library System Speed Test Participation 3
Figure 4: Total Public Library Outlet/Branch Speed Test Participation . 3
Figure 5: Number of States Represented by Speed Test Participation . 3
Figure 6: Total Participation in Speed Test by Speed Test Type and Locale ... 4
Figure 7: Speed Test Results Variation ... 6
Figure 8: Public Library Captured Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results
by Locale (in Kbps) .. 8
Figure 9: Public Library Captured Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Results
by Locale (in Kbps) .. 8
Figure 10: Public Library Captured Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Locale (in Kbps) .. 10
Figure 11: Public Library Captured Wi-Fi Upload Speed Test Results by Locale (in Kbps) 11
Figure 12: City Public Library Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) . 12
Figure 13: City Public Library Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) ... 13
Figure 14: City Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) ... 13
Figure 15: City Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) ... 14
Figure 16: Suburban Public Library Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results
by Load (in Kbps) . 15
Figure 17: Suburban Public Library Direct Connect Download Test Results
Figure 18: Suburban Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) 16
Figure 19: Suburban Public Library Wi-Fi Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) . 17
Figure 20: Town Public Library Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results
Figure 21: Town Public Library Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) 18
Figure 22: Town Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) 19
Figure 23: Town Public Library Wi-Fi Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps) . 19
Figure 24: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Direct Connect Download
Speeds, by Locale Code . 21
Figure 25: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Direct Connect Upload
Speeds, by Locale Code ..... 21
Figure 26: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Wi-Fi Download
Speeds, by Locale Code ..... 21
Figure 27: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Wi-Fi Upload
Speeds, by Locale Code . 22
Figure 28: Public Library Outlet Subscribed Download Speed Compared to Captured Device-Level
Speed, by Locale Code, in Megabits Per Second .. 22

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Figure 29: Public Library Outlet Subscribed Upload Speed Compared to Captured Device-Level
Speed, by Locale Code, in Megabits Per Second . 23
Recommended report citation:
Bertot, J.C., Lee, J., Pawar N., Jaeger, P.T. (2015). Broadband Quality in Public Libraries: Speed Test
Results and Findings. College Park, MD: Information Policy & Access Center, University of Maryland
College Park. Available at http://ipac.umd.edu/.

March 1, 2015
iii

Intro and Context
From e-books to e-government services to distance learning, more of the information and services people
seek and use in our nations public libraries are delivered to them via wired and wireless broadband
networks. The American Library Association (ALA) and the Information Policy and Access Center (iPAC) at
the University of Maryland have tracked these trends over two different but related survey efforts since
2009. Most recently we published results from the Digital Inclusion Survey (http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/),
which is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in July 2014. Among its national
findings, virtually all public libraries now provide free Wi-Fi access and an average of 20 computers.
Overall, libraries also report some progress in their public Internet speeds (e.g., about 10% of libraries
reported speeds of 1.5Mbps or less, compared with 23.4% two years earlier), but still falling far short of
goals established in the recent E-rate Modernization proceeding and in the National Broadband Plan (with
about 2% of libraries with 1 Gbps speeds). Only about half of all libraries report maximum Internet
download speeds greater than 10 Mbps, with city libraries generally skewing on the higher end (about 27%
with maximum speeds of 100 Mbps or higher) and rural libraries generally skewing on the lower end (about
3% with speeds of 100 Mbps or higher). Two-thirds of libraries indicated they would like to improve their
broadband speeds.
Using this nationwide survey and a smaller subset of libraries that provided both subscribed Internet
speeds and measured speed test data last fall, the ALA and iPAC sought to drill down further to
approximate the user experience via a public librarys public Internet access connection.
A Study of the User Experience
In order to inform the policy discourse around broadband in public libraries, this 2014 research effort sought
to approximate the user experience via a public librarys public Internet access connection through a
national speed test data collection effort. More specifically, the study sought to:
Collect speed test data via a public librarys direct connect devices (e.g., a public access computer
using a librarys hardwired infrastructure);
Collect speed test data via a public librarys wireless (Wi-Fi) connected device (e.g., a laptop
computer); and
Collect speed test data via a public librarys wireless (Wi-Fi) mobile-connected device (e.g., a
smartphone, tablet).1
In addition, the study sought to enhance the speed test data collection with integration and additional
analysis using the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey data collection effort conducted by the Information Policy &
Access Center (iPAC) at the University of Maryland in partnership with the American Library Association
The mobile device data collection was experimental and in part a proof of concept test that used speedof.me as its speed
capture tool. The tool is an HTML5-based produce and thus we were able to build a mobile device interface that did not require
an app download and was not flash-based and thus could work with IOS (iPhone and iPad devices).
1

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1

(ALA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Institute
of Museum and Library Services.
Methodology
The 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey included a speed test tool embedded within the survey. The survey
licensed an instance of Ookla2 and built a custom data collection and capture tool around the utility. 1,669
unique public library locations ran an instance of the speed test as part of the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey.
Of those, 1,510 completed the Survey as well and reported their subscribed broadband upload and
download speeds (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Participation in 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey and Speed Test
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Number of Libraries
375
332
284
519
Overall
1,510
The Summer 2014 supplementary study undertook a multi-stage sampling approach to collect speed test
data from libraries. For general speed test data (direct connect, Wi-Fi, and mobile), the study team opened
up the speed test tool to all libraries for use. For analysis of Digital Inclusion Survey data and speed test
data, we drew a proportionate sample of 1,000 libraries based on aggregated library locale (City, Suburban,
Town, and Rural) from those aforementioned 1,510 libraries that participated in both the 2013 Digital
Inclusion Survey and the voluntary speed test. We factored in geographic region and whether a library was
part of a larger system with multiple branches or stand alone. Figure 2 shows the sampled library
distribution by locale and total participation. In all 70% of sampled libraries participated in the summer
supplement.
Figure 2: Total Speed Test Sample and Participation (Branch/Outlet)
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Distribution in Population*
16.6%
23.2%
19.8%
40.3%
2014 Speed Test Sample

166
232
198
403
Overall
100.0%
1,000
* The 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey used the FY2011 Public Library Survey outlet file published by IMLS (the most current file at
the time) as its sample frame. The study team modified the file to remove U.S. Territory libraries, bookmobiles, and books by
mail instances, leaving 16,715 library locations from which to draw a sample.
Ookla is the underlying speed test capture tool in the www.speedtest.net website that many organizations use to measure the
speed of their connection.
2

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The speed test was in the field from July 14, 2014, through August 15, 2014. As Figures 3-5 show, a total
of 1,230 public library systems and 2,251 library locations (outlets/branches) spread across 49 states
participated in the speed test.
Figure 3: Total Public Library System Speed Test Participation
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Total Public Library Participation (number of library systems)

Direct Connect
Wireless
Mobile
48
17
29
133
50
55
260
99
69
192
187
91
Total
94
238
428
470
Overall
633
353
244
1,230
1,230 Library systems in all participated, however, some systems ran the speed test multiple times across connection type.
Figure 4: Total Public Library Outlet/Branch Speed Test Participation

Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Total Public Library Participation (number of library branches/locations)

Direct Connect
Wireless
Mobile
Total
391
75
61
527
290
80
94
464
323
128
72
523
371
254
112
737
1375
537
339
2,251
Figure 5: Number of States Represented by Speed Test Participation

Locale Code
Overall
Direct Connect
45
Total Participation by State

Wireless
Mobile
48
37
Total
49
Procedure and Approach

As part of the speed test, we asked participating libraries to:
Run the speed test multiple times when the library was closed, when usage was light, typical,
and heavy (these were self-identified determinations);
Indicate whether the test was via a directly connected computer or Wi-Fi (the mobile test was
separate, thus that determination was automatic);
Indicate the librarys subscribed download and upload broadband speeds;
Provide the number of public access computers available at the location/branch.
In all, the study captured 6,207 instances of the speed test that included 3,458 direct connect instances,
2,160 Wi-Fi instances, and 589 mobile instances (see Figure 6).
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Figure 6: Total Participation in Speed Test by Speed Test Type and Locale
Data Quality and Speed Test Limitations

A speed test is essentially a point in time measure that is an indicator of a users Internet experience. It is
not a measure of actual network speed. Speed tests have a number of limitations and factors that affect the
results that can include:
The design of the speed test tool itself. Different speed test tools (e.g., Ookla via Speedtest.net,
mLAB, speedof.me) all use different technologies and methodologies to capture their results.
A librarys network configuration. How a library configures its network whether it uses
broadband management techniques (i.e., packet shaping), optimization, and other factors can have
a substantial effect on the speed at the device level.
A librarys Internet Service Provider (ISP) arrangement. Libraries can have arrangements with
their ISPs that increase broadband capacity at peak times to ensure an overall quality of service
level.
Library network load. At any given time, a librarys network may experience high or light traffic it
is highly variable by time of day, weekend v. weekday, season (e.g., summer v. fall), and other
factors.

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The number of hops to the content sought. A tool such as speedtest.net typically selects a
speed test server that is the closest to the test location. In reality, the content a user might seek
could reside on a server thousands of miles and multiple network hops away, which can
impact the user experience.
Traffic on the Internet. At any given time, the Internet in a given area might range from high to low
volume. This is highly variable and can impact the user experience.
The user device and its configuration. The type of device (desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone,
other) through which a user might access the Internet can have a significant impact on
reported/captured speeds from a speed test. The devices processor, memory, network card, and
other configurations can affect the results.
As a result, any speed test data are best viewed as an approximate simulation of an individuals experience
at a specific moment in time via a librarys public access network.
The University of Maryland Test v. Speedtest.net
With the above limitations identified and acknowledged, we received comments from some libraries that
raised concerns about the reported speeds via the University of Maryland (UMD) test as compared to
results captured via Speedtest.net. Both versions of the speed tests relied on Ookla to capture speed test
data. The UMD tool was integrated into a custom data collection tool that captured speed test data
automatically and had a more limited number of servers that were used to generate speed test results as
opposed to the entire universe of servers available to libraries via the Speedtest.net tool. Figure 7
compares Speedtest.net results from several servers selected at random as compared to the UMD speed
test instance.
As the results show, the UMD and default (in general the closest server to the test site via Speedtest.net)
are comparable. The test does, however, point out that results from a speed test can vary greatly
depending on the server used to capture the speed test data. The variance is particularly extreme for
Server Six. But all the results vary in some way, a reflection of speed test capture tools.
Digital Inclusion Survey and Speed Test Data
In addition to conducting the speed test, the study merged the speed test results with selected technology
training, technology services, information resources, and programming data from the 2013 Digital Inclusion
Survey (Bertot, et al., 2014). The findings section highlights some trends that this analysis identified, with
additional methodological details in Appendix B and selected data tables in Appendix C.

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Figure 7: Speed Test Results Variation

Server/Test
Connection Type
Download Speed
Upload Speed
Default
Speedtest.net (Ookla)
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
24.75Mbps
22.28Mbps
Direct
57.99Mbps
39.12Mbps
One
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
24.96Mbps
17.68Mbps
Direct
58.04Mbps
26.77Mbps
Two
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
24.75Mbps
16.48Mbps
Direct
58.00Mbps
38.70Mbps
Three
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
24.54Mbps
12.35Mbps
Direct
58.04Mbps
13.68Mbps
Four
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
24.95Mbps
22.05Mbps
Direct
50.82Mbps
38.70Mbps
Five
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
24.44Mbps
7.23Mbps
Direct
24.14Mbps
38.23Mbps
Six
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
4.54Mbps
7.81Mbps
Direct
1.66Mbps
12.35Mbps
Seven
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
23.25Mbps
13.65Mbps
Direct
58.00Mbps
17.10Mbps
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
21.25Mbps
23.82Mbps
UMD
Direct
56.50Mbps
38.10Mbps
(Ookla)
Note 1: Speed test results validation was conducted using a 50Mbps down/25MBPS up fiber connection to the Internet
over a 100Mbps internal network connection. Wireless tests were conducted via a 802.11n wireless router to the same
internal network.
Note 2: Speedtest.net tests were conducted initially using the default server selected by the Speedtest.net site via a
directly connected computer. After the initial tests, seven servers (moving from East to West across the United States)
were selected at random with all tests run all within a 15 minute window. The selected servers were recorded so as to
conduct the tests again using Wi-Fi.The same methodology was used for the Wi-Fi test.
Note 3: The UMD test, which used a licensed instance of Ookla, was conducted first and recorded for comparative
purposes using the same network set up and devices.
Note 4: Results captured August 11, 2014.

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Key Findings and Results
This section summarizes the key findings from the speed test study. Appendix A contains the full set of
data tables generated from the speed test. Given the experimental nature of the mobile device speed test,
this section highlights the results from the direct connection and Wi-Fi speed test results. Appendix A,
however, includes the data tables and results generated from the mobile version of the speed test.
Overall Speed Test Results by Connection Type and Locale
This section highlights speed test results by both locale (City, Suburban, Town, and Rural) and speed test
type (direct connection, Wi-Fi, and mobile).
Direct Connection Results
City public libraries reported an average captured download speed of 84,735 Kbps (82.74 Mbps), with a
median download captured download speed of 31,210 Kbps (30.47 Mbps), minimum captured speed of
560 Kbps (.55 Mbps), and a maximum captured download speed of 841,534 Kbps (821.81 Mbps) (see
Figure 8). Suburban public libraries reported an average captured download speed of 47,535 Kbps (46.42
Mbps), with a median download captured speed of 19,240 Kbps (18.79 Mbps), minimum download
captured speed of 480 Kbps (.47 Mbps), and a maximum captured download speed of 809,961 Kbps
(790.98 Mbps). Town public libraries reported an average captured download speed of 26,083 Kbps (25.47
Mbps), with a median download captured speed of 10,791 Kbps (10.54 Mbps), minimum captured speed of
160 Kbps (.16 Mbps), and a maximum captured download speed of 795,597 Kbps (776.95 Mbps). Rural
public libraries reported an average captured download speed of 20,462 Kbps (19.98 Mbps), with a median
download captured speed of 9,168 Kbps (8.95 Mbps), minimum captured speed of 20 Kbps (.02 Mbps),
and a maximum captured download speed of 499,462 Kbps (487.76 Mbps).

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Figure 8: Public Library Captured Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results by Locale (in Kbps)
Figure 9: Public Library Captured Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Results by Locale (in Kbps)

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City public libraries reported an average upload speed of 55,053 Kbps (53.76 Mbps), with a median upload
captured speed of 25,843 Kbps (25.23 Mbps), minimum upload captured speed of 160 Kbps (.16 Mbps),
and a maximum captured upload speed of 811,490 Kbps (792.47 Mbps) (see Figure 9). Suburban public
libraries reported an average captured upload speed of 23,381 Kbps (22.83 Mbps), with a median upload
captured speed of 9,130 Kbps (8.91 Mbps), minimum captured upload speed of 200 Kbps (.19 Mbps), and
a maximum captured upload speed of 666,791 Kbps (651.16 Mbps). Town public libraries reported an
average captured upload speed of 13,336 Kbps (13.02 Mbps), with a median upload captured speed of
3,359 Kbps (3.28 Mbps), minimum captured speed of 73 Kbps (.07 Mbps), and a maximum captured
upload speed of 544,166 Kbps (531.41 Mbps). Rural public libraries reported an average captured upload
speed of 10,108 Kbps (9.87 Mbps), with a median upload captured speed of 2,196 Kbps (2.14 Mbps),
minimum captured speed of 20 Kbps (.02 Mbps), and a maximum captured upload speed of 477,730 Kbps
(466.53 Mbps).
Wi-Fi Connection Results
The Wi-Fi results (shown in more detail in the tables found in Appendix A) would indicate that some
libraries conducted the Wi-Fi test remotely, thus skewing some of the results. That is, the tests were not run
using a device connected to the librarys Wi-Fi network in the public access area, but rather through remote
login techniques by IT staff. Given this, we recommend relying on the median speeds reported as a more
accurate reflection of a typical users experience in a public library via a Wi-Fi connection.
City public libraries reported and average captured Wi-Fi download speed of 58,999 Kbps (57.61 Mbps),
with a median captured Wi-Fi download speed of 13,708 Kbps (13.38 Mbps), minimum captured Wi-Fi
download speed of 400 Kbps (.39 Mbps), and a maximum captured Wi-Fi download speed of 835,398 Kbps

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Figure 10: Public Library Captured Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Locale (in Kbps)
(815.82 Mbps) (see Figure 10). Suburban public libraries reported an average captured Wi-Fi download
speed of 21,068 Kbps (20.57 Mbps), with a median captured Wi-Fi download speed of 14,718 Kbps (14.37
Mbps), minimum captured Wi-Fi download speed of 150 Kbps (.15 Mbps), and a maximum captured
download Wi-Fi speed of 494,809 Kbps (483.21 Mbps). Town public libraries reported an average captured
download Wi-Fi speed of 17,739 Kbps (17.32 Mbps), with a median download Wi-Fi captured speed of
9,563 Kbps (9.34 Mbps), minimum captured speed of 20 Kbps (.02 Mbps), and a maximum Wi-Fi
download speed of 403,563 Kbps (394.10 Mbps). Rural public libraries reported an average captured
download Wi-Fi speed of 12,873 Kbps (12.57 Mbps), with a median download captured speed of 6,420
Kbps (6.27 Mbps), minimum captured speed of 20 Kbps (.02 Mbps), and a maximum captured download
speed of 492,430 Kbps (480.89 Mbps).
City public libraries reported an average captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 12,873 Kbps (12.57 Mbps), with a
median captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 6,434 Kbps (6.28 Mbps), minimum captured upload Wi-Fi speed of
10 Kbps (.01 Mbps), and a maximum captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 696,098 Kbps (679.78 Mbps) (see
Figure 11). Suburban public libraries reported an average captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 9,615 Kbps (9.39
Mbps), with a median captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 6,005 Kbps (5.86 Mbps), minimum captured upload
Wi-Fi speed of 107 Kbps (.10 Mbps), and a maximum captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 107,355 Kbps
(104.83 Mbps). Town public libraries reported and average captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 8,707 Kbps
(8.50 Mbps), with a median upload captured Wi-Fi speed of 2,932 Kbps (2.86 Mbps), minimum captured
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upload Wi-Fi speed of 70 Kbps (.07 Mbps), and a maximum captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 384, 766 Kbps
(375.75 Mbps). Rural public libraries reported an average captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 5,728 Kbps (5.60
Mbps),
Figure 11: Public Library Captured Wi-Fi Upload Speed Test Results by Locale (in Kbps)
with a median upload captured Wi-Fi speed of 1,440 Kbps (1.41 Mbps), minimum captured Wi-Fi speed of
10 Kbps (.01 Mbps), and a maximum captured upload Wi-Fi speed of 372,972 Kbps (364.23 Mbps).
Speed Test Results by Network Load
Librarians were asked to indicate whether the speed test was being conducted when the library was closed,
or usage was light (e.g., there are only a small number of people using the computers and Wi-Fi), typical
e.g., the use of the computers and/or Wi-Fi is about what we typically get during the day), or heavy e.g.,
most or all of our computers are in use, there are many people using the librarys Wi-Fi). These were selfreported perceptual indicators, but they provide a useful way to classify and analyze the impact of network
load and usage on reported speeds at the device level and thus an indication of what a user might
experience during peak versus lighter times. Individual perceptions can vary, nor should the data be viewed
as actual measures of network load.

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City Libraries
As Figures 12-15 show, performance degrades significantly as usage increases. The average download
speed test result for a direct connection during light usage is 111,678 Kbps (109.06 Mbps), with a median
download speed of 53,494 Kbps (52.24Mbps). This compares to an average of 39,292 Kbps (38.37 Mbps)
during heavy usage, with a median of 16,483 Kbps (16.09 Mbps). The average upload speed test result for
a direct connection during light usage is 76,084 Kbps (74.30 Mbps), with a median upload speed of 20,047
Kbps (19.58 Mbps). This compares to an average of 19,210 Kbps (18.76 Mbps) during heavy usage, with a
median upload speed of 7,887 Kbps (7.70 Mbps). The median3 download speed test result for a Wi-Fi
connection during light usage is 19,618 Kbps (19.16 Mbps) versus 1,009 Kbps (.99 Mbps) during heavy
usage. The median upload speed test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light usage is 10,517 Kbps
(10.27 Mbps) versus 291 Kbps (.28 Mbps) during heavy usage.
Figure 12: City Public Library Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
As indicated previously, Wi-Fi results (shown in more detail in the tables found in Appendix A) would indicate that some libraries
conducted the Wi-Fi test remotely, thus skewing some of the results. We thus present median data for Wi-Fi tests.
3

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Figure 13: City Public Library Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
Figure 14: City Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)

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Figure 15: City Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
Suburban Libraries
As with City libraries, performance degrades significantly as usage increases in Suburban libraries (see
Figures 16-19). The average download speed test result for a direct connection during light usage is 54,704
Kbps (53.42 Mbps), with a median speed test result of 20,067 Kbps (19.60 Mbps). This compares to an
average download speed of 30,310 Kbps (29.60 Mbps) during heavy usage, with a median speed test
result of 9,810 Kbps (9.58 Kbps). The average upload speed test result for a direct connection during light
usage in Suburban libraries is 25,808 Kbps (25.20 Mbps), with a median speed test result of 9,530 Kbps
(9.31 Mbps). This compares of to an average upload speed of 15,896 Kbps (15.52 Mbps) during heavy
usage, with a median upload speed test result of 5,525 Kbps (5.40 Mbps). The median4 download speed
test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light usage is 16,198 Kbps (15.81 Mbps) versus 9,017 Kbps (8.80
Mbps) during heavy usage. The median upload speed test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light usage
is 7,617 Kbps (7.44 Mbps) versus 3,445 Kbps (3.36 Mbps) during heavy usage.
4

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Figure 16: Suburban Public Library Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)

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Figure 17: Suburban Public Library Direct Connect Download Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
Figure 18: Suburban Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)

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Figure 19: Suburban Public Library Wi-Fi Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
Town Libraries
Speed in town libraries are variable in terms of load for the reported direct connect speeds. The average
download speed test result for a direct connection during light usage in Town libraries is 24,129 Kbps
(23.56 Mbps), with a median download speed test result of 11,890 Kbps (11.61 Mbps). This compares to
29,025 Kbps (28.34 Mbps) during heavy usage, with a median download speed test result of 14,740 Kbps
(14.39 Mbps). The average upload speed test result for a direct connection during light usage in Town
libraries is 12,377 Kbps (12.09 Mbps), with a median upload speed test result of 3,708 Kbps (3.62 Mbps).
This compares to 9,907 Kbps (9.67 Mbps) during heavy usage, with a median upload speed test result of
3,247 Kbps (3.17 Mbps). The median5 download speed test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light usage
is 9,783 Kbps (9.55 Mbps) versus 7,293 Kbps (7.12 Mbps) during heavy usage. The median upload speed
test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light usage is 3,056 Kbps (2.98 Mbps) versus 2,569 Kbps (2.51
Mbps) during heavy usage.
5

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Figure 20: Town Public Library Direct Connect Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
Figure 21: Town Public Library Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)

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Figure 22: Town Public Library Wi-Fi Download Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)
Figure 23: Town Public Library Wi-Fi Upload Speed Test Results by Load (in Kbps)

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Rural Libraries
Captured speeds in Rural libraries indicate that as usage increases, speeds at the device level decrease.
The average download speed test result for a direct connection during light usage in Rural libraries is
21,039 Kbps (20.55 Mbps), while the median captured download speed test result is 9,353 Kbps (9.13
Mbps). This compares to 15,748 Kbps (15.38 Mbps) during heavy usage, as compared to a median
captured download speed test result of 6,880 Kbps (6.72 Mbps). The average upload speed test result for a
direct connection in Rural libraries during light usage is 10,580 Kbps (10.33 Mbps), with a median captured
speed test result of 2,759 Kbps (2.69 Mbps). This compares to 6,569 Kbps (6.42 Mbps) during heavy
usage, with a median captured upload speed test result of 992 Kbps (.97 Mbps). The median6 download
speed test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light usage is 9,783 Kbps (9.55 Mbps) versus 7,293 Kbps
(7.12 Mbps) during heavy usage. The median upload speed test result for a Wi-Fi connection during light
usage is 3,056 Kbps (2.98 Mbps) versus 2,569 Kbps (2.51 Mbps) during heavy usage.
Grouping the Results
Figures 24-27 provide another view of the speed test result data by grouping the speed test result data into
speed categories. In viewing the data this way, the results show that:
Users in City libraries in general experience direct connect download speeds in the 10.1Mbps24.9Mbps (29.6%) and 50Mbps-99.9Mbps (27.0%) ranges and Wi-Fi download speeds in the
10.1Mbps-24.9Mbps (27.1%) and less than 1.5Mbps (20.6%) ranges. Direct connect upload
speeds fall in the 10.1Mbps-24.9Mbps (29.6%) and 25.0Mbps-49.9Mbps (26.2%) ranges and Wi-Fi
upload speeds in the 1.6Mbps-10Mbps range (36.2%).
Users in Suburban libraries in general experience direct connect download speeds in the 1.6Mbps10Mbps range (33.1%), and Wi-Fi download speeds in the 10.1Mbps-24.9Mbps (36.1%) and range.
Direct connect upload speeds fall in the 1.6Mbps-10Mbps range (41.9%), and Wi-Fi upload speeds
in the 1.6Mbps-10Mbps range (42.4%).
Users in Town libraries in general experience download speeds in the 1.6Mbps-10Mbps range
(41.5% direct connect and 48.1% Wi-Fi); and upload speeds in the 1.6Mbps-10Mbps range (48.1%
direct connect and 45.4% Wi-Fi).
Users in Rural libraries in general experience download speeds in the 1.6Mbps-10Mbps range
(42.4% direct connect and 44.7% Wi-Fi); and upload speeds in the 1.5Mbps or less range (43.3%
direct connect and 54.6% Wi-Fi).
6

March 1, 2015
20

Figure 24: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Direct Connect Download Speeds, by Locale
Code
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
1.5Mbps or
Less
4.4%
(n=43)
3.6%
(n=26)
7.0%
(n=55)
13.3%
(n=129)
1.6Mbps10Mbps
17.4%
(n=170)
33.1%
(n=241)
41.5%
(n=324)
42.4%
(n=412)
7.3%
(n=253)
33.2%
(n=1,149)
Direct Connect Download Speeds

10.1Mbps25.0Mbps24.9Mbps
49.9Mbps
29.6%
13.8%
(n=289)
(n=135)
24.2%
17.7%
(n=176)
(n=129)
27.5%
12.8%
(n=215)
(n=100)
25.1%
7.6%
(n=244)
(n=74)
26.7%
(n=924)
12.7%
(n=438)
50Mbps99.9Mbps
27.0%
(n=264)
16.5%
(n=120)
9.7%
(n=76)
10.7%
(n=104)
100Mbps1Gbps
7.8%
(n=76)
4.9%
(n=36)
1.4%
(n=11)
0.9%
(n=9)
16.3%
(n=565)
3.8%
(n=133)
Figure 25: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Direct Connect Upload Speeds, by Locale
Code
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
1.5Mbps or
Less
11.7%
(n=114)
13.5%
(n=98)
30.7%
(n=240)
43.3%
(n=421)
1.6Mbps10Mbps
29.6%
(n=289)
41.9%
(n=305)
48.1%
(n=376)
37.2%
(n=362)
25.2%
(n=874)
38.6%
(n=1,335)
Direct Connect Upload Speeds

49.9Mbps
26.2%
8.6%
(n=256)
(n=84)
22.8%
8.8%
(n=166)
(n=64)
10.5%
4.7%
(n=82)
(n=37)
9.7%
4.4%
(n=94)
(n=43)
17.3%
(n=598)
6.6%
(n=228)
50Mbps99.9Mbps
17.4%
(n=170)
10.6%
(n=77)
50%
(n=39)
4.7%
(n=46)
100Mbps1Gbps
6.6%
(n=64)
2.5%
(n=18)
0.9%
(n=7)
0.6%
(n=6)
9.6%
(n=332)
2.7%
(n=95)
Figure 26: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Wi-Fi Download Speeds, by Locale Code
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
1.5Mbps or
Less
20.6%
(n=102)
5.2%
(n=26)
6.1%
(n=29)
20.3%
(n=140)
1.6Mbps10Mbps
19.2%
(n=95)
31.7%
(n=158)
48.1%
(n=230)
44.7%
(n=308)
13.8%
(n=297)
36.6%
(n=791)

Wi-Fi Download Speeds

49.9Mbps
27.1%
12.1%
(n=134)
(n=60)
36.1%
13.1%
(n=180)
(n=65)
30.5%
6.3%
(n=146)
(n=30)
24.7%
5.5%
(n=170)
(n=38)
29.2%
(n=630)
8.9%
(n=193)
50Mbps99.9Mbps
14.9%
(n=74)
11.8%
(n=59)
7.7%
(n=37)
4.1%
(n=28)
100Mbps1Gbps
6.1%
(n=30)
2.0%
(n=10)
1.3%
(n=6)
0.7%
(n=5)
9.2%
(n=198)
2.4%
(n=51)
March 1, 2015
21

Figure 27: Public Library Outlets Grouped Speed Test Wi-Fi Upload Speeds, by Locale Code
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
1.5Mbps or
Less
28.5%
(n=141)
19.3%
(n=96)
37.0%
(n=177)
54.6%
(n=376)
1.6Mbps10Mbps
36.2%
(n=179)
42.4%
(n=211)
45.4%
(n=217)
35.7%
(n=246)
36.6%
(n=790)
39.5%
(n=853)
Wi-Fi Upload Speeds

49.9Mbps
19.2%
5.1%
(n=95)
(n=25)
28.3%
6.4%
(n=141)
(n=32)
10.5%
3.6%
(n=50)
(n=17)
6.2%
1.2%
(n=43)
(n=8)
15.2%
(n=329)
3.8%
(n=82)
50Mbps99.9Mbps
6.1%
(n=30)
2.8%
(n=14)
3.1%
(n=15)
1.7%
(n=12)
100Mbps1Gbps
5.1%
(n=25)
0.8%
(n=4)
0.4%
(n=2)
0.6%
(n=4)
3.3%
(n=71)
1.6%
(n=35)
The Dropoff: Subscribed Speed v. User Experience

Figures 28 and 29 show the difference between a librarys median subscribed download and upload
speeds and the median speed at the device level in a library. Caution should be used with these numbers.
They are not a measure of actual speed, but rather are presented as an indicator of the users experience
in the public library by type of device. Note also that the type of device (directly connected computer, Wi-Ficonnected device) has an effect on the user experience as well.
As the data show, the device level measure of speed shows a drop off as compared to subscribed speed
as to be expected. The drop off can range substantially, however: roughly 11% in Rural libraries, 13% in
City libraries, 35% in Town libraries, and 37% in Suburban libraries (download speed, via directly
connected devices). Upload speed drop off is more pronounced: 47% in City, 55% in Suburban libraries,
67% in Town libraries, and 76% in Rural libraries (upload speed, via directly connected devices).
Figure 28: Public Library Outlet Subscribed Download Speed Compared to Captured DeviceLevel Speed, by Locale Code, in Megabits Per Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Subscribed Median
Speed
35.2 Mbps
(n=1,055)
30.0 Mbps
(n=904)
16.0 Mbps
(n=768)
10.0 Mbps
(n=1,003)
Direct Connect Speed

Test (median)
30.5 Mbps
(n=977)
18.8 Mbps
(n=728)
10.5 Mbps
(n=781)
8.9 Mbps
(n=972)
Wi-Fi Speed Test

(median)
13.4 Mbps
(n=495)
14.4 Kbps
(n=498)
9.3 Mbps
(n=478)
6.3 Mbps
(n=689)
20.0 Mbps
(n=3,822)
17.2 Mbps
(n=3,458)
10.8 Mbps
(n=2,160)

March 1, 2015
22
Figure 29: Public Library Outlet Subscribed Upload Speed Compared to Captured Device-Level
Speed, by Locale Code, in Megabits Per Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Subscribed Median
Speed
29.3 Mbps
(n=1,048)
20.0 Mbps
(n=846)
10.0 Mbps
(n=784)
8.9 Mbps
(n=961)
Direct Connect Speed

Test (median)
15.5 Mbps
(n=977)
8.9 Mbps
(n=728)
3.3 Mbps
(n=781)
2.1 Mbps
(n=972)
Wi-Fi Speed Test

(median)
6.3 Mbps
(n=495)
5.9 Mbps
(n=498)
2.9 Mbps
(n=478)
1.4 Mbps
(n=689)
15.0 Mbps
(n=3,636)
7.5 Mbps
(n=3,458)
4.1 Mbps
(n=2,160)
Speed Test and the Digital Inclusion Survey

This section summarizes the key findings from the analyses conducted upon merging the speed test results,
including the reported number of public access computers, with selected data on technologies, services,
training, training types, and programming from the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey (Bertot, et al., 2014). In
doing this, the study team created a subset of data with the following characteristics:
It included only libraries that participated in both the speed test and the 2013 Digital Inclusion
Survey; and
It included only libraries that participated in the direct connect version of the speed test (not Wi-Fi
or Mobile, if the library only ran tests via those means).
Using this approach created a dataset with 1,578 cases through which to conduct analysis.
The Digital Inclusion Survey data consists primarily of binary/nominal data for example, whether a library
offers a particular type of technology training, program, or service. For extended analysis, the selected
2013 Digital Inclusion Survey data (technologies, services, training, training types, and programming) were
categorized as being either basic or advanced library offerings. In addition, the captured and subscribed
direct connect speeds from the speed test were divided into quintiles (see Appendix B for further
information). Correlational analyses were then conducted between the speed test data, the numbers of
public access computers, and the basic and advanced categorizations of what libraries offer to the public.
In general, the correlational analysis did not show a statistical relationship between subscribed broadband
speeds, speed test results, and the public access technology services offered by libraries to their
communities. More specifically, the correlational analyses indicated the following trends (see Appendix C
for correlation tables):
March 1, 2015
23
Generally, there were weak positive relationships between the captured or subscribed speeds and
the basic/advanced categories, but lacked statistical significance.
The strongest correlation was usually between the basic library offerings and the advanced. The
exception to this was in the case of basic and advanced economic programming [r = 0.019, n = 671,
p = 0.628]. This may indicate that libraries that provide greater numbers of basic service offerings
are also more likely to provide more advanced offerings, as well.
There was also a weak positive correlation between the number of public access computers
(PACs) and the basic and advanced library offerings, with a greater positive relationship to
advanced offerings. This may indicate that if a library is able to offer more computers as a resource,
they are also more likely to be able to provide more advanced offerings.
These findings were limited to the particular methodological approach used. The dataset available from the
results was a limited subset and the lack of strong correlational relationships may be attributed to the
number of cases used in the analysis.
Basic and Advanced Technologies Offered by Libraries
The following results regarding the basic and advanced technologies offered by libraries in relation to the
different speed variablesthe captured speeds from the speed test, the captured speeds grouped into
quintiles, the subscribed speeds reported by libraries, and the subscribed speeds grouped into quintiles
serves as an example of the correlational coefficients and degrees of significance between the speeds and
library offerings. Appendix C includes the resulting correlation matrices generated regarding the speed
variables in relation to the all the different library offerings.
There was a slightly positive correlation between the basic technologies offered by libraries and the
captured speed test download speeds [r = 0.084, n = 720, p = 0.024]. No significant relationship was found
between basic technologies and captured upload speeds [r = 0.065, n = 720, p = 0.080]. However, the
positive relationship became more discernible between the basic technology offerings and the captured
download speed quintiles [r = 0.211, n = 720, p = 0.000], as well as the captured upload speed quintiles [r =
0.182, n = 720, p = 0.000]. With regard to subscribed speeds, there was no significant relationship between
basic technologies and the subscribed download speeds [r = -0.011, n = 682, p = 0.777] or subscribed
upload speeds [r = -0.009, n = 679, p = 0.805]. As was the case for reported speeds, there was a
significant relationship for the subscribed speeds after being divided into quintiles, with a slightly positive
correlation between basic technology offerings and the subscribed download speed quintiles [r = 0.196, n =
682, p = 0.000] or subscribed upload speed quintiles [r = 0.196, n = 679, p = 0.000].
The positive correlation between the advanced technologies offered by libraries and the captured download
speeds was stronger than with basic technologies [r = 0.205, n = 720, p = 0.000], as well as for captured
upload speeds [r = 0.195, n = 720, p = 0.000]. This positive relationship was comparable to that of
advanced technology offerings and the reported download speed quintiles [r = 0.193, n = 720, p = 0.000],
as well as the reported upload speed quintiles [r = 0.205, n = 720, p = 0.000]. Between advanced
technologies and the subscribed download speeds, there was a weak positive relationship [r = 0.164, n =
March 1, 2015
24

682, p = 0.000], as well as for subscribed upload speeds [r = 0.147, n = 679, p = 0.000]. There was a
slightly positive correlation between advanced technology offerings and the subscribed download speed
quintiles [r = 0.262, n = 682, p = 0.000], and for subscribed upload speed quintiles [r = 0.216, n = 679, p =
0.000].
Although the relationship was still relatively weak, the strongest relationship with basic and advanced
technologies offered by libraries was the positive relationship between the two [r = 0.357, n = 720, p =
0.000]. It is also worth mentioning that there was a slight positive correlation between the number of public
access computers and the basic technology offerings [r = 0.190, n = 716, p = 0.000] and advanced
technology offerings [r = 0.237, n = 716, p = 0.000].
In summary, the analysis as conducted did not show a statistically significant correlation between
broadband connectivity and the digital services and/or resources provided by libraries to the communities
that they serve. This may be a reflection of the approach taken with the analysis conducted. There is a
need for greater empirical study of the relationship between broadband connectivity and public access
technology services to more definitively explore the topic.
Conclusion
The study sought to provide insights into the broadband connectivity quality of service that users
experience in public libraries through the use of speed test tools. As noted, the data do not provide
measures of actual library broadband connectivity speeds, but rather provide data that a typical user might
experience at the device level at a particular moment in time in public libraries through multiple connection
types directly connected via a librarys public access computers, wirelessly connected (Wi-Fi) via a laptop,
and wirelessly (Wi-Fi) connected using a mobile (e.g., smartphone, tablet) device.
In general, the data show that:
City and Suburban public libraries provide greater quality of service at the device level as
compared with Town and Rural public libraries, and there is a wide range of connectivity speeds
across public libraries;
Directly connected devices exhibit the greatest captured upload and download speeds, followed by
Wi-Fi-connected laptops and Wi-Fi-connected mobile devices. This is not surprising, but given the
increased move towards user-owned devices in libraries, does raise questions about the overall
user experience in public libraries through Wi-Fi;
Quality of service degrades at peak use times, sometimes dramatically;
Upload speeds reported are lower substantially in some cases than download speeds, thus
impacting the ability of users to create and upload digital content (e.g., multi-media files, forms, and
other content); and
Other factors than broadband contribute to the types of services and resources (e.g., information
technology literacy, programs, services) that libraries provide to their communities. That is, the

March 1, 2015
25
study did not find significant relationships between broadband connectivity and speed test data and
the provision of digitally inclusive services.
Ultimately, the shows that public libraries report a range of connectivity and capacity, thus impacting the
overall user experience at any given time.
A Call for Future Research
This study, with its identified overall sought to approximate the user connectivity experience in public
libraries. There is a need, however, for in-depth study and analysis of broadband connectivity in public
libraries that ascertains the quality of broadband and network services. Towards that end, we encourage
the FCC to expand its Measuring Broadband America (2011-2014) research initiative to include community
anchor institutions such as public libraries. Such research would provide a definitive assessment of the
quality of broadband services in public libraries and facilitate further development of the E-rate program into
the future.
References
Bertot, J.C., Jaeger, P.T., Lee, J., Dubbels, K., McDermott, A.J., & Real, B. (2014). 2013 Digital Inclusion
Survey: Survey Findings and Results. College Park, MD: Information Policy & Access Center. Available at:
http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/2013DigitalInclusionNationalReport.pdf.
Federal Communications Commission (2014). Measuring Broadband America 2014: Consumer Wireline
Broadband Performance in the U.S. Washington, DC: Federal Communications Commission. Available at:
http://www.fcc.gov/reports/measuring-broadband-america-2014.

March 1, 2015
26

Appendix A. Speed Test Data Tables
Figure A-1: Total Speed Test Participation (instances run)
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Direct Connect
977
728
781
972
3458
Total Participation (instances of speed test)

Wireless
Mobile
495
120
498
176
478
110
689
183
2160
589
Total
1592
1402
1369
1844
6207
Figure A-2: Total Public Library System Speed Test Participation

Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Total Public Library Participation (number of library systems)

Direct Connect
Wireless
Mobile
48
17
29
133
50
55
260
99
69
192
187
91
Total
94
238
428
470
Overall
633
353
244
1230
1,230 Library systems in all participated, however, some systems ran the speed test multiple times across connection type.
Figure A-3: Total Public Library Outlet/Branch Speed Test Participation

Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Total Public Library Participation (number of library branches)

Direct Connect
Wireless
Mobile
391
75
61
290
80
94
323
128
72
371
254
112
1375
537
339
Total
527
464
523
737
2251
Figure A-4: Number of States Represented by Speed Test Participation (instances run)
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Direct Connect
0
1
30
0
31

Total Participation by State (instances of speed test)

Wireless
Mobile
0
0
1
0
12
5
0
0
13
Total
0
2
47
0
49
March 1, 2015
27

Figure A-5: Public Library Outlet Subscribed Download Connection Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per
Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Mean Speed
Median Speed
180,467 Kbps
(n=1,055)
155,450 Kbps
(n=904)
53,160 Kbps
(n=860)
35,645 Kbps
(n=1,003)
36,000 Kbps
(n=1,055)
30,720 Kbps
(n=904)
16,384 Kbps
(n=860)
10,240 Kbps
(n=1,003)
Download Subscribed Speed

Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
200 Kbps
2,048,000 Kbps
(n=1,055)
(n=1,055)
200 Kbps
1,024,000 Kbps
(n=904)
(n=904)
768 Kbps
1,024,000 Kbps
(n=860)
(n=860)
200 Kbps
1,024,000 Kbps
(n=1,003)
(n=1,003)
107,898 Kbps
(n=3,822)
20,480 Kbps
(n=3,822)
200 Kbps
(n=3,822)
2,048,000 Kbps
(n=3,822)
Range
2,047,800 Kbps
(n=1,055)
1,023,975 Kbps
(n=904)
1,023,232 Kbps
(n=860)
1,023,975 Kbps
(n=1,003)
Standard
Deviation
445,583 Kbps
(n=1,055)
304,917 Kbps
(n=904)
146,259 Kbps
(n=860)
106,778 Kbps
(n=1,003)
2,047,975 Kbps
(n=3,822)
297,610 Kbps
(n=3,822)
Figure A-6: Public Library Outlet Subscribed Upload Connection Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per
Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Mean Speed
Median Speed
174,407 Kbps
(n=1,048)
135,949 Kbps
(n=846)
40,367 Kbps
(n=784)
28,689 Kbps
(n=961)
30,000 Kbps
(n=1,048)
20,480 Kbps
(n=846)
10,240 Kbps
(n=784)
9,200 Kbps
(n=961)
Upload Subscribed Speed

Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
200 Kbps
2,048,000 Kbps
(n=1,048)
(n=1,048)
75 Kbps
1,024,000 Kbps
(n=846)
(n=846)
200 Kbps
1,024,000 Kbps
(n=784)
(n=784)
200 Kbps
1,024,000 Kbps
(n=961)
(n=961)
98,106 Kbps
(n=3,639)
15,360 Kbps
(n=3,639)
200 Kbps
(n=3,639)

2,048,000 Kbps
(n=3,639)
Range
2,047,800 Kbps
(n=1,048)
1,023,925 Kbps
(n=846)
1,023,800 Kbps
(n=784)
1,023,975 Kbps
(n=961)
Standard
Deviation
445,113 Kbps
(n=1,048)
294,919 Kbps
(n=846)
131,789 Kbps
(n=784)
98,568 Kbps
(n=961)
2,047,975 Kbps
(n=3,639)
235,015 Kbps
(n=3,639)
March 1, 2015
28

Direct Connect
Figure A-7: Public Library Outlets Speed Test Download Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Mean Speed
84,735 Kbps
(n=977)
47,535 Kbps
(n=728)
26,083 Kbps
(n=781)
20,426 Kbps
(n=972)
44,695 Kbps
(n=3,458)
Direct Connect Download Speed Test Speeds

Minimum
Maximum
Range
Median Speed
Speed
Speed
31,210 Kbps
560 Kbps
841,534 Kbps
840,974 Kbps
(n=977)
(n=977)
(n=977)
(n=977)
19,240 Kbps
480 Kbps
809,961 Kbps
809,481 Kbps
(n=728)
(n=728)
(n=728)
(n=728)
10,791 Kbps
160 Kbps
795,597 Kbps
795,437 Kbps
(n=781)
(n=781)
(n=781)
(n=781)
9,168 Kbps
20 Kbps
499,462 Kbps
499,442 Kbps
(n=972)
(n=972)
(n=972)
(n=972)
17,602 Kbps
(n=3,458)
20 Kbps
(n=3,458)
841,534 Kbps
(n=3,458)
736,333 Kbps
(n=3,458)
Standard
Deviation
170,501 Kbps
(n=977)
81,432Kbps
(n=728)
53,999 Kbps
(n=781)
36,971Kbps
(n=972)
85,726 Kbps
(n=3,458)
Figure A-8: Public Library Outlets Speed Test Upload Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Mean Speed
55,053 Kbps
(n=977)
23,381 Kbps
(n=728)
13,336 Kbps
(n=781)
10,108 Kbps
(n=972)
25,470 Kbps
(n=3,458)
Direct Connect Upload Speed Test Speeds

Minimum
Maximum
Range
Median Speed
Speed
Speed
15,843 Kbps
160 Kbps
811,490 Kbps
811,330 Kbps
(n=977)
(n=977)
(n=977)
(n=977)
9,130 Kbps
200 Kbps
666,791 Kbps
666,591 Kbps
(n=728)
(n=728)
(n=728)
(n=728)
3,359 Kbps
73 Kbps
544,166 Kbps
544,093 Kbps
(n=781)
(n=781)
(n=781)
(n=781)
2,196 Kbps
20 Kbps
477,730 Kbps
477,710 Kbps
(n=972)
(n=972)
(n=972)
(n=972)
7,632 Kbps
(n=3,458)

20 Kbps
(n=3,458)
811,490 Kbps
(n=3,458)
624,931 Kbps
(n=3,458)
Standard
Deviation
124,744 Kbps
(n=977)
40,932 Kbps
(n=728)
40,875 Kbps
(n=781)
24,967 Kbps
(n=972)
57,880 Kbps
(n=3,458)
March 1, 2015
29

Wi-Fi
Figure A-9: Public Library Outlet Wireless Speed Test Download Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per
Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Mean Speed
58,999 Kbps
(n=495)
21,068 Kbps
(n=498)
17,739 Kbps
(n=478)
12,873 Kbps
(n=689)
Wireless Download Speed Test Speeds

Minimum
Maximum
Median Speed
Speed
Speed
13,708 Kbps
400 Kbps
835,398 Kbps
(n=495)
(n=495)
(n=495)
14,718 Kbps
150 Kbps
494,809 Kbps
(n=498)
(n=498)
(n=498)
9,563 Kbps
20 Kbps
403,563 Kbps
(n=478)
(n=478)
(n=478)
6,420 Kbps
20 Kbps
492,430 Kbps
(n=689)
(n=689)
(n=689)
Range
834,998 Kbps
(n=495)
494,659 Kbps
(n=498)
403,543 Kbps
(n=478)
492,410 Kbps
(n=689)
Standard
Deviation
172,175 Kbps
(n=495)
40,529 Kbps
(n=498)
29,558 Kbps
(n=478)
28,777 Kbps
(n=689)
27,670 Kbps
11,102 Kbps
20 Kbps
835,398 Kbps
556,402. Kbps
67,760 Kbps
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
Note: The results indicate would indicate that some libraries tested their wireless connections remotely, thus the high maximum speeds
reports. In the case of the Wi-Fi reported speeds, the median speed is likely a better indicator of the typical user experience.
Overall
Figure A-10: Public Library Outlet Wireless Speed Test Upload Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per
Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Mean Speed
39,111 Kbps
(n=495)
9,615 Kbps
(n=498)
8,707 Kbps
(n=478)
5,728 Kbps
(n=689)
Wireless Upload Speed Test Speeds

Minimum
Maximum
Median Speed
Speed
Speed
6,434 Kbps
10 Kbps
696,098 Kbps
(n=495)
(n=495)
(n=495)
6,005 Kbps
107 Kbps
107,355 Kbps
(n=498)
(n=498)
(n=498)
2,932 Kbps
70 Kbps
384,766 Kbps
(n=478)
(n=478)
(n=478)
1,440 Kbps
10 Kbps
372,972 Kbps
(n=689)
(n=689)
(n=689)
Range
696,088 Kbps
(n=495)
107,248 Kbps
(n=498)
384,696 Kbps
(n=478)
372,962 Kbps
(n=689)
Standard
Deviation
126,920 Kbps
(n=495)
12,558 Kbps
(n=498)
23,705 Kbps
(n=478)
22,468 Kbps
(n=689)
15,790 Kbps
4,202 Kbps
10 Kbps
696,098 Kbps
390,248 Kbps
46,413 Kbps
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
(n=2,160)
Note: The results indicate would indicate that some libraries tested their wireless connections remotely, thus the high maximum speeds
reports. In the case of the Wi-Fi reported speeds, the median speed is likely a better indicator of the typical user experience.
Overall

March 1, 2015
30
Mobile
Figure A-11: Public Library Outlets Speed Test Download Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Mean Speed
13,196 Kbps
(n=120)
17,024 Kbps
(n=176)
9,425 Kbps
(n=110)
10,491 Kbps
(n=183)
12,534Kbps
(n=589)
Mobile Download Speed Test Speeds

Minimum
Maximum
Median Speed
Speed
Speed
6,675 Kbps
120 Kbps
121,330 Kbps
(n=120)
(n=120)
(n=120)
13,510 Kbps
390 Kbps
68,470 Kbps
(n=176)
(n=176)
(n=176)
5,385 Kbps
30 Kbps
52,370 Kbps
(n=110)
(n=110)
(n=110)
8,240 Kbps
20 Kbps
141,820 Kbps
(n=183)
(n=183)
(n=183)
8,452 Kbps
(n=589)
20 Kbps
(n=589)
141,820 Kbps
(n=589)
Range
121,210 Kbps
(n=120)
68,080 Kbps
(n=176)
52,340 Kbps
(n=110)
141,800 Kbps
(n=183)
Standard
Deviation
17,810 Kbps
(n=120)
14,049 Kbps
(n=176)
10,466 Kbps
(n=110)
16,608 Kbps
(n=183)
95,857 Kbps
(n=589)
14,733 Kbps
(n=589)
Figure A-12: Public Library Outlets Speed Test Upload Speed, by Locale Code, in Kilobits Per Second
Locale Code
City
Suburban
Town
Rural
Overall
Mean Speed
6,081 Kbps
(n=120)
7,156 Kbps
(n=176)
42,328 Kbps
(n=110)
4,392 Kbps
(n=183)
5,465 Kbps
(n=589)
Mobile Upload Speed Test Speeds

Minimum
Maximum
Median Speed
Speed
Speed
2,470 Kbps
50 Kbps
63,780 Kbps
(n=120)
(n=120)
(n=120)
5,860 Kbps
10 Kbps
28,830 Kbps
(n=176)
(n=176)
(n=176)
2,175 Kbps
40 Kbps
32,070 Kbps
(n=110)
(n=110)
(n=110)
2,660 Kbps
30 Kbps
19,660 Kbps
(n=183)
(n=183)
(n=183)
3,291 Kbps
(n=589)

10 Kbps
(n=589)
63,780 Kbps
(n=589)
Range
63,730 Kbps
(n=120)
28,820 Kbps
(n=176)
32,030 Kbps
(n=110)
19,630 Kbps
(n=183)
Standard
Deviation
8,600 Kbps
(n=120)
5,939 Kbps
(n=176)
5,775 Kbps
(n=110)
4,487 Kbps
(n=183)
36,052 Kbps
(n=589)
6,200 Kbps
(n=589)
March 1, 2015
31

City (Direct Connect)
Figure A-13: City Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
111,678 Kbps
53,494 Kbps
(n=395)
(n=395)
71,524 Kbps
19,217 Kbps
Typical
(n=444)
(n=444)
39,292 Kbps
16,483 Kbps
Heavy
(n=101)
(n=101)
Network capacity self-reported by participating libraries.
Light
Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
826 Kbps
824,044 Kbps
(n=395)
(n=395)
614 Kbps
841,534 Kbps
(n=444)
(n=444)
913 Kbps
793,875 Kbps
(n=101)
(n=101)
Range
823,218 Kbps
(n=395)
840,920 Kbps
(n=444)
792,962 Kbps
(n=101)
Standard
Deviation
198,133 Kbps
(n=395)
156,184 Kbps
(n=444)
85,679 Kbps
(n=101)
Figure A-14: City Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
76,084 Kbps
20,047 Kbps
(n=395)
(n=395)
45,300 Kbps
16,135 Kbps
Typical
(n=444)
(n=444)
19,210 Kbps
7,887 Kbps
Heavy
(n=101)
(n=101)
Light

Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
327 Kbps
685,585 Kbps
(n=395)
(n=395)
160 Kbps
811,490 Kbps
(n=444)
(n=444)
201 Kbps
479,774 Kbps
(n=101)
(n=101)
Range
685,258 Kbps
(n=395)
811,330 Kbps
(n=444)
479,573 Kbps
(n=101)
Standard
Deviation
148,011 Kbps
(n=395)
112,390 Kbps
(n=444)
50,481 Kbps
(n=101)
March 1, 2015
32

Suburban (Direct Connect)
Figure A-15: Suburban Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per
Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
54,704 Kbps
20,067 Kbps
(n=410)
(n=410)
40,621 Kbps
19,209 Kbps
Typical
(n=227)
(n=227)
30,310 Kbps
9,810 Kbps
Heavy
(n=55)
(n=55)
Light
Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
530 Kbps
809,961 Kbps
(n=410)
(n=410)
582 Kbps
449,239 Kbps
(n=227)
(n=227)
480 Kbps
182,062 Kbps
(n=55)
(n=55)
Range
809,431 Kbps
(n=410)
4486,57 Kbps
(n=227)
181,582 Kbps
(n=55)
Standard
Deviation
98,764 Kbps
(n=410)
54,309 Kbps
(n=227)
37,118 Kbps
(n=55)
Figure A-16: Suburban Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
25,808 Kbps
9,530 Kbps
(n=410)
(n=410)
21,270 Kbps
8,934 Kbps
Typical
(n=227)
(n=227)
15,896 Kbps
5,525 Kbps
Heavy
(n=55)
(n=55)
Light

Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
249 Kbps
666,791 Kbps
(n=410)
(n=410)
200 Kbps
206,463 Kbps
(n=227)
(n=227)
250 Kbps
155,265 Kbps
(n=55)
(n=55)
Range
666,542 Kbps
(n=410)
206,263 Kbps
(n=227)
155,015 Kbps
(n=55)
Standard
Deviation
47,740 Kbps
(n=410)
30,447 Kbps
(n=227)
26,863 Kbps
(n=55)
March 1, 2015
33

Town (Direct Connect)
Figure A-17: Town Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
24,129 Kbps
11,890 Kbps
(n=423)
(n=423)
29,365 Kbps
9,662 Kbps
Typical
(n=264)
(n=264)
29,025 Kbps
14,740 Kbps
Heavy
(n=66)
(n=66)
Light
Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
696 Kbps
549,183 Kbps
(n=423)
(n=423)
470 Kbps
795,597 Kbps
(n=264)
(n=264)
770 Kbps
182,762 Kbps
(n=66)
(n=66)
Range
548,487 Kbps
(n=423)
795,127 Kbps
(n=264)
181,992 Kbps
(n=66)
Standard
Deviation
37,754 Kbps
(n=423)
77,094 Kbps
(n=264)
37,031 Kbps
(n=66)
Figure A-18: Town Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
12,377 Kbps
3,708 Kbps
(n=423)
(n=423)
16,079 Kbps
3,095 Kbps
Typical
(n=264)
(n=264)
9,907 Kbps
3,247 Kbps
Heavy
(n=66)
(n=66)
Light

Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
73 Kbps
478,784 Kbps
(n=423)
(n=423)
86 Kbps
544,166 Kbps
(n=264)
(n=264)
205 Kbps
82,987 Kbps
(n=66)
(n=66)
Range
478,711 Kbps
(n=423)
544,080 Kbps
(n=264)
82,782 Kbps
(n=66)
Standard
Deviation
31,100 Kbps
(n=423)
57,410 Kbps
(n=264)
14,658 Kbps
(n=66)
March 1, 2015
34

Rural (Direct Connect)
Figure A-19: Rural Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
21,039 Kbps
9,353 Kbps
(n=635)
(n=635)
20,461 Kbps
9,632 Kbps
Typical
(n=234)
(n=234)
15,748 Kbps
6,880 Kbps
Heavy
(n=67)
(n=67)
Light
Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
249 Kbps
499,462 Kbps
(n=635)
(n=635)
230 Kbps
244,500 Kbps
(n=234)
(n=234)
860 Kbps
95,523 Kbps
(n=67)
(n=67)
Range
499,213 Kbps
(n=635)
244,270 Kbps
(n=234)
94,663 Kbps
(n=67)
Standard
Deviation
41,244 Kbps
(n=635)
28,139 Kbps
(n=234)
24,210 Kbps
(n=67)
Figure A-20: Rural Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
10,580 Kbps
2,759 Kbps
(n=635)
(n=635)
10,148 Kbps
2,190 Kbps
Typical
(n=234)
(n=234)
6,569 Kbps
992 Kbps
Heavy
(n=67)
(n=67)
Light

Direct Connect
Minimum
Maximum
Speed
Speed
111 Kbps
477,730 Kbps
(n=635)
(n=635)
131 Kbps
121,802 Kbps
(n=234)
(n=234)
123 Kbps
94,531 Kbps
(n=67)
(n=67)
Range
477,619 Kbps
(n=635)
121,671 Kbps
(n=234)
94,408 Kbps
(n=67)
Standard
Deviation
27,954 Kbps
(n=635)
18,725 Kbps
(n=234)
14,499 Kbps
(n=67)
March 1, 2015
35

City (Wi-Fi)
Figure A-21: City Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
525 Kbps
(n=232)
400 Kbps
(n=147)
515 Kbps
(n=110)
Maximum
Speed
835,398 Kbps
(n=232)
796,763 Kbps
(n=147)
5,5751 Kbps
(n=110)
Range
Standard
Deviation
236,490 Kbps
(n=232)
67,339 Kbps
(n=147)
9,865 Kbps
(n=110)
107,641 Kbps
19,618 Kbps
834,873 Kbps
(n=232)
(n=232)
(n=232)
22,875 Kbps
14,002 Kbps
796,363 Kbps
Typical
(n=147)
(n=147)
(n=147)
6,571 Kbps
1,009 Kbps
55,236 Kbps
Heavy
(n=110)
(n=110)
(n=110)
Note 1: Network capacity self-reported by participating libraries.
Note 2: The results indicate would indicate that some libraries tested their wireless connections remotely, thus the high maximum
speeds reports. In the case of the Wi-Fi reported speeds, the median speed is likely a better indicator of the typical user experience.
Light
Figure A-22: City Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
240 Kbps
(n=232)
10 Kbps
(n=147)
180 Kbps
(n=110)
Maximum
Speed
696,098 Kbps
(n=232)
143,118 Kbps
(n=147)
20,666 Kbps
(n=110)
Range
Standard
Deviation
178,435 Kbps
(n=232)
19,856 Kbps
(n=147)
5,200 Kbps
(n=110)
74,141 Kbps
10,517 Kbps
695,858 Kbps
(n=232)
(n=232)
(n=232)
11,585 Kbps
6,040 Kbps
143,108 Kbps
Typical
(n=147)
(n=147)
(n=147)
3,388 Kbps
291 Kbps
20,486 Kbps
Heavy
(n=110)
(n=110)
(n=110)
Light

March 1, 2015
36

Suburban (Wi-Fi)
Figure A-23: Suburban Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per
Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
150 Kbps
(n=308)
479 Kbps
(n=154)
1,041 Kbps
(n=32)
Maximum
Speed
494,809 Kbps
(n=308)
87,976 Kbps
(n=154)
23,044 Kbps
(n=32)
Range
Standard
Deviation
50,090 Kbps
(n=308)
14,742 Kbps
(n=154)
5,061 Kbps
(n=32)
24,573 Kbps
16,198 Kbps
494,659 Kbps
(n=308)
(n=308)
(n=308)
16,597 Kbps
14,768 Kbps
87,497 Kbps
Typical
(n=154)
(n=154)
(n=154)
8,996 Kbps
9,017 Kbps
22,003 Kbps
Heavy
(n=32)
(n=32)
(n=32)
Light
Figure A-24: Suburban Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
153 Kbps
(n=308)
125 Kbps
(n=154)
107 Kbps
(n=32)
Maximum
Speed
107,355 Kbps
(n=308)
73,835 Kbps
(n=154)
14,014 Kbps
(n=32)
Range
Standard
Deviation
14,279 Kbps
(n=308)
9,136 Kbps
(n=154)
4,228 Kbps
(n=32)
10,984 Kbps
7,614 Kbps
107,202 Kbps
(n=308)
(n=308)
(n=308)
7,637 Kbps
5,305 Kbps
73,710 Kbps
Typical
(n=154)
(n=154)
(n=154)
5,170 Kbps
3,445 Kbps
13,907 Kbps
Heavy
(n=32)
(n=32)
(n=32)
Light

March 1, 2015
37

Town (Wi-Fi)
Figure A-25: Town Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
415 Kbps
(n=366)
250 Kbps
(n=84)
20 Kbps
(n=20)
Maximum
Speed
403,563 Kbps
(n=366)
95,074 Kbps
(n=84)
36,325 Kbps
(n=20)
Range
Standard
Deviation
32,252 Kbps
(n=366)
18,446 Kbps
(n=84)
9,955 Kbps
(n=20)
18,996 Kbps
9,783 Kbps
403,148 Kbps
(n=366)
(n=366)
(n=366)
13,193 Kbps
8,376 Kbps
94,824 Kbps
Typical
(n=84)
(n=84)
(n=84)
10,540 Kbps
7,293 Kbps
36,305 Kbps
Heavy
(n=20)
(n=20)
(n=20)
Light
Figure A-26: Town Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
120 Kbps
(n=366)
70 Kbps
(n=84)
230 Kbps
(n=20)
Maximum
Speed
384,766 Kbps
(n=366)
86,346 Kbps
(n=84)
26,032 Kbps
(n=20)
Range
Standard
Deviation
26,327 Kbps
(n=366)
11,454 Kbps
(n=84)
6,736 Kbps
(n=20)
9,394 Kbps
3,056 Kbps
384,646 Kbps
(n=366)
(n=366)
(n=366)
6,141 Kbps
2,857 Kbps
86,376 Kbps
Typical
(n=84)
(n=84)
(n=84)
4,607 Kbps
2,569 Kbps
25,802 Kbps
Heavy
(n=20)
(n=20)
(n=20)
Light

March 1, 2015
38

Rural (Wi-Fi)
Figure A-27: Rural Public Library Outlet Download Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
60 Kbps
(n=565)
20 Kbps
(n=24)
90 Kbps
(n=91)
Maximum
Speed
492,430 Kbps
(n=565)
95,094 Kbps
(n=24)
94,140 Kbps
(n=91)
Range
Standard
Deviation
31,035 Kbps
(n=565)
20,237 Kbps
(n=24)
12,919 Kbps
(n=91)
13,618 Kbps
6,623 Kbps
492,370 Kbps
(n=565)
(n=565)
(n=565)
11,715 Kbps
5,109 Kbps
95,074 Kbps
Typical
(n=24)
(n=24)
(n=24)
8,978 Kbps
4,709 Kbps
94,050 Kbps
Heavy
(n=91)
(n=91)
(n=91)
Light
Figure A-28: Rural Public Library Outlet Upload Speed Test by Network Load, in Kilobits Per Second
Wi-Fi
Network Load
Mean Speed
Median Speed
Minimum
Speed
10 Kbps
(n=565)
30 Kbps
(n=91)
50 Kbps
(n=24)
Maximum
Speed
372,972 Kbps
(n=565)
48,059 Kbps
(n=91)
24,472 Kbps
(n=24)
Range
Standard
Deviation
24,625 Kbps
(n=565)
6,038 Kbps
(n=91)
6,738 Kbps
(n=91)
6,284 Kbps
1,468 Kbps
372,962 Kbps
(n=565)
(n=565)
(n=565)
3,282 Kbps
1,390 Kbps
48,029 Kbps
Typical
(n=91)
(n=91)
(n=91)
3,437 Kbps
944 Kbps
24,422 Kbps
Heavy
(n=24)
(n=24)
(n=91)
Light

March 1, 2015
39

Appendix B. Digital Inclusion and Speed Test Methodology
Data from the speed test and the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey were merged according to the NCES library
ID numbers of the libraries that participated in the speed test. In cleaning up the speed test data, for the
instances where data was given in megabits per second (Mbps), the given value was multiplied by 1,024 to
get the value in kilobits per second (Kbps). Speed values in gigabits per second (Gbps) were multiplied by
1,048,576. When libraries did not provide a subscribed speed for the speed test, some of the instances of
missing speed test data was imputed by cross-referencing the missing data with provided subscribed
speed data from the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey. If the speed test data was still missing, the missing data
was then imputed with subscription speed data according to the data collected by the National
Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) for the National Broadband Map of Community Anchor Institutions.
In order to group the speed data available into quintiles, a statistical analysis was performed on the
frequencies at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. The speed variable was then recoded into its associated quintile
variableaccounting for missing valuesso that numbers 1 through 5 were associated with the range of
values that fell within the appropriate statistical percentiles (lowest through highest).
The following table describes the original variable, the associated quintile variable, and the associated
range of speed values for 1-5.
Figure B-1.
Original Variable
Downloadkbps
Associated Quintile Variable

Downloadkbps_Quint
'Downloadkbps Recoded (Quintiles)'.
Uploadkbps
Uploadkbps_Quint
'Uploadkbps Recoded (Quintiles)'.
DownloadSpeedNew_Kbps
DownloadSpeedNew_Kbps_Quint
'DownloadSpeedNew_Kbps Recoded
(Quintiles)'.
UploadSpeedNew_Kbps
UploadSpeedNew_Kbps_Quint
'UploadSpeedNew_Kbps Recoded
(Quintiles)'.
Associated Range
1 = Lowest thru 4976.6
2 = 4976.61 thru 11207.6
3 = 11207.61 thru 24954.2
4 = 24954.21 thru 58740.4
5 = 58740.41 thru Highest
2 = 1264.21 thru 3891.2
3 = 3891.21 thru 9607.8
4 = 9607.81 thru 24712.4
2 = 5120.01 thru 10240.0
3 = 10240.01 thru 20480.0
4 = 20480.01 thru 51200.0
2 = 1536.01 thru 7168.0
3 = 7168.01 thru 10240.0
4 = 10240.01 thru 51200.0
For questions 10, 11, 21, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38, the technologies, services, training, types of training, and
programs offered by libraries were categorized as basic or advanced. Variables for these categories were
March 1, 2015
40

computed as a sum of the basic or advanced library offerings that libraries reported from the 2013 Digital
Inclusion Survey. For example, the Basic Technology variable accounted for the total sum of technologies
categorized as basic (color printers, wireless printing, scanners, laptops, e-readers, cross platform e-book
access platforms) that libraries offered for use by patrons. The instances when libraries responded with
other as a response were not included. These categorizations generally followed the rankings provided by
the Edge Initiative as a guide.
The following table describes which library offerings were considered basic or advanced by question:
Figure B-2.
Question
10. Does THIS LIBRARY
BRANCH make available the
following technologies for use by
patrons?
11. Does THIS LIBRARY
BRANCH make available the
following technology services or
resources for use by patrons?
21. Did THIS LIBRARY BRANCH

offer technology training on the
following topics to its patrons in
the last 12 months?
22. For each of the following
training topics, what type(s) of
training did THIS LIBRARY
BRANCH offer to its patrons in the
last 12 months?
26. Which of the following
education and learning programs
did THIS LIBRARY BRANCH offer
to patrons in the last 12 months?
30. Which of the following
economy and workforce
development programming did
THIS LIBRARY BRANCH offer
the following types of in the last
12 months?
34. Which of the following formal
community and civic engagement
programming and services did
THIS LIBRARY BRANCH offer in
Basic
Color printers; wireless printing;
scanners; laptops; e-readers; and cross
platform e-book access platforms.
Digital/virtual reference; licensed
databases; e-books; online homework
assistance; online job/employment
resources; online language learning; a
mobile device-enabled website; mobile
apps to access library services and
resources; and work spaces for mobile
workers.
General computer skills; general
computer software use; general Internet
use; accessing and using online services
and databases; safe online practices;
social media; general familiarity with new
technologies.
Informal point of use; online training
materials.
Basic literacy skills; GED or equivalent

education; and summer reading.
Accessing and using employment
databases and other job opportunity
resources; applying for jobs; applying for
unemployment claims online; and
accessing and using online business
information resources.
Hosting community engagement events;
hosting social connection events;
accessing and using government
programs and services; completing

Advanced
Large-format printers; 3D printers; tablet
computers; recreational gaming consoles;
smart technology objects; digital displays;
development technologies; and audio/visual
editing commons.
Digitized special collections; free video
conferencing services; subscribed video
conferencing services; print on demand
(POD); scanned codes; and collaborative
and group work software.
Digital photography; software; hardware; and

online applications; assistive technology use;
using video conferencing technologies; web
site development; digital content creation;
cloud computing applications.
Formal; individual by appointment.
Accessing and using formal online education

content; ESL/ESOL/ELL; foreign language
instruction; and Science; Technology;
Engineering; Math (STEM) maker spaces.
Developing business plans; entrepreneurship
and small business development; co-work
spaces/incubators.
Hosting creation events; hosting hackathons

or other coding/app development events; and
creating open data repositories for local
government data.
March 1, 2015
41

the last 12 months?
38. Which of the following of
health and wellness programming
did THIS LIBRARY BRANCH offer
in the last 12 months?

online government forms; and accessing
government information resources.
Accessing, assessing, and using online
health information; identifying and
articulating health and wellness issues;
finding and assessing health insurance
information; and developing healthy
lifestyles.

Finding and assessing health care providers;

managing a chronic health condition or a
disease; managing a developmental
disorder; and bringing in healthcare providers
to offer limited healthcare screening services
at the library.
March 1, 2015
42

Appendix C. Selected Correlation Tables from DI Survey and Speed Test Analysis
Figure C-1. Matrix for correlation coefficients (r) showing the relationship between captured speeds in kbps, basic and
advanced technologies, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q10 Basic
Q10 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Technologies
Technologies
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Basic
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
000
720
720
.084*
.065
.024
.080
720
720
720
.205**
.195**
.357**
.000
.000
.000
720
720
720
720
.295**
.254**
.190**
.237**
.000
.000
.000
.000
716
716
716
716
716
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

March 1, 2015
43
Figure C-2. Matrix for correlation coefficients (r) showing the relationship between captured speed quintiles, basic
and advanced technologies, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q10 Basic
Q10 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Technologies
Technologies
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Basic
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.211**
.182**
.000
.000
720
720
720
.193**
.205**
.357**
.000
.000
.000
720
720
720
720
.349**
.379**
.190**
.237**
.000
.000
.000
.000
716
716
716
716
716

March 1, 2015
44
Figure C-3. Matrix for correlation coefficients (r) showing the relationship between subscribed speeds in kbps, basic
Subscribed Subscribed
Number of
Q10 Basic
Q10 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Technologies
Technologies
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Basic
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
-.011
-.009
.777
.805
682
679
720
.164**
.147**
.357**
.000
.000
.000
682
679
720
720
.164**
.151**
.190**
.237**
.000
.000
.000
.000
678
675
716
716
716

March 1, 2015
45
Figure C-4. Matrix for correlation coefficients (r) showing the relationship between subscribed speed quintiles, basic
Number of
Q10 Basic
Q10 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Technologies
Technologies
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Basic
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Technologies
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.196**
.196**
.000
.000
682
679
720
.262**
.216**
.357**
.000
.000
.000
682
679
720
720
.357**
.391**
.190**
.237**
.000
.000
.000
.000
678
675
716
716
716

March 1, 2015
46
advanced services, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q11 Basic
Q11 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Services
Services
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Basic
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Advanced
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.140**
.105**
.000
.005
720
720
720
.140**
.101**
.379**
.000
.007
.000
718
718
718
718
.295**
.254**
.190**
.210**
.000
.000
.000
.000
716
716
716
714
716

March 1, 2015
47
and advanced services, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q11 Basic
Q11 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Services
Services
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Basic
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Advanced
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.257**
.291**
.000
.000
720
720
720
.258**
.259**
.379**
.000
.000
.000
718
718
718
718
.349**
.379**
.190**
.210**
.000
.000
.000
.000
716
716
716
714
716

March 1, 2015
48
Number of
Q11 Basic
Q11 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Services
Services
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Basic
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Advanced
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
.148**
.129**
.000
.001
682
679
720
.089*
.073
.379**
.020
.057
.000
680
677
718
718
.164**
.151**
.190**
.210**
.000
.000
.000
.000
678
675
716
714
716


March 1, 2015
49
Number of
Q11 Basic
Q11 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Services
Services
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Basic
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q11 Advanced
Services
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.314**
.342**
.000
.000
682
679
720
.223**
.257**
.379**
.000
.000
.000
680
677
718
718
.357**
.391**
.190**
.210**
.000
.000
.000
.000
678
675
716
714
716

March 1, 2015
50
advanced training, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q21 Basic
Q21 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training
Training
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Basic
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Advanced
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.114**
.099**
.002
.008
711
711
711
.120**
.088*
.421**
.001
.020
.000
706
706
706
706
.295**
.254**
.159**
.213**
.000
.000
.000
.000
716
716
707
702
716


March 1, 2015
51
Figure C-10. Matrix for correlation coefficients (r) showing the relationship between captured speeds quintiles, basic
and advanced training, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q21 Basic
Q21 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training
Training
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Basic
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Advanced
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.176**
.155**
.000
.000
711
711
711
.186**
.156**
.421**
.000
.000
.000
706
706
706
706
.349**
.379**
.159**
.213**
.000
.000
.000
.000
716
716
707
702
716

March 1, 2015
52
Number of
Q21 Basic
Q21 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training
Training
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Basic
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Advanced
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
.029
.012
.456
.759
674
671
711
.061
.042
.421**
.118
.281
.000
669
666
706
706
.164**
.151**
.159**
.213**
.000
.000
.000
.000
678
675
707
702
716

March 1, 2015
53
Number of
Q21 Basic
Q21 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training
Training
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Basic
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q21 Advanced
Training
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.206**
.194**
.000
.000
674
671
711
.147**
.138**
.421**
.000
.000
.000
669
666
706
706
.357**
.391**
.159**
.213**
.000
.000
.000
.000
678
675
707
702
716

March 1, 2015
54
Figure C-13. Matrix for correlation coefficients (r) showing the relationship between captured speeds in kbps, basic
and advanced training types, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q22 Basic
Q22 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training Type
Training Type
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q22 Basic
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.068
.018
.071
.627
705
705
705
.186**
.156**
.343**
.000
.000
.000
705
705
705
705
.295**
.254**
.091*
.348**
.000
.000
.016
.000
716
716
701
701
716


March 1, 2015
55
Captured
Captured
Number of
Q22 Basic
Q22 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training Type
Training Type
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q22 Basic
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.157**
.148**
.000
.000
705
705
705
.331**
.284**
.343**
.000
.000
.000
705
705
705
705
.349**
.379**
.091*
.348**
.000
.000
.016
.000
716
716
701
701
716


March 1, 2015
56
Number of
Q22 Basic
Q22 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training Type
Training Type
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q22 Basic
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
.039
.013
.320
.734
668
665
705
.075
.061
.343**
.052
.116
.000
668
665
705
705
.164**
.151**
.091*
.348**
.000
.000
.016
.000
678
675
701
701
716


March 1, 2015
57
Number of
Q22 Basic
Q22 Advanced
Download
Upload
Public Access
Training Type
Training Type
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q22 Basic
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q10 Advanced
Training Type
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.173**
.174**
.000
.000
668
665
705
.276**
.269**
.343**
.000
.000
.000
668
665
705
705
.357**
.391**
.091*
.348**
.000
.000
.016
.000
678
675
701
701
716


March 1, 2015
58
and advanced education programming, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Q26 Basic
Q26 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Education
Education
Public Access
(kbps)
(kbps)
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Basic
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Advanced
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.006
-.023
.878
.540
717
717
717
.130**
.085*
.265**
.001
.023
.000
713
713
712
713
.295**
.254**
.076*
.251**
.000
.000
.043
.000
716
716
713
709
716


March 1, 2015
59
Captured
Captured
Q26 Basic
Q26 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Education
Education
Public Access
Quintiles
Quintiles
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Basic
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Advanced
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.020
-.004
.591
.919
717
717
717
.214**
.186**
.265**
.000
.000
.000
713
713
712
713
.349**
.379**
.076*
.251**
.000
.000
.043
.000
716
716
713
709
716


March 1, 2015
60
Q26 Basic
Q26 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Education
Education
Public Access
(kbps)
(kbps)
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Basic
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Advanced
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
.016
.036
.687
.351
679
676
717
.066
.035
.265**
.088
.365
.000
678
675
712
713
.164**
.151**
.076*
.251**
.000
.000
.043
.000
678
675
713
709
716


March 1, 2015
61
Q26 Basic
Q26 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Education
Education
Public Access
Quintiles
Quintiles
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Basic
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q26 Advanced
Education
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.040
.059
.303
.124
679
676
717
.173**
.181**
.265**
.000
.000
.000
678
675
712
713
.357**
.391**
.076*
.251**
.000
.000
.043
.000
678
675
713
709
716


March 1, 2015
62
and advanced economic programming, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Q30 Basic
Q30 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Economic
Economic
Public Access
(kbps)
(kbps)
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Basic
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Advanced
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.051
.032
.190
.402
675
675
675
.108**
.102**
.019
.005
.008
.628
671
671
671
671
.295**
.254**
.062
.096*
.000
.000
.108
.013
716
716
671
667
716


March 1, 2015
63
Captured
Captured
Q30 Basic
Q30 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Economic
Economic
Public Access
Quintiles
Quintiles
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Basic
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Advanced
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.045
.055
.243
.153
675
675
675
.029
.014
.019
.460
.722
.628
671
671
671
671
.349**
.379**
.062
.096*
.000
.000
.108
.013
716
716
671
667
716


March 1, 2015
64
Q30 Basic
Q30 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Economic
Economic
Public Access
(kbps)
(kbps)
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Basic
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Advanced
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
.022
.026
.583
.505
640
637
675
.104**
.119**
.019
.009
.003
.628
636
633
671
671
.164**
.151**
.062
.096*
.000
.000
.108
.013
678
675
671
667
716


March 1, 2015
65
Q30 Basic
Q30 Advanced
Number of
Download
Upload
Economic
Economic
Public Access
Quintiles
Quintiles
Programs
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Basic
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q30 Advanced
Economic
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.029
.026
.467
.506
640
637
675
.021
.012
.019
.598
.756
.628
636
633
671
671
.357**
.391**
.062
.096*
.000
.000
.108
.013
678
675
671
667
716


March 1, 2015
66
and advanced civic engagement programming, and number of public access computers.
Q34 Basic
Q34 Advanced
Captured
Captured
Number of
Civic
Civic
Download
Upload
Public Access
Engagement
Engagement
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Programs
Programs
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Basic Civic

Engagement
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Advanced
Civic
Engagement
Programs
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.124**
.095*
.003
.023
575
575
575
.225**
.200**
.294**
.000
.000
.000
574
574
574
574
.295**
.254**
.147**
.118**
.000
.000
.000
.005
716
716
571
570
716


March 1, 2015
67
Q34 Basic
Q34 Advanced
Captured
Captured
Number of
Civic
Civic
Download
Upload
Public Access
Engagement
Engagement
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Programs
Programs
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Basic Civic

Engagement
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Advanced
Civic
Engagement
Programs
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.143**
.115**
.001
.006
575
575
575
.144**
.154**
.294**
.001
.000
.000
574
574
574
574
.349**
.379**
.147**
.118**
.000
.000
.000
.005
716
716
571
570
716

March 1, 2015
68
Q34 Basic
Q34 Advanced
Number of
Civic
Civic
Download
Upload
Public Access
Engagement
Engagement
(kbps)
(kbps)
Computers
Programs
Programs
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Basic Civic

Engagement
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Advanced
Civic
Engagement
Programs
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
.166**
.148**
.000
.001
549
547
575
.172**
.161**
.294**
.000
.000
.000
548
546
574
574
.164**
.151**
.147**
.118**
.000
.000
.000
.005
678
675
571
570
716

March 1, 2015
69
Q34 Basic
Q34 Advanced
Number of
Civic
Civic
Download
Upload
Public Access
Engagement
Engagement
Quintiles
Quintiles
Computers
Programs
Programs
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Basic Civic

Engagement
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q34 Advanced
Civic
Engagement
Programs
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.141**
.140**
.001
.001
549
547
575
.173**
.185**
.294**
.000
.000
.000
548
546
574
574
.357**
.391**
.147**
.118**
.000
.000
.000
.005
678
675
571
570
716

March 1, 2015
70
and advanced health programming, and number of public access computers.
Captured
Captured
Q38 Basic
Number of
Q38 Advanced
Download
Upload
Health
Public Access
Health Programs
(kbps)
(kbps)
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Captured
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Basic
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Advanced
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.932**
0.000
720
720
.006
-.022
.903
.646
431
431
431
.012
-.013
.384**
.811
.793
.000
427
427
427
427
.295**
.254**
.075
.104*
.000
.000
.120
.033
716
716
428
424
716


March 1, 2015
71
Captured
Captured
Q38 Basic
Number of
Q38 Advanced
Download
Upload
Health
Public Access
Health Programs
Quintiles
Quintiles
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Captured
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Captured
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Basic
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Advanced
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
720
.790**
.000
720
720
.085
.073
.078
.128
431
431
431
-.009
.003
.384**
.860
.945
.000
427
427
427
427
.349**
.379**
.075
.104*
.000
.000
.120
.033
716
716
428
424
716


March 1, 2015
72
Q38 Basic
Number of
Q38 Advanced
Download
Upload
Health
Public Access
Health Programs
(kbps)
(kbps)
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
(kbps)
N
Subscribed
Upload (kbps)
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Basic
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Advanced
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.892**
.000
679
679
-.011
-.022
.820
.660
412
411
431
-.030
-.058
.384**
.549
.241
.000
408
407
427
427
.164**
.151**
.075
.104*
.000
.000
.120
.033
678
675
428
424
716


March 1, 2015
73
Q38 Basic
Number of
Q38 Advanced
Download
Upload
Health
Public Access
Health Programs
Quintiles
Quintiles
Programs
Computers
Pearson
1
Correlation
Subscribed
Sig. (2Download
tailed)
Quintiles
N
Subscribed
Upload
Quintiles
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Basic
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Q38 Advanced
Health
Programs
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
Number of
Public Access
Computers
Pearson
Correlation
Sig. (2tailed)
N
682
.776**
.000
679
679
.093
.078
.059
.114
412
411
431
.017
-.038
.384**
.729
.447
.000
408
407
427
427
.357**
.391**
.075
.104*
.000
.000
.120
.033
678
675
428
424
716


March 1, 2015
74
The Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC) is a response to the pressing need for research on the
processes, practices, policies, and social issues that govern access to information in our increasingly
digital information society. We at iPAC are committed to studying what policies and/or technologies
lead to equitable and inclusive information access, a digitally-ready population, an informed and
engaged public, access to Internet-enabled resources and technologies, or preservation of the cultural
record, among key examples.
iPAC aspires to be an innovative and forward looking research and education facility that explores social,
policy, and technology aspects of information access and use across cultural institutions, government
agencies, and other information-based organizations; communities; and populations.
iPAC focuses on four major areas of research and education:
Libraries, Cultural, and Public Institutions Research on institutions, such as public libraries,
school library media centers, archives, museums, and government agencies that are the sources of
information, resources, services, and unifying space within their communities.
Policy Analysis of the policies that shape the ways in which these institutions can serve their
communities, as well as the roles of these institutions as access points for and providers of
government and other information and services in society.
Diverse Populations Advocacy and emphasis on the ways in which institutions and policies can
promote inclusive information access and services for individuals and communities, including the
underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged by embracing innovative approaches to
diversity.
Preservation Research and best practices on the preservation of the cultural record, cultural
objects, and the assessment and conservation of materials particularly in digital formats.
Through these core aspects of cultural institutions, iPAC seeks to contribute to scholarship and the
information professions at the international and national levels, while also serving the local needs of
libraries and cultural institutions in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and the state of Maryland.

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Broadband Quality in Public Libraries:

Speed Test Findings and Results

John Carlo Bertot, Ph.D.

List of Figures ...

Intro and Context ...

A Study of the User Experience ..

Key Findings and Results .

Grouping the Results .

The Dropoff: Subscribed Speed v. User Experience .

Speed Test and the Digital Inclusion Survey

A Call for Future Research .

Appendix A. Speed Test Data Tables ..

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Figure 1: Participation in 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey and Speed Test . 2

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

2014 Speed Test Sample

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Total Public Library Participation (number of library systems)

Figure 4: Total Public Library Outlet/Branch Speed Test Participation

Total Public Library Participation (number of library branches/locations)

Figure 5: Number of States Represented by Speed Test Participation

Total Participation by State

Procedure and Approach

Data Quality and Speed Test Limitations

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Figure 7: Speed Test Results Variation

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Direct Connect Download Speeds

Direct Connect Upload Speeds

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Wi-Fi Download Speeds

Wi-Fi Upload Speeds

The Dropoff: Subscribed Speed v. User Experience

Direct Connect Speed

Wi-Fi Speed Test

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Direct Connect Speed

Wi-Fi Speed Test

Speed Test and the Digital Inclusion Survey

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Information Policy & Access Center (ipac.umd.edu)

Total Participation (instances of speed test)

Figure A-2: Total Public Library System Speed Test Participation

Total Public Library Participation (number of library systems)

Figure A-3: Total Public Library Outlet/Branch Speed Test Participation

Total Public Library Participation (number of library branches)