Libraries connect Americans with online government and jobs With national unemployment topping 9% and many Americans seeking online information and new technology skills, U.S. public libraries are first responders in a time of economic uncertainty. Libraries Connect Communities 3: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2008–2009 (PDF file), an ALA report released September 15, says libraries are serving as crucial technology hubs for people in need of free web access, computer training, and assistance finding and using e-government and job resources....