Breaking down the barriers to public Internet access

The main purpose of the study reported in this paper was to investigate how access to new technology for older people, particularly public access to the Internet, can be improved. A survey investigated the socio-cultural, psychological and physical barriers to computer use of 120 respondents in three public libraries in the State of Victoria, Australia. if also examined their Internet use. Sixty participants were then observed attempting to use the Internet. The major purpose was to discover the problems which they encountered Findings include problems with the interface between users and software and give indications of how software companies can make improvements. Recommendations, relevant to software designers and providers of public Internet access, especially public libraries, are included.