Step 2: Collect User Information

Purpose: Know how many people use the CAP and their stories to obtain anecdotes and statistics that prove the success of public access computing services.

a. Set up a system to monitor the number the quantity of individual using your computer, the personal information of the users and their reasons for using the computers (even their stories)

• Size and density of targeted population
• Breakdown of population by age range, sex, ethnic background, language of choice, level of education
• Proportion of employed to unemployed, average income level, predominant types of employment or occupation

Here are a few tips:

• Prepare a sign-in sheet for people and include sections of purpose for using the computers and identification such as students, senior citizens, etc

• Prepare a short survey to gather the personal data as well as the satisfaction rate of CAP site.
 
• Talk to your patrons and know what their needs at CAP site. Probe for success stories and keep these examples in a notebook.

• If CAP site host a computer class or event, record the number of attendees each time. Note the approximate age of each attendee and his or her interests based on the question asked. Have the attendees complete an evaluation form after class.

b. Apply the data to the outreach efforts

For example, include the average number of computer users per  
month in a letter to a public official or include an anecdote in your newsletter.

Sample Survey about computer use in CAP Site

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS SURVEY TO HELP US BETTER SERVE YOU!

Are you a regular patron of CAP site?  Yes ‘          No ‘

Is this the first time you have used our computers?   Yes ‘          No ‘

What is the main reason you use the computers? ____________________________________________ 

How did you hear about the CAP site?

________________________________________________________

We may offer classes on computer and Internet use. What class(es) would

Interest you?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

The following information is optional:

Name: ______________                             Age:________________

Address: _________________________________________________

E-mail address: ____________________