Abstract
This paper offers early insight into ongoing research comparing public access venues such as libraries, cybercafés and telecenters in 25 countries around the world. We study information needs and uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in these public access venues, with a particular focus on underserved populations. Understanding trends, differences and similarities across venues and across countries offers an emerging map that will help researchers and policymakers conduct future research and make better decisions to strengthen public access to information through ICT.