Purpose: The research aims to investigate the capabilities of the Chinese independent libraries in providing service based on information and communications technologies (ICTs).

Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires were distributed to 140 Chinese independent libraries all over China. Data analysis was based on 114 valid questionnaires retrieved.

Findings: The Chinese independent libraries' directors had a low level of competency in the use of computers. Among them, the old people are faced with more difficulties in computer use than the young people. About 55% of independent libraries own computers, but only 43% of them offer Internet connections. Most libraries pay less than 1,000 Yuan annually for the Internet access and the Internet access fee accounts for about 5% of library directors' annual household income on average. With a limited number of computers, it is challenging for independent libraries to provide electronic reading service. However, to their users, they are playing the same important role as public libraries in ICT-based community service.

Research limitations: Independent libraries that do not have an Internet website may not be included in our sample. In addition, missing responses and some inaccurate data in annual household income may affect our analysis result.

Practical implications: Governments or non-government organizations should pay more attention to independent libraries' informatization development and provide computer training for librarians, because independent libraries are playing an important role in community information communication.

Originality/value: As there is so little related research published, the data collected in this survey provides a valuable snapshot of the Chinese independent libraries' situation in providing ICT-based service.

Purpose: The research aims to investigate the capabilities of the Chinese independent libraries in providing service based on information and communications technologies (ICTs).

Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires were distributed to 140 Chinese independent libraries all over China. Data analysis was based on 114 valid questionnaires retrieved.

Findings: The Chinese independent libraries' directors had a low level of competency in the use of computers. Among them, the old people are faced with more difficulties in computer use than the young people. About 55% of independent libraries own computers, but only 43% of them offer Internet connections. Most libraries pay less than 1,000 Yuan annually for the Internet access and the Internet access fee accounts for about 5% of library directors' annual household income on average. With a limited number of computers, it is challenging for independent libraries to provide electronic reading service. However, to their users, they are playing the same important role as public libraries in ICT-based community service.

Research limitations: Independent libraries that do not have an Internet website may not be included in our sample. In addition, missing responses and some inaccurate data in annual household income may affect our analysis result.

Practical implications: Governments or non-government organizations should pay more attention to independent libraries' informatization development and provide computer training for librarians, because independent libraries are playing an important role in community information communication.

Originality/value: As there is so little related research published, the data collected in this survey provides a valuable snapshot of the Chinese independent libraries' situation in providing ICT-based service.