Libraries at the Crossroads

Harrigan, J. (2015). Libraries at the crossroads. PEW Research Center.  September  2015.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/09/15/2015/Libraries-at-crossroads/

I was interested in this article since I will be spending time in a pubic library for some of my internship hours

The findings in the report were very interesting. 

1.  Many of the active users of the library hope that they will continue to provide services that they already do such as lend printed books.  There are also those that want the libraries to adapt to the ever changing world with more and more information in digital form that is accessible anywhere and at anytime. 

2.  Concerns about closing libraries- 

There are differences in opinions across gender and cultural groups.  - Hispanics (78%) said that closing the library would have a major impact on their community,   72% of     women vs men said the same thing,   70% of parents with minors,  and 70% of those aged 50 or older.

3. Library Use-

.46% of people ages 16 and older had used a library in the past 12 months (2015) with 56% of college graduates with an in person visit or bookmobile visit.  52% of those ages 16 and older did the same and 52% of those with annual income between $30,000 and $50,000.  They found that women and those with higher levels of education were more likely to have used a library in the past year. 

4. Ebooks-

People are becoming increasing aware that their local libraries are lending ebooks.  It’s a service that I have used with my own local library and it’s great for those of us that are busy and forget to return books on time.  They automatically get returned.  The reports states that 38% of patrons state that their libraries have ebooks while the ALA says that 90% of libraries do.  It was also stated that those that are older (between 50-64) and lower income are more likely to not know that their library has ebooks for loan.  Only 16% of those that are aware have downloaded ebooks to read.  I find that number to be low.  Why is that?  Is it because people are not aware or due to lack of technology at home?

5.  What people do at their libraries

66% borrowed print books, down from 2012 (73%)

42% asked librarians for help, down from 2012 (50%)

53% use the library as a place to sit, read, study or access media, up from 2012 (49%)

16% attended a meeting, down from 23% in 2012

Interesting  fact is that most of the books are borrowed from higher educated and well off patrons while the lower income households and those with African American descent where more likely to use the help of the librarian.  Also that lower income and Hispanic are more likely to use it for watching or listening to media.  It also states that computers and internet access are used more likely by African American and Hispanic and those with lower incomes. 

6. How are people using the library websites

Searching the library catalog

Reserving or placing holds on materials (print, ebooks, audiobooks, cd, dvds)

Renewing materials

Research or homework help

Online databases

Book reviews and recommendations

Borrow or download ebooks

Check or pay fines for overdue items

7. How libraries contribute to their communities

Learning and Sharing Information Activities

Seek health information

Learn how to use technologies

Learn about community resources and events

Decide what information is trustworthy

Find out about opportunities to volunteer

Job training or finding jobs

8. The public wants libraries to advance education, improve digital learning and serve key groups. 

Education is the foundation of a libraries mission.   85% of people think that libraries should work closely and coordinate with schools in providing resources to children.    Promoting and working with kids to increase and promote reading.   They also believe that libraries should help key groups such as immigrants and veterans and those who want help with technology.  78% of Hispanics believe that libraries should create programs for immigrants or first generation Americans. 

9. Libraries, helping with economic opportunity and workforce skills

52% of Americans say that libraries should definitely create services or programs to help businesses and entrepreneurs.  Hispanics and African Americans are more likely to find value in these programs (60%)

10. Community activists are more likely to use libraries

Visited - Solve a community problem 63%, Individual tried to influence government 59%

Attended meetings – Solve a community problem 28%, Tried to influence government 33%

So in looking at the results – lower income and Hispanics are the ones that believe that the libraries are extremely important to the communities but the finding also said that women and higher income use the library the most; I found this to be very interesting and cannot wait to see if the results will be comparable to what I experience when I start working on our local library in my community. 

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