Pew is a “FactTank – news in the numbers” that tries to present information without doing advocacy
Previous findings – libraries.pewinternet.org
- In an era of systemic declines in trust in major institutions, people still think libraries are very important, especially for communities
- People like and trust librarians
- People think libraries level the playing field for those without vast resources
- People think libraries provide services that are hard to get elsewhere
- People believe libraries have rebranded themselves as tech hubs
www.pewinternet.org/2015/09/15/libraries-at-the-crossroads
Most recent survey findings and the basis for their forthcoming report:
Slight decline in usage but vast enthusiasm for libraries embracing new roles
Went to library/bookmobile in past 12 months (patrons 16+) 46%
Used library website/app in past 12 months: 22% in 2015, 30% in 2013, 25% in 2012
Women more than men, under 65 more than seniors, parents more than non-parents
If library closed: 65% felt it would have a major impact on community (24% minor impact, 6% no impact). 32% felt it would have a major impact on me & my family (33% minor impact, 33% no impact)
Have public libraries done a good job keeping up with new technologies? 75% yes, 12% no, 12% don’t know.
How effective are libraries in promoting literacy and a love of reading? 36% effective, 42% somewhat effective (including digital literacy)
How much have libraries contributed to their communities?
Health information 36% a lot, 37% somewhat
Learn how to use technologies 31/39
Learn about local events and resources 29/39
Decide what info they can trust 24/41
Volunteer opportunities 24/39
Find jobs 19/29
What do people want us to do?
Should we move some print books & stacks to storage areasch to free up space for tech centers, reading rooms, meeting rooms, cultural events?
Definitely not 36% 2012 to 25% 2015
Maybe 39/40
Definitely do 20/30
85% feel that libraries should coordinate more closely w/schools, offer free early literacy programs to help young children prepare for school
78% feel that libraries should teach how to use digital tools
Patrons surveyed who felt it was important for people to make an effort to learn new things about specific subjects:
87% information related to their jobs
71% things happening in society
68% community
58% hobbies & interests
Learning as identity
72% think of selves as lifelong learner
61% like to gather as much info as can when come across something not familiar with
57% often find selves looking for new opportunities to grow as person
72% of adults are personal enrichment learners
Percentages who learn from other sources: Publications 56, meetings 32, convention/conference 31, course 25, online course 15
Why? Make life more interesting 78%, help others 64, extra time 58, extra income 36, held children/other kids school work 34%
65% of those employed are work-related learners
Reasons cited to learn: Maintain/improve job skills, license or certification for job, get raise/promotion, get new job, worried about losing job 55%/35/24/13/7
How well are pub libraries serving educational needs of all learners? 36% very well, 41% pretty well
How well are pub libraries serving the needs of your family? 34/36
Does your local library system offer these, as far as you know?
Ebooks & audiobooks – 60%
Online career related resources – 41
Online GED/high school equivalency classes – 29
Programs on starting a new business – 24
Online certification programs – 22
Many believe libraries should be pathways to economic opportunity
Should libraries have 3d printers & other digital tools – 45% definitely, 35% maybe
23% use the library to look for or apply for job – down from 36% in 2012
Patrons who believe libraries do something for special populations –
74% create services or programs for active military personnel and veterans
59% create services or programs for immigrants and first-generation Americans
Patrons who believe libraries should:
Teach patrons about protecting their privacy and security online – 76%
More comfortable spaces for reading, working and relaxing at library – 64%
Expectations/hopes for libraries and librarians in the future:
People: serve and learn
Librarians as tech experts, master teachers in age of lifelong learning, visionaries for knowledge economy & jobs it produces, experts in sense-making and context, curators of most relevant and useful materials, monitors of algorithms. Advocates for transparency
Place: reconfigured and repurposed. Physical space is different and sensored/metered. Artifacts are connected and data-rich. Nodes for system of systems with databases and media. Test beds – maker masters. Community information and media stewards – server farms.
Platform: community resource. Trusted institution and privacy watchdog. Advocates for free and open. Advocates for closing digital divides. Data and collection repositories. Entrepreneur enablers. Civic specialists and gap fillers – esp in learning realms. Credentialing?
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