Recently, I’ve done a lot of media interviews and one of the questions I’m asked most often is, “Are people still using libraries?” Fortunately, I can answer with an emphatic yes. First, let’s look at last year’s numbers. The number of items borrowed from our library increased another 5% in 2009. Leading the increase was an increase the number of books borrowed, up almost 10%. Readers borrowed 9.5 million books last year--an increase of nearly 800,000 over 2008. This doesn’t include audiobooks or digital books which would make the number even higher. Digital books, which can be borrowed and read or listened to on a variety of devices including Nook, Sony Readers, BlackBerries, iPhones and iPods, are our fastest growing area of use with monthly increases of 30-40%.
Many people also rely on public libraries for computer use
Newspapers across the country including the Cincinnati Enquirer, reported on the findings of a recent study, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits From Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, looking at the ways people use Internet access in public libraries. The study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted by the University of Washington Information School, found that Internet access is now one of the most sought after public library services and was used by 45% of the 169 million public library visitors over the past year. More than three-quarters of those using a public library’s Internet access had Internet access at home, work or elsewhere. 77 million people age 14 or older used the Internet at a public library or 32% of the US population. The study ranked key uses of library computers with social connections highest at 60%. Education was close behind at 42%, employment 40%, health and wellness 37%, government and legal 34%, community engagement 33%, managing finances 25% and entrepreneurship 7%. The full report and a much shorter executive summary can be found on the Gates Foundation website.
Librarians are also a huge part of why libraries are still needed
Librarians provide reference assistance for every purpose. Librarians add value to the information seeking process. First, librarians have skills that are useful in constructing a good search. As anyone who’s used Google knows, a search can easily bring back millions of results. By constructing a good search you can greatly reduce the time you spend looking through the results for the information you need. Librarians know how to do this. Librarians also know that an Internet search may not be the best choice. Sometimes a print resource will provide the best information. Sometimes it’s an online resource but one that’s not free. Libraries purchase full-text online resources that are reputable and reliable sources. A Librarian knows about these resources and is skilled at using them. Librarians can also help you review your search results when you do an online free search. Many sites online are based on opinion not fact. Librarians know how to distinguish between opinion and fact and can help searchers do the same thing. Unlike an online source you can talk to a Librarian. You can call or go into a Library location and talk with a Librarian in person to get the information you need. You can also submit your questions by text or email if you prefer. We even still answer letters!
Librarians also offer Reader’s Advisory assistance
This service is great for avid readers looking for a good book. Ask a Librarian and they can recommend authors who write mysteries, science fiction, romance, and westerns. They recommend books from different time periods and different settings. Whatever you like to read, our Librarians can recommend books you’ll enjoy. These services are also offered for children and teens. No online search tool can replace the experience of a toddler attending a storytime at one of our libraries. Not only is it fun but the children at the program are learning pre-literacy skills needed for academic success.
Do we still need libraries? Absolutely!