how the public grades libraries – and uses libraries
TRANSCRIPT
How the public grades libraries – and uses librariesLee RainieDirector, Pew Internet ProjectJune 27, 2016ALA - Orlando@lrainie | @pewinternet | @pewresearch
What we already know about libraries:Our previous findings -- libraries.pewinternet.org
• People think libraries are important, especially for communities
• People like and trust librarians• People think libraries level of the
playing field for those without vast resources
• People believe libraries have rebranded themselves as tech hubs
• People still read books
Latest book reading stats
2011 2012 2015 2016
79 74 72 737165 63 65
1723 27 28
14 13 12 14
Total (any format) Read a print book Read an e-book Listen to audiobook%
The typical (median) American adult read 4 books
in the past 12 months
---The average
(mean) read 12 books
Mean MedianTotal (All adults 18+) 12 4
Sex Male 9 3Female 15 5
Race/ethnicity White 14 5Black 9 3Hispanic 6 1
Age group 18-29 12 530-49 12 450-64 11 365+ 13 3
Education level High school grad or less 8 2Some college 12 4College graduate 17 7
Household income Less than $30,000 per year 10 2$30,000-$49,999 per year 12 4$50,000-$74,999 per year 13 5$75,000 or more per year 14 5
Community type Urban 11 4Suburban 12 3Rural 12 4
Library usage
Went to library / bookmobile in past 12 months% of those ages 16+
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
5348
4448
2012
2012
2013
2015
2016
Heavier users include parents of minors, women, those under 60, those with college degrees +
Used library website in past 12 months% of those ages 16+
20132012 20150
10
20
30
40
50
60
2530 31
27
2012
2013
2015
2016
Assessments of libraries
If your local public library CLOSED, would that have a MAJOR impact, MINOR impact or NO IMPACT on …
Me & my family
My community
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
33
66
33
25
33
6
Major Impact Minor impact No impact
Do you think your local public library provides you with the resources you need, or not?
Yes No Don’t know0
20
40
60
80
100
77
11 12
Especially true for those under age 50 and doubly true for
Millennials
How much, if at all, do you think your local public library contributes to the following things in your community?
Serving as a gathering place for addressing chal-lenges in your local community
Promoting a sense of community among different groups within your local area
Providing a trusted place for people to learn about new technologies
Helping spark creativity among young people
Creating educational opportunity for people of all ages
Providing a safe place for people to spend time
0 20 40 60 80 100
29
38
47
49
58
69
36
35
32
31
29
20
16
14
9
10
5
3
8
6
4
3
3
3
10
7
8
7
5
4
A lot Some Not too muchNothing at all Don't know
How much have libraries contributed to their communities? % of those ages 16+
Helping people when a natural disaster or major problem strikes the community
Helping people find jobs or pursue job training
Helping people find out about volunteer opportunities and other ways people can make contributions to your community
Helping people learn about local events and resources that are available in your community
Helping people learn how to use new technologies
Helping people when they seek health information
Helping people decide what information they can trust
0 20 40 60 80 100
19
22
24
29
31
36
37
37
34
39
39
39
37
37
17
21
19
19
14
14
15
17
14
10
8
8
6
7
A lot Somewhat A little Not at all
May 3, 2023 15www.pewresearch.org
The clear public mandate: Do something for education ….
Large majorities of Americans see libraries as part of the educational ecosystem and as resources for promoting digital and information literacy.
Apr-16
Apr-15
Nov-12
24
30
20
40
40
39
31
25
36
Should definitely not do Should maybe do Should definitely do
Should libraries move some print books and stacks OUT OF public locations to free up more space for things such as tech centers,
reading rooms, meetings rooms, and cultural events? % of those ages 16+
Should libraries coordinate more closely with local schools in providing resources to kids?
% of those ages 16+
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do
0102030405060708090
100 85
11 2
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do
0102030405060708090
100 85
12 2
Should libraries offer free early literacy programs to help young children prepare for school?
% of those ages 16+
Should libraries offer programs to teach people, including kids and senior citizens, how to use digital tools such as computers, smartphones and
apps?% of those ages 16+
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do
0102030405060708090
100
80
164
This really registers now because people think education matters more and they want to
be more attuned to learning
Learning as identity (% of those ages 18+)
I often find myself looking for new opportunities to grow as a person
I like to gather as much information as I can when I come across something that I am not familiar with
I think of myself as a lifelong learner
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
57
61
73
Describes me very well
74% of all adults are personal enrichment learners% of those ages 18+
Taken online course
Taken course related to interest/hobby
Attend convention/conference tied to personal interest
Attended meeting where learned new info such as book club or arts club
Read publications related to personal interest
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
16
25
30
35
58
The motives of personal learners% of those ages 18+
Learn something to help with my children's or other kids school work
Wanted to turn a hobby into extra income
Extra time on my hands
Learn something that would allow me to help others
Learn something make my life more interesting
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
33
36
60
64
80
63% of the employed (36% of all adults) are work-related learners – i.e. gotten training or taken courses (% of those ages 18+)
Because I am worried about losing job
To help get a new job
To help get a raise/promotion
For a license or certification for my job
To maintain or improve my job skills
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
7
13
24
36
55
People's learning activities are tied to a variety of factors
Level of education: Those with more formal education are more likely than others to pursue learning activities.
Household income: Those who live in households with more income are more likely than others to be both professional and personal learners.
Race and ethnicity: African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to have pursued personal learning activities in the past year.
Technology assets: Those who have both home broadband and smartphones are more likely than those with no internet connections or only one connection option to take advantage of learning opportunities.
Personal outlook: Those who consider themselves lifelong learners and are eager to seek information are more likely than others to pursue personal enrichment activities.
Job categories: Government workers, educators, non-profit employees more likely than others to be professional learners.
May 3, 2023 26www.pewresearch.org
How are libraries performing in this new
environment?
How well, if at all, do your local public libraries serve the learning and educational needs of your local community – not just children at schools,
but all those of any age who want to learn? % of those ages 18+
0 20 40 60 80 100
37 39 6 4 12
Very well Pretty well Not too wellNot well at all Don't know
How well, if at all, do your local public libraries serve the learning and educational needs of you and your family? (% of those ages 18+)
0 20 40 60 80 100
34 36 9 12 8
Very well Pretty well Not too well Not well at all Don't know
As far as you know, does your local library system offer any of the following services? (% of those ages 18+)
Online programs that certify people have mastered new skills
Programs on starting a new business
Online GED or high school equivalency classes
Online career- and job-related resources
E-books, audio books for borrowing
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
22
24
26
41
62
Other yearnings ….
Privacy coaching and solitude
Should libraries offer programs to teach patrons about protecting their privacy and security online? % of those ages 16+
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do
0102030405060708090
100
76
184
Should libraries have more comfortable spaces for reading, working, and relaxing at the library? % of those ages 16+
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do
0102030405060708090
100
57
309
People: Serve and Learn Tech AND data experts Master teachers in age of
lifelong learningVisionaries for the
knowledge economy and the jobs it produces
Monitors of algorithms
Place: Reconfigured and Repurposed
Embrace the Internet of Things
Become the “first place” to meet
Fill in “market holes” or niches
Test beds – maker mastersCommunity information
stewards
Platform: Community ResourceTrusted, top-of-mind
institution for learningAdvocates for free and
openAdvocates for closing
digital dividesPrivacy watchdogCivic specialists – esp.
in learning realms
Fear not