libraries in the digital age

39
Public library engagement in the United States An overview of three years of research into Americans’ relationships with public libraries in the digital age Pew Research Center’s Internet Project @pewinternet | @pewresearch

Upload: pew-research-centers-internet-american-life-project

Post on 10-May-2015

9.157 views

Category:

Technology


1 download

DESCRIPTION

3 years of research about libraries in the digital age.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Libraries in the digital age

Public library engagement in the United States

An overview of three years of research into Americans’

relationships with public libraries in the digital age

Pew Research Center’s Internet Project

@pewinternet | @pewresearch

Page 2: Libraries in the digital age

Three phases:

I. State of reading

II. Library services

III. Typology

Three-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to study the changing role of public libraries in the digital age

About our libraries research

August 18, 2014 2 www.pewinternet.org

Page 3: Libraries in the digital age

libraries.pewinternet.org

Nationally representative telephone surveys

Landlines and cell phones

English and Spanish

Americans ages 16 and older

3 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

About our libraries research

Page 4: Libraries in the digital age

Overview

• Relationships to libraries are part of Americans’ broader

resource networks

• Once libraries are a part of their networks, services are

especially important to low-income households

• Books, browsing, and librarians are still central to how

people use libraries and what they expect from them.

• However, technology (computers, internet) is also a

common use and a high priority.

• Public libraries are also used and viewed as important

community spaces.

4 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Page 6: Libraries in the digital age

Americans’ reading habits

Print is still the anchor of Americans’ reading habits, but e-

reading is growing more popular.

• 76% of adults read a book in some format over the

previous year.

• The typical American read five books in the last 12 months (median)

• 28% of Americans read an e-book in the previous year.

6 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Page 7: Libraries in the digital age

Most adults read a book in the past year. Print remains most popular, but e-reading is on the rise

Among American adults 18 and older, the % who read at least one book (in total, in print, or as an e-book) in the past year (Source). Total includes audiobooks (not shown).

79 71

17

74 65

23

76 69

28

Total (any format) Read a print book Read an e-book

2011 2012 2014

Page 8: Libraries in the digital age

Put another way: Almost half of readers under 30 read an e-book in the past year

Among those in each age group who read at least one book in the past year, the % who read an e-book during that time (Source).

25 25 19

12

31

41

23 20

47 42

35

17

18-29 30-49 50-64 65+

Dec 2011 Nov 2012 Jan 2014

Page 9: Libraries in the digital age

Half of American adults now own either a tablet or an e-reader

Among American adults 18 and older (Source).

32%

42%

50%

2010 2011 2012 2013

Have an e-reader

Have a tablet

Have either tablet or e-reader

Page 10: Libraries in the digital age

As tablet ownership grows, more Americans use them for e-books

Among all e-book readers ages 18 and older, the % who read e-books on each device (Source).

41

23

42

28

57 55

29 32

E-reader Tablet Computer Cell phone

2011 2014

Page 11: Libraries in the digital age

Which is better for these purposes, a printed book or an e-book?

Among those 16+ who read both a print book & an e-book in the past year (2011)

81%

69%

43%

35%

19% 13% 9%

25%

45%

53%

73%

83%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Reading witha child

Sharing withothers

Reading inbed

Having awide

selection

Readingwhile

traveling

Get booksquickly

Print E-books

Source: Pew Internet December 2011 survey. libraries.pewinternet.org

Page 12: Libraries in the digital age

August 18, 2014 www.pewproject.org 12

How Americans use public libraries

Report: Library Services in the Digital Age (2013)

Report: Parents, Children, Libraries, and Reading (2013)

Report: How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities (2013)

Page 13: Libraries in the digital age

Americans and public libraries

• 54% of Americans used a public library in the past year

• 48% visited in person

• 30% used a library website

• 72% of Americans live in a “library household”

• 91% of Americans say libraries are important to their

community as a whole; 76% say libraries are important

to them and their family

• Relationships to libraries are part of Americans’ broader

resource networks

13 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Page 14: Libraries in the digital age

If your local public library closed, what impact would that have?

Among American adults 16 and older (Source).

29

63

38

27

32

7

Impact on you and

your family

Impact on your

community

Major impact Minor impact No impact

Page 15: Libraries in the digital age

Library services that are “very important” Among Americans who have ever used a public library or had a household member use one

54

51

47

45

44

33

30

29

28

Books and media

Having a quiet, safe place

Research resources

Programs for youth

Librarian assistance

Internet, computers, printers

Help finding, applying for job

Help applying for gov't services

Programs for adults

15 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Page 16: Libraries in the digital age

Adults living in lower-income households are more likely to say

public library services are very important to them and their families

Among American adults 16 and older (Source).

61

49

56

37

46

15

66

39

55

33

44

16

61

34

47

20

38

18

Less than $30,000

At least $75,000

Less than $30,000

At least $75,000

Less than $30,000

At least $75,000

Books and media Quiet spaces Research resources

Youth programs Librarian assistance Internet/computers

Job search help Gov’t services help

Programs for adults

Household income

Page 17: Libraries in the digital age

Books & browsing still central

Among those who visited a library in-person in the past year, the % who did the following activities

31%

50%

54%

73%

73%

Read magazines/newspapers

Get help from a librarian

Research topics of interest

Browse the stacks

Borrow books

AT THE LIBRARY

Source: Pew Internet November 2012 survey. Data is for library visitors ages 16+.

Page 18: Libraries in the digital age

What Americans say it is important for

public libraries to offer (source)

49

63

67

73

74

76

77

80

80

36

30

22

20

21

19

18

15

16

0 20 40 60 80 100

Free public meeting spaces

Free events/activities

Job/career resources

Research resources like databases

Programs for children & teens

Quiet study spaces

Free access to computers/internet

Borrowing books

Librarians to help people find info

Very important Somewhat important

Page 19: Libraries in the digital age

“Our customers are still using the library but in different ways. They browse our catalog online, place reserves on the items they want, then pick them up at their location of choice… Fewer browse the collection in person.”

– Library staff member

August 18, 2014 19 www.pewinternet.org

Page 20: Libraries in the digital age

16%

17%

26%

40%

46%

Borrow a music CD

Borrow an audio book

Use computer or internet

Borrow a DVD

Use a research database

AT THE LIBRARY

Technology & media use at the library

Among those who visited a library in-person in the past year, the % who did the following activities

Source: Pew Internet November 2012 survey. Data is for library visitors ages 16+.

Page 21: Libraries in the digital age

E-reading is on the rise Borrowing is just getting started

28% of Americans read an e-book in the past year, up from 16% in 2011

5% of recent library users have borrowed an e-book in past year, as of late 2012

Page 22: Libraries in the digital age

“We spend a significant part of our day explaining how to get library books onto e-book readers.”

– Library staff member

August 18, 2014 22 www.pewinternet.org

Page 23: Libraries in the digital age

62% of Americans say they do not know if their library lends out e-books. This includes 58% of library card holders.

?

Source: Pew Internet November 2012 survey.

Page 24: Libraries in the digital age

What Americans say it is important for

public libraries to offer (source)

49

63

67

73

74

76

77

80

80

36

30

22

20

21

19

18

15

16

0 20 40 60 80 100

Free public meeting spaces

Free events/activities

Job/career resources

Research resources like databases

Programs for children & teens

Quiet study spaces

Free access to computers/internet

Borrowing books

Librarians to help people find info

Very important Somewhat important

Page 25: Libraries in the digital age

21%

23%

41%

49%

Attend a class/lecture for adults

Attend a meeting of a group

Event for children/teens

Sit, read, and study, etc

AT THE LIBRARY

Libraries as community spaces

Among those who visited a library in-person in the past year, the % who did the following activities

Source: Pew Internet November 2012 survey. Data is for library visitors ages 16+.

Page 26: Libraries in the digital age

What Americans say it is important for

public libraries to offer (source)

49

63

67

73

74

76

77

80

80

36

30

22

20

21

19

18

15

16

0 20 40 60 80 100

Free public meeting spaces

Free events/activities

Job/career resources

Research resources like databases

Programs for children & teens

Quiet study spaces

Free access to computers/internet

Borrowing books

Librarians to help people find info

Very important Somewhat important

Page 27: Libraries in the digital age

August 18, 2014 www.pewproject.org 27

What Americans want from libraries

Report: Library Services in the Digital Age (2013)

Page 28: Libraries in the digital age

23

26

26

28

29

33

34

35

35

37

28

32

32

29

35

30

28

34

28

36

48

40

39

41

34

35

36

29

35

26

0 20 40 60 80 100

Classes on e-readers

Digital media lab

Pre-loaded e-readers

Classes on borrowing e-books

Personalized accounts

Library kiosks in community

Cell GPS app

Tech try-out program

Library app

"Ask a librarian" online service

Very likely Somewhat likely Not too likely or not at all likely

How likely would you be to use…

Page 29: Libraries in the digital age

What public libraries should do

20

41

42

43

47

53

59

61

82

85

39

36

34

39

38

30

28

27

14

11

36

20

19

14

12

5

9

9

3

2

Move stacks out of public locations

Make MOST services automated

Move MOST library services online

Help users digitize own materials

More interactive learning experiences

Offer more e-books

Have more comfortable spaces

Separate spaces for different services

Free literacy programs

Coordinate more with schools

Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

Page 30: Libraries in the digital age

What do Americans want from libraries?

More activities, more separate

spaces

…and print books, quiet

Convenience & tech (apps, e-books,

kiosks)

… and closer relationships with

librarians

30 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Page 31: Libraries in the digital age

August 18, 2014 www.pewproject.org 31

The Library Engagement Typology

Report: “From Distant Admirers to Library Lovers–and beyond”

Quiz: “What kind of library users are you?”

Page 32: Libraries in the digital age

Overview (Full report)

• Relationships to libraries are part of Americans’ broader

resource networks

• Once libraries are a part of their networks, services are

especially important to low-income households

• Books, browsing, and librarians are still central to how

people use libraries and what they expect from them.

• However, technology (computers, internet) is also a

common use and a high priority.

• Public libraries are also used and viewed as important

community spaces.

32 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Page 33: Libraries in the digital age

Typology groups by level of library engagement Among all Americans ages 16+ who have ever used a public library or had a household member use a public library

33 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Library

Lovers

10%

Info

Omnivores

20%

Solid Center

30%

9%

Not for Me

4%

Young &

Restless

7%

7%

Distant

Admirers

10%

Off the Grid

4%

Print Traditionalists

Rooted &

Roadblocked

Level of engagement with public libraries:

High Engagement (30%)

Medium Engagement (39%)

Low Engagement (17%)

No personal library use (14%)

Note: Percentages in the chart may not add up to the percentages

in the legend due to rounding.

Page 34: Libraries in the digital age

Urban typology groups by level of library engagement Among Americans living in urban areas who have ever used a public library or had a household member use a public library

34 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Library

Lovers

11%

Info

Omnivores

24%

Solid Center

30% 4%

Not for Me

4%

Young &

Restless

9%

7%

Distant

Admirers

5%

Off the Grid

10%

Print

Traditionalists

Rooted &

Roadblocked

Level of engagement with public libraries:

High Engagement (30%)

Medium Engagement (39%)

Low Engagement (17%)

No personal library use (14%)

Note: Percentages in the chart may not add up to the percentages

in the legend due to rounding.

Page 35: Libraries in the digital age

Suburban typology groups by level of library engagement Among Americans living in suburban areas who have ever used a public library or had a household member use a public library

35 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Library

Lovers

10%

Info

Omnivores

21%

Solid Center

32% 8%

Not for Me

4%

Young &

Restless

6%

7%

Distant

Admirers

10%

Off the Grid

3%

Print

Traditionalists

Rooted &

Roadblocked

Level of engagement with public libraries:

High Engagement (30%)

Medium Engagement (39%)

Low Engagement (17%)

No personal library use (14%)

Note: Percentages in the chart may not add up to the percentages

in the legend due to rounding.

Page 36: Libraries in the digital age

Rural typology groups by level of library engagement Among Americans living in rural areas who have ever used a public library or had a household member use a public library

36 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org / @kzickuhr / @pewinternet

Library

Lovers

8%

Info

Omnivores

12%

Solid Center

27%

21%

Not for Me

5%

Young &

Restless

4%

7%

Distant

Admirers

12%

Off the Grid

6%

Print

Traditionalists

Rooted &

Roadblocked

Level of engagement with public libraries:

High Engagement (30%)

Medium Engagement (39%)

Low Engagement (17%)

No personal library use (14%)

Note: Percentages in the chart may not add up to the percentages

in the legend due to rounding.

Page 37: Libraries in the digital age

37 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org @pewinternet

10%

3% 6%

5%

10%

12%

5% 7%

7%

9% 6%

4%

4%

4% 5%

4% 8%

21%

30% 32%

27%

24% 21%

12%

11% 10% 8%

Urban Suburban Rural

Library Lovers

Information Omnivores

Solid Center

Print Traditionalists

Not for Me

Young & Restless

Rooted & Roadblocked

Distant Admirers

Off the Grid

Public library engagement by community type

Page 38: Libraries in the digital age

38 August 18, 2014 libraries.pewinternet.org @pewinternet

10%

3% 6%

5%

10%

12%

5% 7%

7%

9% 6%

4%

4%

4% 5%

4% 8%

21%

30% 32%

27%

24% 21%

12%

11% 10% 8%

Urban Suburban Rural

Public library engagement by community type

Level of engagement with public libraries:

High Engagement

Medium Engagement

Low Engagement

No personal library use

Page 39: Libraries in the digital age

August 18, 2014 www.pewproject.org 39

What kind of library use are you?

Take the quiz