Libraries at Crossroads

Libraries at crossroads

This is an interesting article since I want to be the best librarian that I can be.  My job will be to help not only the students but also help the teachers at my school.

The findings in the report were very interesting.

1.    Pew Research center survey libraries need:

·         Support local education

·         Serve special constituents

·         Help local businesses

·         Embrace new technologies

2.    Closing libraries

People believe that libraries are important to their community.  They feel that libraries can offer new programs to everyone young and old.  Two-thirds of Americans ages 16 and order feel that closing the library would have a major impact on their community. 

3.    Library Usages

46% of Americans ages16 and over said they visited a library or bookmobile in the last year.  22% ages 16 and older have used a library website in the past year.  27% of those who have visited a public library to use their computers or Wi-Fi signal.

4.    Libraries are important

Most of the books are borrowed from higher educated and well off people, while low income people where more likely to use the help of the librarian.  Lower income people will watch or listen to media.  Also low income people will more than likely use computers and internet access from a public library.

5.    How most people use the library’s websites

Research

Library Catalog

Placing holds on materials

Renewing materials

Databases

Downloading ebooks

Checking or pay fines

6.    Librarians contribute to our communities

Share Information

Learn how to use technologies

Learn about our community

Finding Jobs

7.    Ebooks

Local libraries are lending more and more ebooks.  I love using them because I don’t have to worry about an overdue book the library website returns the ebooks for me or my grandchildren. ALA says the 90% of libraries have ebooks.

This was such a great article I shared it with my superintendent and my principal.

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/
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