Posted on January 4, 2008
Public Libraries Still Relevant in the Digital Age
BY JENNIFER EUBANKS
I just came across an article that revealed the surprising fact that "young adults are the heaviest users of public libraries despite the ease with which they can access a wealth of information over the Internet from the comforts of their homes".
As someone who spent summers as a young teen volunteering at the local library for the kids summer reading program, as well as worked at the University library both as a student and as a post-college full-time employee, I obviously have a bit of an affinity for libraries. In fact, I think they are a wonderful institution, and take advantage of their services at least once a month.
I love that I can get a book from dozens of different locations, delivered right to my local branch, for a nominal fee. As a member of a monthly book club, I am able to borrow many of the books, instead of having to rack up costs (and taking up valuable bookshelf space) buying books that I might not enjoy. I also love that many libraries have set up ways to check out digital audio books online. Libraries have come along way from being merely book repositories, to really embracing the digital age. Any librarian in charge of digital services will probably excitedly tell you all about the new ways in which the library is taking advantage of the Internet and other digital formats.
Speaking of Internet, does anyone else love that libraries offer free internet? I can't tell you the number of times I've had issues with my internet or had work done to my apartment and have had to seek out a new source of internet and electrical power in order to continue with my work day. The library provides a wonderful haven for exploring, researching, or working on your laptop.
While it surprises me that the current 18-30 set reported library usage at 62 percent, it also makes me glad. It proves that there is hope for the future of public libraries--that even though those users closer to the 18 year old mark probably can't remember a time without internet, they still understand the value of tangible reference books, newspapers, and magazines. Sure you can read a lot of that stuff online these days, but there is definitely something to getting your information by sifting through those books. I find reading reference materials or magazines to be a much more pleasurable experience when I can actually turn the pages. Libraries are a great example of how you can mix the paper world with the digital, and it seems that, at least for now, the younger generation recognizes this and is appreciative.
I just did a blog post about libraries as well. I don't think people realize how much the nature of the library is changing to appeal to a wider audiendce (i.e. 18-30 year olds). I have always loved the library, but now I love that you can get the latest DVDs and CDs there. Also many libraries carry graphic novels that are all the rage with teenagers. For anyone who hasn't been to the library lately I suggest you visit. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find there.
Yvonne, I agree. It's great to see that such a long-standing institution such as public libraries has embraced technology and taken steps to provide valuable services to a more tech-savvy generation.
It's great that they provide other types of media, and that younger people are still able to find worthwhile reasons to take advantage of their services.
Defconsult, it would be nice if the survey were more detailed and we got a better sense of how often people visit and what services they most often use each time. However, the survey did mention that young people were taking advantage of research materials, so perhaps a number of them seek more than just quick internet access.
Time will tell if the trend will continue, but any time younger people are made of aware of the wealth of information to be found in public libraries, it is definitely a good thing.
As much as I love digital technology, there is something very impermanent and vaporous about it. I very much favor keeping books and paper media around as a "back up."
Oh, yes, they are. We use ask the librarian all the time by email or phone