7 Surprises from Pew

Recently the Pew Research Center released a synopsis of their exhaustive study of American libraries and where they fit in the lives of their communities and patrons. Entitled “7 Surprises about Libraries in our Surveys” it presents conclusions that challenges some of the popular assumptions about libraries, who is using them and the services deemed most essential. A few examples suffice to give a sense of the whole. Contrary to popular belief, older Americans, specifically those over 65 are the group least likely to have visited a library in the last 12 months. That contradicts the popular misconception that our audience-with the exception of the very young- is weighted towards older users. Equally as interesting is that younger Americans (those ages 16-29) are just as likely to be library users as those who are older. While it is reassuring to contemplate the relevance of libraries to a younger audience base, that satisfaction must be balanced by further research exploring why older adults are less inclined to patronize libraries. Otis Library addresses key impediments to the use of the physical library- security, transportation, health, visual and physical impediments and programming.
E-book reading is rising, but only 4% of Americans are E-book only readers. According to Pew, “people prefer e-books to printed books when they want speedy access and portability, but print wins out when people are reading to children and sharing books with others.” Physical books will remain an important part of our collections. That does not suggest that library patrons eschew new means of gaining access to information or believe that the current allocation of space to books, primarily in rows of shelves, does not require further consideration. Yet the results are turbid. Some 20% of respondents to the Pew survey said libraries should “definitely” make changes in the ways they arrange their books, including “moving some print books and stacks out of public locations to free up more space for tech centers, reading rooms and cultural events.” Yet in the same survey 36% said libraries should “definitely not” make those changes and 39% said libraries should “maybe” consider moving some books and stacks.
Analysis not assumptions must guide libraries as they seek to meet the needs of their audiences. There is no one model that will suffice and that requires us to be engaged with the community and cognizant of their changing needs.