Value of public libraries in today's world i

VALUE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN TODAY’S WORLDHeather J. KetronLoudoun County Public Library

Value of Public Libraries in Today’s World

1. Pew Internet & American Life Project

2. Community Examples

3. Questions?

People talk about interests, but do what they value!

Who values public libraries? What do they value about libraries?

Pew Research Center, 2012

Research

•“fact tank”•Series of 5 reports•Focus groups•Surveys of library users, non-users, and librarians•Parents, Children, Libraries, and Reading November 2012 (4th. Report)

Focus on parents

Survey says …

84% believe libraries instill a love of reading

97% think the library’s educational programs are important

86% of parents with incomes below $50,000 think libraries are very important

Doing what they value … at the library!

Survey Says …

•81% report that libraries offer resources and access to information they can’t get at home

•77% of children who visited the library did so to do school work

•86% of parents think libraries should definitely offer free early literacy programs (we do!)

Parents place a strong personal value …

… The importance they assign to reading and access to knowledge in their children’s lives

… Their engaged support of library services and programs that help instill a love of reading and learning.

Doing what they value … at the library!

Survey Says …

•73% of parents have a library card

•62% are eager to see new tech-orientated services

•Low-income parents are more likely to use new tech-services• Attend a class to download an e-book

(44%)• Use an e-reader already loaded (40%)• Digital media lab (40%)

Public libraries are at the forefront …

Bridging the digital divide, working to ensure all – parents and children – participate in the digital age

Providing learning opportunities outside of the classroom

With librarians as de-facto digital literacy corps

Doing what they value … at the library!

Use many different library services – borrowing books; accessing the Internet; DVDs; e-books.

Would like to embrace more innovative technology services

Include low-income parents who have an even greater value on library staff & services (88%) and new tech-orientated services

What is the value of public libraries in today’s world?

•Cultivate a lifelong love of books, learning, and community engagement

•Provide vital learning opportunities and resources

•Access to library services and tech-orientated services

Thank you!

I hope to see you @ the library!

Heather.Ketron@loudoun.gov