How Libraries Fit into Community Education Ecosystems Lee RainieDirector, Pew Internet ProjectJanuary 11, 2016ALA Midwinter@lrainie | @pewinternet | @pewresearch

What we already know about libraries:Our previous findings -- libraries.pewinternet.org

• People think libraries are important, especially for communities

• People like and trust librarians• People think libraries level of the

playing field for those without vast resources

• People believe libraries have rebranded themselves as tech hubs

• People still read books

http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/03/13/library-engagement-typology/

Capstone: Library User (and Non-User) Typology

Library usage stats

Went to library / bookmobile in past 12 months% of those ages 16+

0

10

20

30

40

50

60 53 48 44

2012 2013 2015

Library user demographics    % who have visited a library or bookmobile in

person in the past 12 months

All Americans ages 16+ 44%Men 38%Women 51%

Age  18-29 54%30-49 47%50-64 38%65+ 36%

Education attainment  No high school diploma 27%High school grad 35%Some College 46%College + 58%

Parent of minor  Parent 50%Non-parent 42%

Used library website / app in past 12 months% of those ages 16+

0

10

20

30

40

2530 31

20132012 2015

Library website user demographics     % who have ever used a library website or app in

the past 12 monthsAll Americans ages 16+ 31%

Men 25%Women 38%

Age  18-29 41%30-49 36%50-64 27%65+ 17%

 No high school diploma 14%High school grad 24%Some College 32%College + 44%

Parent of minor  Parent 36%Non-parent 29%

Library user demographics  

  % who have ever used a library website or app n the past 12 months

All Americans ages 16+ 31%White 32%Black 30%Hispanic 22%

Household income  Under $30,000 29%$30,000-$49,999 30%$50,000-$74,999 35%$75,000+ 33%

Community Type  Urban 34%Suburban 31%Rural 27%

Assessments of libraries

If your local public library CLOSED, would that have a MAJOR impact, MINOR impact or NO IMPACT on …

Me & my family

My community

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

32

65

33

24

33

6

Major Impact Minor impact No impact

How much have libraries contributed to their communities? % of those ages 16+

Helping people find jobs or pursue job training

Helping people find out about volunteer opportunities and other ways people can make contributions to your community

Helping people decide what information they can trust

Helping people learn about local events and resources that are available in your community

Helping people learn how to use new technologies

Helping people when they seek health information

19

24

24

29

31

36

29

39

41

39

39

37

23

19

18

19

14

14

15

10

7

8

8

6

A lot Somewhat A little Not at all

May 2, 2023 14www.pewresearch.org

The clear public mandate: Do something for education ….

Large majorities of Americans see libraries as part of the educational ecosystem and as resources for promoting digital and information literacy.

Should libraries move some print books and stacks OUT OF public locations to free up more space for things such as tech centers,

reading rooms, meetings rooms, and cultural events? % of those ages 16+

Should definitely do

Should maybe do

Should definitely not do

30

40

25

20

39

36

Nov-12 Apr-15

Should libraries coordinate more closely with local schools in providing resources to kids?

% of those ages 16+

Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

0102030405060708090

100 85

11 2

Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

0102030405060708090

100 85

12 2

Should libraries offer free early literacy programs to help young children prepare for school?

% of those ages 16+

Should libraries offer programs to teach people, including kids and senior citizens, how to use digital tools such as computers, smartphones and

apps?% of those ages 16+

Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

0102030405060708090

100

78

163

How important is it for people to make an effort to learn new things for …. (% of those ages 18+)

020406080

100

87 71 70 58

10 23 26 36

Very important Somewhat important

Learning as identity (% of those ages 18+)

I often find myself looking for new opportunities to grow as a person

I like to gather as much information as I can when I come across something that I am not familiar with

I think of myself as a lifelong learner

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

57

61

73

Describes me very well

74% of all adults are personal enrichment learners% of those ages 18+

Taken online course

Taken course related to interest/hobby

Attend convention/conference tied to personal interest

Attended meeting where learned new info such as book club or arts club

Read publications related to personal interest

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

16

25

30

35

58

The motives of personal learners% of those ages 18+

Learn something to help with my children's or other kids school work

Wanted to turn a hobby into extra income

Extra time on my hands

Learn something that would allow me to help others

Learn something make my life more interesting

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

33

36

60

64

80

63% of the employed are work-related learners – i.e. gotten training or taken courses (% of those ages 18+)

Because I am worried about losing job

To help get a new job

To help get a raise/promotion

For a license or certification for my job

To maintain or improve my job skills

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

7

13

24

36

55

How well, if at all, do your local public libraries serve the learning and educational needs of your local community – not just children at schools,

but all those of any age who want to learn? % of those ages 18+

0 20 40 60 80 100

37 39 6 4 12

Very well Pretty well Not too wellNot well at all Don't know

How well, if at all, do your local public libraries serve the learning and educational needs of you and your family? (% of those ages 18+)

0 20 40 60 80 100

34 36 9 12 8

Very well Pretty well Not too well Not well at all Don't know

As far as you know, does your local library system offer any of the following services? (% of those ages 18+)

Online programs that certify people have mastered new skills

Programs on starting a new business

Online GED or high school equivalency classes

Online career- and job-related resources

E-books, audio books for borrowing

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

22

24

26

41

62

Other yearnings ….

Privacy coaching and solitude

Should libraries offer programs to teach patrons about protecting their privacy and security online? % of those ages 16+

Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

0102030405060708090

100

76

184

Should libraries have more comfortable spaces for reading, working, and relaxing at the library? % of those ages 16+

Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

0102030405060708090

100

64

257

People: Serve and Learn Tech experts Master teachers in age of

lifelong learningVisionaries for the

knowledge economy and the jobs it produces

Experts in sense-making, context, and curation

Monitors of algorithms

Place: Reconfigured and Repurposed

Artifacts are connected and data-rich

Nodes for “system of systems” with databases and media

Test beds – maker masters

Community information and media stewards

Platform: Community ResourceTrusted institution and

privacy watchdogAdvocates for free and

openAdvocates for closing

digital dividesData and collections

repositoriesCivic specialists – esp. in

learning realms

1) Assist technology non-users - skills training in new literacies

2) Run pre-school programs3) Run after-school activities4) Offer English as a second language courses5) Promoter of lifelong learning opportunities /

credentialing for mastery of competencies6) Gap filler in local media ecosystem – community and

civic information/curation7) Help for small business / entrepreneurs / non-profits8) Agents of serendipitous discovery

Be not afraid