In a recent ALA (American Library Association) survey, libraries reported upswings in patron use of the following services:
36% increase in use of technology classes
58% increase in use of electronic resources/books
60% increase in use of computers
74% increase in use of WiFi
A 2013 report by the Pew Research Center on the library habits of young adults concluded that “Americans ages 16-29 are heavy technology users, including in using computers and the Internet at libraries. At the same time, most still read and borrow printed books, and value a mix of traditional and technological library services.”
This study discovered that people under 30 years old are as likely as adults that are older to visit a library, borrow books in print and browse the library shelves at comparable rates. When library patrons were asked what was “very important” for libraries to offer, the responses were as follows:
80% – Librarians to help people find information they need
76% – Research resources such as free databases
75% – Free access to computers and the Internet
75% – Books for people to borrow
72% – Quiet study spaces
72% – Programs and classes for children and teens
71% – Job and career resources
Public libraries remain valuable resources for people of all ages in communities everywhere. Libraries are so valued by the patrons that they can hardly meet the growing need for a variety of customary and innovative services.
Paraphrased from the article, Think We No Longer Need Libraries? Think Again., by Karen Cator, CEO at Digital Promise and former Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education. (www.linkedin.com)
Abbeville Memorial Library
Annual Statistical Data Comparison for 2011-2014:
2011 2012 2013 2014 2011/2014
| Total Library Attendance |
23,656 |
24,964 |
25,507 |
31,759 |
+ 8,103 |
| Number of Programs |
17 |
14 |
25 |
61 |
+44 |
| Program Attendance |
289 |
438 |
1,420 |
1,461 |
+1,216 |
| Number of Computers |
13 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
+6 |
| Computer & WiFi Users |
7,885 |
13,131 |
12,031 |
14,257 |
+7,588 |
| Number of Employees |
2.5 |
2.65 |
2.65 |
2.65 |
+.15 |
| Circulation (Checkouts) | |||||
| Adult Books print |
9,651 |
8,814 |
8,026 |
7,697 |
-1,941 |
| Young Adult Books
|
98 |
216 |
218 |
287 |
+189 |
| Juvenile Books print |
4,046 |
3,833 |
4,981 |
4,548 |
+502 |
| *Non Books (cd, dvd) |
1,516 |
1,268 |
2,392 |
2,420 |
+904 |
| Ebooks |
0 |
0 |
314 |
1,151 |
+1,151 |
| Total Circulation |
15,311 |
14,131 |
15,931 |
16,103 |
+1,696 |
Over the past four years, Abbeville Memorial Library has shown an increase in almost all areas represented on the chart above. Library attendance has increased 41% since 2011. We also have more people using our computers and WiFi than ever before.
Although the number of printed books being read by adults has decreased over the past few years, the number of ebooks being read has increased greatly. By including ebooks in our library’s collection, our total number of items in circulation has grown rather than decreased. The main goal is to keep people reading whether it is with an electronic device or a printed book.
Abbeville Memorial Library offers many more programs for people of all ages and interests to enjoy. We have an indoor walking/exercise class that meets two mornings each week and will be adding two more of those classes in the evenings beginning in March. We are preparing for our National Library Week programs and activities that will take place in April. This year, our Summer Reading Program will take place each Wednesday in June at 10:00 at the Boys and Girls Club. (We have outgrown the library meeting room!) Mark your calendars!
SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY!
Debbie McLain, Library Director