Books, Libraries, and the Changing Digital Landscape (Pew Internet Reading)

Zickuhr, K. (November 12, 2013). Books, libraries, and the changing digital landscape. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/11/12/books-libraries-and-the-changing-digital-landscape/.

In an article from PewInternet.org, Kathryn Zickuhr discusses how libraries are adapting to the changing world of technology while still meeting the needs and expectations on their patrons.  With the increasing use of internet, more adults have access to digital devices - the most common being a cellphone at 91%.  They also have access to laptops, desktops, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones. Having more access means reading more online - both news and e-books, although 90% of Adults still mainly read traditional print books.  Americans read for pleasure, for work/school, to keep up with current events, and to research topics of interest.  People who read e-books on a device are using smartphones, laptop/desktops, e-readers, and tablets.  The participants of the survey prefer e-books because they are quickly accessed, portable, have a wide selection, and are better for reading in bed, but they also believe that traditional print books are better for reading with children and sharing with others.

Library patrons visit the library to check out books, browse the stacks, research a topic, get help from a librarian, and read magazines/newspapers.  The patrons believe that librarians should help people get information and borrow books.  With the ease of internet access, patrons are reserving books online and picking them up at the desk and not spending as much time browsing the stacks.  They are also spending time at the library to use technology - accessing the library databases, borrowing DVDs, using the computers and the internet, and borrowing audio books as well as music CDs.  E-reading is on the rise and librarians are spending time daily explaining how to borrow e-books. Americans want libraries to offer free internet access, computer use, and research databases and for the library to continue to be a part of the community by offering free activities for children and classes for the general public.

Libraries will continue to adapt to the increasing role of technology in our world by providing more access to digital resources, databases, and equipment.  Librarians will continue to offer public services such as classes on technology and research methods to help their patrons to be better users of technology.   They will provide a welcoming place to connect their patrons with the technology that is available.

I agree with many of the points that Zickuhr makes in this article.  The librarian offers services to people that will connect them to the world.  Before, it was mainly through locating information and teaching simple word processing.  Now their jobs have evolved to more of a Media Specialist position where they need to show people how to use the digital resources that are available.  There are many people that do not have internet capabilities or devices to connect to the information that is so readily available on the internet.  They need to use the library for the free internet access or for the equipment and the access.  (43 pages)

-Lisa