Libraries and Learning

Libraries and Learning
Pew Research Center
Rainie, L. (2016, April 07). Libraries and Learning. Retrieved June 21, 2016, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/04/07/libraries-and-learning/

Do Americans Know What Their Libraries Offer?

Many American's are unaware of what their community library offers. The image b
elow offers data from a 2012 survey asking anonymous Americans what they knew about their library and what it had to offer and if and when they used the facility. 

Over half of commuity libraries offer ebook borrowing and online career courses. While those are great resources, less then half offered GED, statring of new businesses, or certificates of matering job related skills. 

Based on the survey, the data shows that less and less individuals were aware of services offered to them, while more individuals were unaware of what their library offered. 

Lastly, the data surveyed showed more and more libraries did not offer their community such resources. 

Personal Learners vs Professional Learners

Of the individuals surveyed the classified as two types of learner; personal and professional.

Personal Learners

74% of those surveryed participated in learning activities. They are known as personal learners.

• 84% of personal learners wanted to learn something that would make life more interesting,
• 67% of personal learners wanted to learn something to help others more effectively,

The survey also found that personal learners were more likely to use the library, to be female, have a household income of $50,000 or less.

Professional Learners

63% of those surveyed who worked, full or part time, jobs. They are known as professional learners. 

• 60% of professional learners either learned or maintained job skills,
• 41% of professional learners worked towards or earned certificates or licenses,
• 28% of professional learners wanted a raise or a promotion at work,
• 17% of professional learners wanted to find a new employer,
• 9% of professional learners worried of downsizing within the company.

Of both personal and professional learners, 50% used the library through its facility, website, and app.

It was also found that women, parents of minors, and individuals under 50 used both the 

library facility and its digital materials.

Percent of Adults Who Visit A Library

The survey was broken down into 6 categories of ibrary users.

• Gender,
• Race/Ethnicity,
• Age, 
• Education, 
• Household income,
• Community.  

Those who were more likely to use the library were women, African American, individuals ages of 18-29, college graduates, household income of $100,000 to $149, 000, or lived in an urban society.

Individuals who were more likely to use the library website were women, individuals ages of 18-29, Causcasians, college graduates, household income of $100,000 to $149, 000, or lived in an urban society.

Participants who were more likely to use the library app were women, individuals ages of 30-49, Causcasians, college graduates, houshold income of $150,ooo or more, and lived in an urban society.

Library Users Are More Likelu To Be Tech Savvy

The same survey showed that those individuals who used the library, its website, and app, were more likely to be tech savvy. 

The data was broken down of those individuals surveyed:

• 93% surveyed used the internet,
• 76% surveyed used smartphones,
• 74% surveyed used social media,
• 74% surveyed used home broadband.

Who Is More Likely To Use Libraries?

 Women are more likely to use the library and have a positive view of the library and its services.

41% of women believe that the library is meeting the community's needs "very well".

38% of women believe that the library is serving educational needs for themselves and their families "very well".

43% of African Americans believe that the library is serving educational needs for themselves and their families.

42% of Hispanics believe that the library is serving educational needs for themselves and their families.

Individuals who are 30 years old and older are more likely to visit a library than young adults.

40% of those who are 30 years old and older believe that the library is serving educational needs for themselves and their families.

Those individuals who earn less than $50,000 are more likely to use the library.

38% of those with a household income of $50,000 or less find that the library is serving educational needs for themselves and their families "very well".

23 pages.