Use, Users, and Social Responsibility of Libraries

How do people use libraries? ALA's State of American Libraries Report  shows that users utilize the library in the following ways:

• 73% - Browsed the shelves for books or media
• 73% - Borrowed print books
• 54% - Got help from a librarian
• 49% - Sat, read, and studied/watched/listened to media
• 46% - Used a research database
• 41% - Attended of brought a youngster to a class, program or event for children/teens
• 40% - Borrowed a DVD or videotape of a movie/TV show
• 30% - Read/checked out printed magazines or newspapers
• 23% - Attended a meeting of a group to which they belong
• 21% - Attended a class, program, or lecture for adults
• 17% - Borrowed or downloaded an audiobook
• 16% - Borrowed a music CD

Research also shows patrons would like to see the following services implemented:

• 73%  - online research services to pose questions and get answers from librarians
• 69%  - technology "petting zoos" to try out new technology
• 64%  - library recommendation schemes that are based on patrons' prior library behaviod ("Amazon style")
• 63% - App-based access to library materials and programs
• 63% - lending machines and kiosks located throughout the community where people can check out books, movies, or music without having to go to the library directly ("Redbox style")
• 62% - GPS navigation app to help patrons find materials inside library buildings

In the case of these findings, it would be hard for libraries to implement what the patrons would like, seeing as the actual uses of patrons reflect that of "traditional" library uses - checking out books, reading at the library, or researching online. Libraries need to advertise all of their services to patrons, so these newer technologies can be implemented for libraries. Without being able to provide proof patrons are moving towards new technology, funding will not be allocated to developing that area.

According to Bertot (2006), Libraries serve as a first refuge for public access in times of community-wide crisis, ( a local case for those at the University of Alabama being the F5 Tornado on April 27, 2011), a ready access point for personal-government-related tasks that need to be completed online (i.e. taxes, unemployment/food stamp application, etc.), a first choice, trusted entity that patrons turn to for help. It is important to remember, as a librarian, we are servants of this entity and the community. We have a responsibility to uphold these ideals and maintain relationships with our users.

Relevant readings:

• Bertot, J. C., Jaeger, P. T., Langa, L. A., & McClure, C. R. (2006). Public access computing and Internet access in public libraries: The role of public libraries in e-government and emergency situations. First Monday, 11(9). Retrieved fromhttp://uncommonculture.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1392
• Jaeger, Paul T. et. al.  "Describing and Measuring the Value of Public Libraries."  First Monday, 16:11 (November 2011).
• Gehner, John. "Libraries, Low-Income People, and Social Exclusion," Public Library Quarterly 29(1), 2010.
• Hersberger, J. (2002). Are the economically poor information poor? Does the digital divide affect the homeless and information access? Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science, 27(3), 45-63.