This document discusses the role of public libraries in Minnesota in the 21st century. It notes that while circulation of physical materials is decreasing, circulation of digital materials is increasing. It also discusses how libraries provide internet access and technology services to the public. Libraries serve an important role as community hubs that provide educational and equity-focused services like literacy programs. The document advocates that libraries should serve as neutral conveners and connectors in their communities using both physical and virtual spaces.

1. Libraries in the 21st Century
Jennifer Nelson| Director & State Librarian
October 10, 2019

2. Ten
Minnesota
Commitments
to Equity
1. Prioritize equity.
2. Start from within.
3. Measure what matters.
4. Go local.
5. Follow the money.
6. Start early.
7. Monitor implementation of standards.
8. Value people.
9. Improve conditions for learning.
10.Give students options.

3. About Minnesota’s Public Libraries
Re-envisioning Public Libraries for the 21st century
10/10/2019 3Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

4. 10/10/2019 4Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov
12
Regional systems
140
Libraries
356
Branches
8
Bookmobiles

5. Minnesota’s Public Libraries - 2018
10/10/2019 5Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.state.mn.us
Minnesota Population 5,611,179
Resident Library Card Holders 3,009,661
Public Library Visits 22,545,104
Total Circulation (physical & digital) 51,934,886
Reference Transactions 3,030,173
Program Attendance 1,601,400

6. Circulation Trends
10/10/2019 6Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.state.mn.us
As circulation of physical materials decreases, circulation of
digital materials increases.
0
10,000,000
20,000,000
30,000,000
40,000,000
50,000,000
60,000,000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Digital
Physical
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

7. Public Internet Access
10/10/2019 7Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.state.mn.us
Computer sessions
Wireless sessions
Total sessions
0
3,000,000
6,000,000
9,000,000
12,000,000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

8. Pop Quiz
Which of the following is NOT available for check out at a
Minnesota Public Library?
A) WiFi Hotspots
B) Snowshoes
C) Guitar
D) Portable Public Address System
10/10/2019 8Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

9. Pew Research
Millennials in America are more likely to have visited a public library
in the past year than any other adult generation.
Previous Pew Research Center surveys have documented how extensively people
use computers and internet connections at libraries, as well as how interested
they are in extra services such as literacy programs for young children, meeting
spaces for community groups, and technology “petting zoos” that provide
opportunities to explore 3-D printers and other tech gadgetry.
10/10/2019 9Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

10. From Pew Research Center, April 2016
People who use libraries are more likely to be technology users.
• 93% are Internet users.
• 76% are smartphone users.
• 74% are home broadband users.
• 74% are social media users.
73% think it is “very important” for people to make an effort to learn new things
about their local community.
10/10/2019 10Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

11. From awareness to funding , 2018
Voters still highly value such traditional library services as free access to
books and quiet areas, but they also increasingly value the library as a
community hub.
A disconnect still exists between the services libraries offer and public
awareness and support for those services.
“Foundational” library services—including quiet spaces, access to books and
technology, and Wi-Fi access—continue to be very important for two-thirds
of voters.
10/10/2019 11Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

12. Library Assets
People
Place
Platform
10/10/2019 12Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

13. A Public Library
Core principles:
• equity
• access
• opportunity
• openness
• participation
10/10/2019 13Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

14. People
• Neutral convener
• Connector
• Facilitator
10/10/2019 14Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

15. Place
• Physical
• Virtual
10/10/2019 15Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

16. Platform
Interactive entity
3rd Space
LaaS – Library as a service
10/10/2019 16Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

17. Thank you!
Jennifer Nelson
Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us
651-582-8791
10/10/2019 17