The document discusses the role of libraries in community education ecosystems, emphasizing their importance for promoting digital and information literacy. It presents statistics on library usage and community perceptions, highlighting the need for libraries to adapt by providing more technology-focused resources and programs. The findings suggest that libraries are viewed as essential community assets, with significant support for initiatives aimed at enhancing their educational contributions.

1. How Libraries Fit into Community
Education Ecosystems
Lee Rainie
Director, Pew Internet Project
January 11, 2016
ALA Midwinter
@lrainie | @pewinternet | @pewresearch

2. What we already know about libraries:
Our previous findings -- libraries.pewinternet.org

3. • People think libraries are important,
especially for communities
• People like and trust librarians
• People think libraries level of the
playing field for those without vast
resources
• People believe libraries have
rebranded themselves as tech hubs
• People still read books

4. http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/03/13/library-engagement-typology/
Capstone: Library User (and Non-User) Typology

5. Library usage stats

6. Went to library / bookmobile in past 12 months
% of those ages 16+
53
48
44
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2012 2013 2015

7. Library user demographics% who have visited a library or bookmobile in person in
the past 12 months
All Americans ages 16+ 44%
Men 38%
Women 51%
Age
18-29 54%
30-49 47%
50-64 38%
65+ 36%
Education attainment
No high school diploma 27%
High school grad 35%
Some College 46%
College + 58%
Parent of minor
Parent 50%
Non-parent 42%

8. Used library website / app in past 12 months
% of those ages 16+
25
30 31
0
10
20
30
40
20132012 2015

9. Library website user demographics
% who have ever used a library website or app in the past 12
months
All Americans ages 16+ 31%
Men 25%
Women 38%
Age
18-29 41%
30-49 36%
50-64 27%
65+ 17%
No high school diploma 14%
High school grad 24%
Some College 32%
College + 44%
Parent of minor
Parent 36%
Non-parent 29%

10. Library user demographics
% who have ever used a library website or app n the
past 12 months
All Americans ages 16+ 31%
White 32%
Black 30%
Hispanic 22%
Household income
Under $30,000 29%
$30,000-$49,999 30%
$50,000-$74,999 35%
$75,000+ 33%
Community Type
Urban 34%
Suburban 31%
Rural 27%

11. Assessments of
libraries

12. If your local public library CLOSED,
would that have a MAJOR impact,
MINOR impact or NO IMPACT on …
32
65
33
24
33
6
0 20 40 60 80 100
Me & my family
My community
Major Impact Minor impact No impact

13. How much have libraries contributed to their communities?
% of those ages 16+
19
24
24
29
31
36
29
39
41
39
39
37
23
19
18
19
14
14
15
10
7
8
8
6
Helping people find jobs or pursue job training
Helping people find out about volunteer
opportunities and other ways people can…
Helping people decide what information they
can trust
Helping people learn about local events and
resources that are available in your community
Helping people learn how to use new
technologies
Helping people when they seek health
information
A lot Somewhat A little Not at all

14. January 8, 2016 14www.pewresearch.org
The clear public
mandate: Do
something for
education ….
Large majorities of
Americans see
libraries as part of
the educational
ecosystem and as
resources for
promoting digital
and information
literacy.

15. Should libraries move some print books and stacks OUT OF public
locations to free up more space for things such as tech centers,
reading rooms, meetings rooms, and cultural events? % of those ages 16+
30
40
25
20
39
36
Should definitely do
Should maybe do
Should definitely not do
Nov-12 Apr-15

16. Should libraries coordinate more closely with local schools in
providing resources to kids?
% of those ages 16+
85
11
2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

17. 85
12
2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do
Should libraries offer free early literacy programs to help young
children prepare for school?
% of those ages 16+

18. Should libraries offer programs to teach people, including kids and
senior citizens, how to use digital tools such as computers,
smartphones and apps?
% of those ages 16+
78
16
3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

19. How important is it for people to make an effort to learn new
things for …. (% of those ages 18+)
87
71 70
58
10
23 26
36
0
20
40
60
80
100
Their jobs Things happening
in society
Their community Their hobbies and
interests
Very important Somewhat important

20. Learning as identity (% of those ages 18+)
57
61
73
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
I often find myself looking for new
opportunities to grow as a person
I like to gather as much information
as I can when I come across
something that I am not familiar…
I think of myself as a lifelong learner
Describes me very well

21. 74% of all adults are personal enrichment learners
% of those ages 18+
16
25
30
35
58
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Taken online course
Taken course related to
interest/hobby
Attend convention/conference tied to
personal interest
Attended meeting where learned
new info such as book club or arts…
Read publications related to
personal interest

22. The motives of personal learners
% of those ages 18+
33
36
60
64
80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Learn something to help with my
children's or other kids school work
Wanted to turn a hobby into extra
income
Extra time on my hands
Learn something that would allow
me to help others
Learn something make my life more
interesting

23. 63% of the employed are work-related learners – i.e. gotten
training or taken courses (% of those ages 18+)
7
13
24
36
55
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Because I am worried about losing
job
To help get a new job
To help get a raise/promotion
For a license or certification for my
job
To maintain or improve my job skills

24. How well, if at all, do your local public libraries serve the learning
and educational needs of your local community – not just
children at schools, but all those of any age who want to learn?
% of those ages 18+
37 39 6 4 12
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very well Pretty well Not too well Not well at all Don't know

25. How well, if at all, do your local public libraries serve the learning
and educational needs of you and your family? (% of those ages 18+)
34 36 9 12 8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very well Pretty well Not too well Not well at all Don't know

26. As far as you know, does your local library system offer any of
the following services? (% of those ages 18+)
22
24
26
41
62
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Online programs that certify people
have mastered new skills
Programs on starting a new
business
Online GED or high school
equivalency classes
Online career- and job-related
resources
E-books, audio books for borrowing

27. Other yearnings ….
Privacy coaching and solitude

28. Should libraries offer programs to teach patrons about protecting
their privacy and security online? % of those ages 16+
76
18
4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

29. Should libraries have more comfortable spaces for reading,
working, and relaxing at the library? % of those ages 16+
64
25
7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Should definitely do Should maybe do Should definitely not do

30. People: Serve and Learn
Tech experts
Master teachers in age of
lifelong learning
Visionaries for the
knowledge economy
and the jobs it
produces
Experts in sense-making,
context, and curation
Monitors of algorithms

31. Place: Reconfigured and
Repurposed
Artifacts are connected
and data-rich
Nodes for “system of
systems” with
databases and media
Test beds – maker
masters
Community information
and media stewards

32. Platform: Community Resource
Trusted institution and
privacy watchdog
Advocates for free and
open
Advocates for closing
digital divides
Data and collections
repositories
Civic specialists – esp.
in learning realms

33. 1) Assist technology non-users - skills training in new
literacies
2) Run pre-school programs
3) Run after-school activities
4) Offer English as a second language courses
5) Promoter of lifelong learning opportunities /
credentialing for mastery of competencies
6) Gap filler in local media ecosystem – community and
civic information/curation
7) Help for small business / entrepreneurs / non-profits
8) Agents of serendipitous discovery

34. Be not
afraid