YOUNGER AMERICANS' LIBRARY HABITS AND EXPECTATIONS.

Contrary what most people think, younger Americans like printed books.....

and technology (we know that).

A big number of Americans (63%)  ages 26 and older (2012) have a library card and the majority declared that they had good experiences in the library.

Indeed, young Americans are more attracted to libraries than adults, specially the ones that were exposed when they were very young and recall family members going to the library.

They go to the library (sometimes more often than adults), to read, use the computers and the Internet, visit the websites and use mobile devices and access the library resources.

Even thought that the internet access is easier and most Americans have more than one electronic device for searching and communicating, young Americans like to go and use the library resources for studying and school work, reading, searching, entertainment and even buying things.

 Reading in E-books has not decrease the reading on printed materials, contrary to adults who now have the tendency to use more the electronic devices for downloading and reading books and magazines.

Over all, most of Americans under 30 years consider that "libraries are very important" and they most have librarians, who are trained to help people in the different library services, and have printed books that patrons can borrow and read at their convenience.  About the automated service, they are ambivalent, some people likes the idea, and some people don't.

Young patrons suggested the creation of apps that help to locate the resources (young patrons are among the groups that request more help from librarians).

Teenagers and young adults are more likely to read books than adults and older adults, and stayed almost in the same level, although audio books and e-books use is going higher.

Also, Americans are very interested in redesign their libraries, some suggestions they expressed were:

- It is important to have librarians to assist people in finding information (especially the very known databases).

- Libraries still have to carry printed materials, but also other resources as downloadable e-books, audio books, cd, dvds.

-  Offer free literacy programs for young children and teens.

-Libraries should have research resources.

-Free access to Internet (cited as one of the main reasons people go to the library, to search information about topics of their interest).

-Have programs and classes for the different group ages that go to the library (offer customize classes in different topics according to the age and interest of the patrons).

-Provided quiet spaces for studying, reading, and relaxing.

- Libraries should have different areas for different patrons, like Children's, Teenagers, Quiet Room....

-  Help people with resources when they are looking for jobs.

-  Ask for a closer collaboration between public libraries and schools.

- Miscellaneous tasks, like getting certified, paying bills, purchasing online.

- Creation of digital media labs, where people can create, upload and share their audiovisual creations, like music, movies, e-books, etc.



As we can see, libraries have to be modify  and adapt to the changing times.
Patrons are willing to continue coming to the libraries, as long these institutions can offer the services that the patrons are asking..... the face of the Library is going to change immensely in these next years.

VOX POPULI, VOX DEI. (The voice of the people, is the voice of God).







Reference:

 Zickuhr, K., Rainie, L., & Purcell, K. (2013, June 25). Younger Americans' library habits and expectations. Retrieved June 29, 2015. 

http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/09/10/younger-americans-and-public-libraries/

57 pages.