February 12, 2008
Libraries and the Google Generation
According to a study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Pew Internet and American Life Project, young adults (18-30) are the heaviest users of public libraries. This might be surprising considering that they're also the so-called Google Generation, but I suspect it isn't surprising to librarians. (Interestingly, those who visit libraries are more likely to use many sources of information. I wonder if young people, having been born into an age of information, are more comfortable with it or crave it more.)
I think this bodes well for libraries that restructure as socially-inviting information centers (as opposed to simple book repositories or Internet cafés). As I type this, my school's library is in the midst of a major seismic renovation. When complete, a central feature of the library will be a knowledge commons -- a sort of research central, where students can interact with each other, get technology support, speak with reference librarians, etc. I have seen similar changes in local public libraries, as well.
There's no denying an ever-growing need for help sifting through information. (In fact, a recent study found that young people - the Google Generation - are lacking in information skills.) But it should not be forgotten that humans are tremendously social animals. We still want a physical place to congregate, communicate, share information, etc. Libraries are seizing on this fact. The main library in Salt Lake City is a pretty good example. It is, more than ever, a community center and a place for people to congregate. Along with the library, there's a coffee shop, art gallery, gardens, a radio station, and various shops. There are also some fairly unconventional choices within the actual library. (USA Today called it America's unquietest library.)
It's no surprise that people with high-speed Internet access use the library less than those with dial-up or no Internet at home, but they go to libraries just as heavily when they have problems to solve. As the ALA president says, libraries need to make sure people are aware of the resources available at libraries. I think libraries should increasingly focus on becoming vibrant social centers, as well.
Finally, here's a link I previously blogged (almost four years ago): 10 Reasons Why the Internet Is No Substitute for a Library. It's slightly dated, but most of the points still apply.
12 Feb 20:05 | Link | Category: Libraries & Digital Information, Technology & Computing