Just been reading this survey done by the ALA (so it’s American based) about usage of public libraries and people’s general attitudes towards them. Walt Crawford, once again, covers the main points made by the post very well, so I will not repeat those here.
One finding that I did find particularly interesting, however, was that when asked whether they felt libraries would no longer exist in the future because everything would be available on the internet, or whether they felt that libraries would still be needed despite electronic information, a whopping 92% felt that they would still be needed.
Pretty good news for us librarians, I guess…
The whole report actually paints a very rosy picture of the way the public views the library and I have to wonder where they found the participants because I am sure that most people do not see the library as quite so important (over a third put them at the top of their list of public services, above such things as schools, parks and roads…. hmmm, i like libraries, but more than schools?). 32% also ranked librarians as the most valuable professionals in their communities - now thats just crazy talk - don’t think i would want a librarian operating on me or rescuing me from a house fire!!!
But have a look over the results for yourself and see what you think…
