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Chicago, IL (October 18, 2000) – Public libraries and the Internet enter the 21st century as partners in the Information Age, according to a study being released today by the Urban Libraries Council, an association of nearly 150 metropolitan public libraries. This first-of-its-kind survey was conducted by George D’Elia, Ph.D., School of Information Studies, State University of New York at Buffalo.
The research found that 75 percent of Internet users also use public libraries because they feel that each information provider best serves a particular niche. Public libraries, for example, offer some advantages that the Internet does not.
- Ninety-one percent feel that libraries provide accurate information, compared to 78 percent who feel the Internet is accurate.
- Eighty-eight percent feel their privacy and confidentiality is protected by public libraries, while 49 percent feel protected by the Internet.
- Eighty-eight percent found that library professionals provided helpful assistance, compared to 62 percent who felt Internet services provided help, if needed.
The survey shows that the two information providers, instead of competing with each other, complement each other’s services.
“When the VCR gained prominence in the ‘80s, people were predicting doom for movie theaters – but that never happened,” said Joey Rodger, President, Urban Libraries Council. “The data show that the relationship between public libraries and the Internet is very similar. If you’re an information lover, you’re not going to choose one exclusively over the other, you’re going to use both.”
The survey also found that public libraries were used more frequently when consumers were:
- Spending time with or browsing for reading material for their children
- Looking for information on local history and family genealogy
- Seeking community services
On the other hand, these same individuals turn to the Internet more often when seeking:
- The most up-to-date consumer product information
- The day’s news, weather and sports
- Job or career information
“The greatest value of this research,” said Rodger, “is that it will help libraries discover what services are most valuable to the community, and then focus their efforts and resources on these services. For example, the study found that more individuals who utilize both services feel the Internet is more easily accessible because it’s open when needed. Library directors can now work to come up with ways to make library resources more accessible.”
Other findings include:
- Eighty-eight percent perceive the Internet to be fun to use, compared to 73 percent for libraries
- Ninety-three percent found a wide range of resources available on the Internet, while 74 percent considered the library to have a wide range of resources
“This is an exciting time to be in the information business,” said Rodger. “Consumers have more choices than ever before, and they’re taking advantage of them. It’s equally exciting to learn that there’s still an important role in today’s New Economy for the neighborhood public library.”
Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, researchers interviewed over 3,000 adults. Overall margin of error is ±1.8 percent.
The Urban Libraries Council is an association of nearly 150 public libraries in metropolitan areas, which believes that thriving public libraries are a result of collaborative leadership, the trustees, library directors, and corporate officers of member institutions working together to address shared issues, grasp new opportunities, and conduct research that improves professional practice.
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For more information on the survey, or to schedule an interview, please contact
MSI Strategic Communications at 312-944-7398. |
