The American Library Association (ALA) has released the 2010 State of America’s Libraries report, which suggests that Americans have turned to their libraries in larger numbers in recent years.
Since the recession took hold in December 2007, the local library, a traditional source of free access to books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, has become a lifeline. It offers technology training and workshops on topics that ranged from résumé-writing to job-interview skills, says the report.
Further, the report seeks to show the value of libraries in helping Americans combat the recession. It includes data from a January 2010 Harris Interactive poll that is said to provide compelling evidence that a decade-long trend of increasing library use is continuing—and even accelerating during economic hard times. The national survey indicates that some 219 million Americans feel that the public library improves the quality of life in their community. More than 223 million Americans feel that because it provides free access to materials and resources. With more businesses and government agencies requiring applicants to apply on line, job-seeking resources are among the most critical and most in demand among the technology resources available in public libraries in the US.
However, the report also shows that increased library use did not lead to an increase in funding for libraries. Research by the ALA and the Center for Library and Information Innovation at the University of Maryland reportedly suggests a ‘perfect storm’ of growing community demand for library services and shrinking resources to meet that demand. While library use soars, a majority of states are reporting cuts in funding to public libraries and to the state library agencies that support them.
According to the 2010 State of America’s Libraries Report, Internet use continues to expand at public libraries. Ninety-six percent of Americans feel that school libraries are an essential part of the education experience, adds the report. The nation’s academic libraries are experiencing increased use, both physical and virtual. The report also says that America’s libraries continue their efforts to support minorities and other underserved or disadvantaged populations.
According to the report, librarians nationwide encountered new challenges as a range of individuals and groups sought to have books or other materials removed from public access, and as the federal government debated extending the life of intrusive legislation such as the USA Patriot Act. Library construction fared better in 2009 than many expected during the recession.
The full text of The State of America’s Libraries, 2010, is available at http://tinyurl.com/State2010.
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