Zickuhr, K. (2013, May 10). Tech trends and library services in
the digital age [Slide Presentation]. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/10/tech-trends-and-library-services-in-the-digital-age/
This report provided some eye-opening data regarding technology and its implications on library services. In 1995, only 14% of adults over age 18 went online; by 2012 the number had risen to 82%. This huge increase in internet use over a relatively short time span has drastically changed the way both teens and adults interact with information. Of course, this has changed the types of library services they expect and require. Some other findings about technology use of teens and adults include:
- Over half of all adults use social media, including 87% of those under age 30.
- 88% of adults have a cell phone, including 95% of those under age 30.
- Over half of adults have either a laptop or desktop computer, or both, while 93% of teens have a computer or access to a computer at home.
- 78% of teens have a cell phone.
Considering these numbers, it is important that librarians are willing and capable of accepting a shift in their role. Zickuhr points out that librarians must become facilitators who can synthesize information and help users access information that meets their needs. Just yesterday, my principal was discussing with me the role of librarians and how she has noticed that there is more "movement" lately in the positions within our district. She believes many of the librarians who began years ago are having difficulty adjusting to the district shift in vision for the library and are leaving because they do not want to adapt to the expectations regarding technology.
This presentation also discusses the ways Americans are using libraries. Of those who are visiting libraries, 73% are borrowing books, while a little over half are researching topics of interest. Another important take-away is that 80% of library users believe that librarians helping patrons find information is a very important service. This means that librarians must be able to use digital sources themselves and know how to teach patrons to use those sources. Though it would be easy to simply point them to a source, teaching users how to find and locate sources will help them acquire important skills for future needs. Zickuhr points out four main points related to librarians' evolving roles:
- Access to tools - libraries must provide access to technology tools to help bridge the technology gap.
- Access to information resources - libraries must provide access to different types of information including books, databases, and media.
- How to use tools - libraries must provide guidance on how to use digital tools.
- How to find and verify information - libraries must provide instruction on how to find and verify information as research questions become more complex and new types of information continue to emerge.
It is important that libraries anticipate evolving and emerging technologies and how they will affect users and library services. Staying informed on technology through professional readings and technology conferences will benefit school librarians in both meeting current user needs and planning for future changes.
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I have often wondered what the libraries are doing as far as the new technologies. Thanks for a great report.
ReplyDeleteExactly true that you need to keep up-to-date and also to develop relationships with these students in your school who are interested in technology for its own sake. They can sometimes be our best teachers and support!
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