News
Report #1
“New Research Finds Public Awareness Gap about
Ebooks in Libraries”
Larra Clark, American Libraries
7/11/12
A report was conducted by the Pew Research Center’s
Internet and American Life Project concerning the use of ebooks by library users
along with non-card holders. The report found that the majority of library
users (card holders) were unsure if their libraries even provided ebooks. This
research was performed from November 2011 to May 2012. There were several
thousand people 16 years old and up who participated in the study. Along with
ignorance about the availability of library ebooks, the study discovered that
over half of ebook borrowers enjoyed the library’s ebook selections but a good
chunk of those people reported that they could not borrow their desired ebook
or were put on a wait list. The study will inform and help libraries figure out
what their patrons want in regards to ebooks. Not surprisingly, many participants
in the study claim that it is easier to obtain an ebook from another source (other
than the library). Pew’s study also found that almost sixty-percent of the
total surveyed possessed a library card and of those people, sixty-nine-percent
acknowledge the importance of libraries for them and their families. The study
brought to light that many individuals would like their library to offer
classes on the process of downloading ebooks to ereaders or on to other various
handheld devices. A new study will soon be conducted involving library services and
the public’s opinion.
I did not realize that this was something to
research until I read the article. If I were to be a part of the study, I would
have to admit that I am unsure if my library has ebooks. To be honest, I had
never thought about it. From reading the article, I see that libraries are
trying to make a conscious effort to keep up with the times the best that they
can. Being that advancements in technology are ever continuing, it’s
understandable that libraries may fall behind but they continue to try and catch-up.
I was surprised at the number of individuals ,who frequent libraries, that were
so unclear about its services and book forms. I am glad I stumbled upon this article,
because I am now aware of some problems libraries face and that they need to
educate their patrons on what can be provided.
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