News Report #5

“Survey Says: Library Borrowers Also Buyers”
Michael Lovett

November 15, 2012
http://overdriveblogs.com/library/2012/11/15/survey-says-library-borrowers-also-buyers/

In “Survey Says: Library Borrowers Also Buyers,” Michel Lovett breaks down findings of a survey conducted by OverDrive—a global digital book distributor—and ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP).The survey was available between June and July of 2012. This survey was taken at “thousands of OverDrive-powered public library websites in the United Sates.” Because 75,000 people took the survey, it is considered to be the “largest study of library eBook usage to date.” The survey found that overall reader’s base most of their book-buying choices around libraries. Of the people surveyed, 35 percent have bought the books that they first borrowed from the library. Based on the survey, library patrons buy on average 3.2 books per month. This includes print and e-books. Those patrons also note that they would be more inclined to buy books that are advertised through the library and/or its website. Also, according to the survey, 57 percent claimed they use the library as a basis forfinding books. Lovett also includes the survey’s discovery that there has been an increase of 44 percent in digital book buying in recent months. In relation to being able to afford books, the survey found that 48 percent claimed their household income was at least $75 thousand.

From glancing at the survey and reading through Michael Lovett’s write-up, I learned how important libraries are to patrons and their book buying decisions. I would be interested in the ages of these library patrons. Based on people of my generation, I assume that these library patrons are mature in age. Also, considering almost half had substantial amounts of income, they can afford to buy numerous books. I find it interesting that digital books have recently increased. I wonder if younger buyers are responsible for the increase, or if older buyers are jumping on the bandwagon. Overall, I find the survey to be accurate because of the mass number of respondents.