This
2010 report by the American Library Association shows that Americans have
turned to their libraries in larger numbers in recent years. When jobs go away,
Americans turn to their libraries to find information about future employment
or educational opportunities. This library usage trend and others are detailed
in the 2010 State of America’s Libraries report, released today by the American
Library Association. However, the report also shows that increased library use
did not lead to an increase in funding for libraries.
Other key findings include:
- Internet
use continues to expand at public libraries, which have seen double-digit
growth since 2007 in the on-line services they make available to their
patrons.
- Almost
all Americans feel that school libraries are an essential part of the
education experience because they provide resources to students and
teachers and because they give every child the opportunity to read and
learn.
- America’s
academic libraries are experiencing increased use, both physical and
virtual.
- America’s
libraries continue their efforts to support minorities and other
underserved or disadvantaged populations.
- The
library community continues to defend a core value embodied in the First
Amendment and the corollary right to receive and consider ideas,
information, and images.
- Library
construction fared better in 2009 than many expected during the recession,
especially given the unreliability of funding for programming, materials,
and hours.
American Library Association (2010). 2010 State of
America’s libraries report: Recession drives more Americans to libraries in
search of employment resources, but funding lags demand. Chicago, IL: American
Library Association. http://www.ala.org/news/sites/ala.org.news/files/content/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/soal2010/ALA_Report_2010-ATI001-NEW1.pdf
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