Tech Apps in Libraries? WI users value them, but don't use much

Here's a most intriguing report about surveys of Wisconsin library users and non-users done in 2003 and 2007.  What is very interesting to me is that most users are not very interested in technology initiatives. You know, the stuff that many of us spend a great deal of time and energy using and promoting.  The perceived value of these initiatives, however, is somewhat higher than actual interest.  I'm not prepared to comment on it right now, but if anyone else wants to start the conversation, please jump in. 

Along with the user/non-user surveys are other reports, including one on e-books done in 2002. I sure would like to have seen a follow-up to that, as things have changed considerably since then.

The report was funded by the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium and the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation. 

Comments

[Jess]

This report is very intriguing for a few reasons. First, keep in mind that there are no guarantees about the strength of public library support in the future. Minnesota libraries have felt massive crunches in recent years, and I keep reading about the woes with Michigan libraries. Unwavering support from both patrons and librarians is crucial when you are talking about public library support and even the future of libraries.

Note Jim’s comment about attracting younger patrons. If we fail to realize the importance of technology in libraries, and don’t plan for future technology initiatives, it may have an impact on public library support in the future.

[jims]

Not only was nobody under 18 polled, 48% of the sample was 45-64 years of age. If almost half our audience is 45 and older, then we have a problem attracting younger patrons and I hardly think in such a case we deliberately steer away from technology.

[cherylb]

I haven't finished reading the report, but I too found it interesting that those surveyed didn't seem very interested in technology initiatives. I wonder, though, if some of that can be explained by the responders not being so hung up on the actual technology, BUT, if it results in better service, they would like it and use it. Maybe what I'm trying to say is that ideally, the actual technology would be transparent to them.

Additionally, I think the point Brian makes above, that the survey didn't include anyone under the age of 18, is a valid one.

[John]

Generally the survey is very favorable to library perception in WI. But I suspect the WPLC folk were disappointed that the reception to technology and trendy new services (like the annoying and over-hyped Overdrive service) is lukewarm to cold.

See page seven of the optional Appendix 5, which bolsters the third bullet point in the main study's Exec Summary, page ii: library users (at least most of them) have little or no interest in proposed new technology initiatives. Comparing the 2003 and 2007 survey, the response of "not at all interested" in 24/7 reference actually increased from about 46% to 57%, with "very interested" still hovering at only about 17%. People either see no need for 24/7 reference, or they have tried it and received the inevitable lackluster results (to me, having a question referred to the local librarian for email follow-up by a 24/7 librarian on the other side of the continent or world undermines the appeal of the service).
Only wireless access had a somewhat promising response in the realm of new technology with 30% interested and 47% "not at all interested."

Also interesting is the chart on page 8 of Appendix 5 "Please indicate how much the following aspects would influence your library use." Neither a more inviting facility, more computer stations, nor more convenient location came out as factors that would seem to influence people using the library more (perhaps because the respondents thought they could all increase taxes).

Ironic--according to LibrarianInBlack, California's chat reference, (is that the product OCLC bought?), is apparently on the chopping block, or getting whittled away. Same thing I seem to hear "need more PR, more time, more more more."

[Brian]

Just want to point out that the 2007 survey didn't include anyone under 18, which may be relevant to the issue of tech initiatives.

[Jeff]

This is AWESOME. Just what I needed. Just skipping to What Would Increase Library Use and read the first sentence:

"The previous section of the report suggests that technology may not be a way to
increase library use, but is there anything else that could?"

Then increasing hours and access seems to be the answer. My state doesn't do this so it is great Wisconsin, ALA, and other agencies provide this. Thank you for sharing.