National Survey Results: Long Overdue

In our never-ending quest to discover all the ways Bowker can help librarians serve their communities, we have come across a survey that may be of interest to our Bowker Bulletin readers. The Americans for Libraries Council has conducted a national survey* with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to track the public’s opinion regarding the future of libraries in an Internet-centric world. Happily, the public values the library, and sees a bright future for libraries in their communities. 52% of respondents would rather raise taxes than cut library services or charge fees.

Four key factors for ensuring the long life of the library were cited:

1. Providing a safe and engaging space for teens;
2. Supporting adult literacy and other components of workforce development;
3. Expanding access to the Internet and other uses of technology;
4. Becoming a community hub, making government forms and services easily available.

Fortunately, Bowker supports libraries with three complimentary tools specifically built to increase patron interest and usage of the library and your website.

• Planning to start a teen reading initiative? Use Fiction Connection (complimentary with BooksInPrint.com) to identify exactly what they’re looking for.
• Want to increase patron visits to your website? Link them to PatronBooksInPrint.com (unlimited usage is complimentary with BooksInPrint.com) where they can browse the Fiction Room, the Children’s Room, or use My Favorites to receive book alerts.
• And to get the message out to your whole community, visit BowkerSupport.com, where you’ll find excellent communication resources:
  » Press release templates
  » Product information
  » Blurbs and logos for your library website

Maintaining an essential role in the community can be even more possible with technology partners who are happy to support your efforts. We encourage you to use the services we offer to help ensure a bright future for your library.

*Learn more about the survey at the Americans for Libraries Council website:
http://www.lff.org/long_overdue061306.html
Read the official press release of the results.
http://www.lff.org/documents/ALCpressreleaseJune13.doc