Mining Pew 2

Mining Pew 2

Horrigan, J. (September 15, 2015). Libraries at the crossroads: The public is interested in new services and thinks libraries are important to the communities. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/09/15/libraries-at-the-crossroads/

Number of pages read = 52

I really enjoyed reading this article because it helps to emphasize the importance of having a public library. For this assignment, I focused on the public libraries importance in offering technology to the community for all users. According to the article, “78% of those ages 16+ say libraries should definitely offer programs to teach people, including kids and senior citizens, how to use digital tools such as computers, smartphones and apps” (p3). I am a strong believer that a library should be a place to offer people tutorials or hands on training for the new technological devices and programs available today. Before I was able to afford a computer, I would often go to the library to use the computers to do my research assignments for school. I am thankful the public library had this kind of technology available to me because without the library I wouldn’t have had a way to do my assignments. According to the article,  “27% of those who have visited a public library have used its computers, internet connections or Wi-Fi signal to go online in the past 12 months” (p4). I believe if this study had been done about 10 years ago, this percentage of people who visit the library would be much higher.  Despite having a small percentage of people who visit the library to use the technology available, it is still very important to have a public library open to serve everyone. I visit my library often and the computer center is always full of people. The most amazing part is there different kinds of people from adults to young children, and that is why a public library must be available for the community. Another great resource available at public libraries is the access to thousands of E-books. According to the article, “At least 90% of public libraries have e-book lending programs, according to the American Library Association” (p15). I believe allowing the community access to e-books can help the community develop reading comprehension skills that will benefit them in their academics and prepare them for their future. The public library plays a critical role in educating the surrounding community and should be available to everyone.