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Who uses the Library?
The biggest news to hit “Library World” recently is that, according to an ALA research study, Millenials and Gen Z library patrons use the library more than any other group.
The report, “Gen Z and Millenials: How They Use Public Libraries and Identify through Media Use” was a survey of 2,075 ALA members who were part of those generations.
Some points that surfaced as part of the study:
- People who responded to the survey preferred print over digital books.
- This target group uses the library as a place to “sample” certain titles that they may then go and purchase in a bookstore.
- Patrons who identify as “…Black, Indigenous, or People of Color…” often have longer wait times for digital materials.
An intriguing piece of information: More than half of the 43 percent of Gen Z and Millennials who don’t self-identify as readers have been to their local library in the past 12 months. Clearly, libraries are about more than just books now.
My take: Gen Z and Millenials realize the value of libraries and are attracted to the cost and to the services.