The State of America's Libraries Report 2015

It really wasn't very long ago that someone again asked me that question, "aren't libraries going away?" It doesn't bother me like it used to because I am confident in the value libraries continue to provide to their communities.

At the start of National Library Week, the American Library Association releases its annual State of America's Libraries Report. It covers issues and trends for public, academic, and school libraries. Briefly, some of the big issues this year include privacy, copyright, and children's and teen services with respect to early literacy, diversity in children's literature, and digital literacy. Equitable access to information and intellectual freedom are also of great interest to libraries.

In its discussion of Academic libraries, this year's report noted that

Academic libraries provide resources and services to support the learning, teaching, and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. Surveys show that both students and faculty value high-quality digital and print collections and the instructional support that helps them use these resources. Academic librarians are finding creative ways to repurpose library spaces and make optimal budgeting choices. 

The impact of academic librarians on student learning can be seen in the 2014 National Survey of Student Engagement, which reports that 33% of first-year students agreed that their experience at their institution contributed “very much” to their knowledge, skills, and personal development in using information effectively. More impressively, 47% of college seniors agreed with the same statement.

I am happy to report that libraries are still alive and actually enjoy a healthy fan base.

Read the report in part or the whole on the ALA website: http://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2015