Tech trends and library services in the digital age Infographic

 Zickuhr, K. (2013, May 9). Tech trends and library services in the digital age. Retrieved September 13, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/10/tech-trends-and-library-services-in-the-digital-age/ 

Although the data may be a few years old, it shows the growing trend in technology and library services.  The data from this research was funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Telephone surveys, in English and Spanish, by American over 16 years of age were used for the research.  Some of the findings were expected and some were a little shocking.

In 1995, only 14% of adults used the Internet.  That seems quite high to me because I think back to my first memories of the Internet and I had just learned about it in 1998.  That percentage grew significantly to 82% in 2012, which is shockingly low to me.  

Only 53% of Americans used a public library in the past year (2013).  As a learner, teacher, and citizen, the percentage is low.  That makes me wonder how public libraries can get more exposure to entice more Americans to use their services.  Out of those 53%, only 73% borrowed books, and 50% got help from a librarian.  From my own experience, the public librarians are not the friendliest and most approachable people, so I do understand that number being low.  

Free access to computers and the Internet was very important to 77% of Americans.  I work in a low socioeconomic neighborhood and know that the public library is the only place for some of my students to go to access these services;  therefore, yes, it is very important to them.  Close behind, at 73%, was using research resources such as free databases.  

Quiet study spaces for adults and children were also very important according to 76% of Americans.  I can agree with that being correct data at a public library.  However, an elementary school library should reflect much different data as we are evolving into maker spaces and not quiet spaces.

The last few slides focus on Libraries' evolving roles.  Some of the roles included providing access to information and guidance to use and verify the information.  

Check out my info graphic highlighting some of the data that I thought was interesting and how we have evolved from the floppy disk age to the flash drive, digital age.  I chose to use piktochart.com to create my info graphic.  This webesite was the most user friendly and very visually appealing.  It was super easy to create the info graphic, even when changing icons, fonts, etc.  The choices for icons were very abundant and made it difficult to chose.  Overall, it was very easy to navigate to create a visual to share.

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