CIL2008: Keynote - Lee Rainie

Keynote was by Lee Ranie Rainie from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, who talked about some of the results of their studies on people's use of the Internet. Some thoughts from the program:

Added: Link to Presentation

• Wireless connectivity is brining back email as an option for people
• News - however a person defines it - is becoming more important to people

Have recently done research on how people are getting information to help solve problems that could have a government connection or be helped by government resources. This was not a general information study. Specifically asked about libraries. They found:

• 79.5% had at least one problem ~ 169 million adults
• 53% of adults had been to a library in the past year
• Younger adults are more likely to visit the library:
• 62% Gen Y (18-30)
• 59% Gen X (31-42)
• 57% Trailing Boomers (43-52)
• 46% Leading Boomers (53-61)
• 42% Matures (62-71)
• 60% of online teens used the Internet at a library last year; up from 36% in 2000
• There are no significant racial differences in library use - 53% each of blacks, whites & Hispanics used a library
• What sources did people use?
• 58% - Internet
• 53% - Professionals
• 13% - Public library
• Who turns to libraries for problem solving?
• Young Adults (18-29) - 21%
• Oldest - 15%
• Blacks - 26%
• Latinos - 22%
• Lower Income <$40,000 - 17%
• At the the library, they used:
• 69% consulted staff
• 68% used computers
• 38% of those that used comptuers got one on one instruction
• 58% sought reference material
• 42% used newspapers and magazines
• 64% said they felt successful using a library and 36% got lots of information; Internet was 63% and 55%; Government Agency was 65% and 49%
• 29% they would go to a library again if they had a problem
• 40% of lower income
• 41% Gen Y
• 41% less educated
• 42% Latinos
• 48% blacks
• 68% of regular library patrons
• Hypothesis: Young people have had most recent experience @ libraries so they know we can help
• Takeaways:
• 53% market share isn't bad, but there are other opportunities
• Need public education about what we do and how we've changed
• Focus on success stories
• People who know you best are the ones who keep coming back
• Patrons are heppy and some are zealous advocates
• This is an era of consumer evangelists
• Give them web 2.0 tools, training
• Get feedback
• Your un-patrons are primed to seek you out; keys to their patronage:
• awareness of work
• comfort in your environment
• mentoring skills
• Aspire to be a node in people's social networks
• Ask yourself: How can I be a friend & fit into people's social networks
• Offer your expertise in new literacies