CURRENT SITUATION:
While Canada is behind the United States in job losses, foreclosures and the full impact of the recession, North Americans have begun to turn to their public libraries to assist them through difficult economic times. Initial data shows spikes in library usage, particularly in the United States; the impact of use in Canada is just beginning to emerge.
BACKGROUND:
As the public’s buying power shrinks, more people seek employment, complete their education or upgrade their skills. People rely on public libraries for vital information on job opportunities, career planning and training, small business management, literacy programs and computer skills development.
“In today’s context, the role for public libraries has become more relevant than ever,” said Marzio Apolloni, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries. “There is significant evidence to demonstrate that libraries experience an increase of use up to 20% during an economic downturn. People know that no matter what is happening in the economy, they can get the information, services and assistance they need from the public library.”
Public libraries provide free access to all types of materials - books, music, dvds, audio books, newspapers, magazines, downloadable audio books; they provide communities with public space, promoting mutual support and social inclusion. Hard economic times can be isolating, and public libraries bring people together in an inclusive, supportive environment. Public libraries are the original family friendly environment.
Public libraries offer strong support for early literacy, as well as free children's programs such as story-times, craft programs, magic shows, film programs, and live performances.
Public libraries help to level the playing field for job seekers. Many jobs now require online applications and libraries offer free internet access and assistance. Public libraries offer skills development such as computer training, literacy classes, and assistance for immigrants.
In the US, where the recession has hit sooner and more deeply, public libraries have experienced large increases in use. According to MSNBC, public library use is increasing in many parts of the US: 28% in Illinois, 26 % in Utah, and 33% in Michigan
Circulation statistics in rural Nova Scotia libraries (despite aging collections), for the months of September- November 20008, increased an average 4.5% over the same time frame in 2007. Program attendance for the same time frame increased by 17.3%.
At Calgary Public Library, users borrowed nearly 15.4 million items in 2008, an increase of more than 1.1 million items over 2007 making it the sixth busiest library in North America; Toronto Public Library is the busiest public library in North America.
Since August 2008, more than 300 articles on the increased use of public libraries in tough economic times have been published in the US. According to a recent Harris poll, 75% of Americans have a public library card, the highest number since the American Library Association began keeping records in 1990. According to the Canadian Library Association, 2/3 of Canadians or 21 million people have a library card. In Nova Scotia, over 300,000 Nova Scotians are active library users.
During a recession, as people have less money to spend on books, and as the cost of books, particularly textbooks, continues to rise, access to free books at the public library becomes even more important. Free public internet access and wireless draw people to the library.
As people look for ways to trim their household expenses, access to library services such as free public internet access provides convenient alternatives. Libraries also offer free wireless internet access. People can upgrade their skills by using library computers to take online courses.
In January 2009, President Barack Obama’s senior advisor David Axelrod said support for libraries is still part of the Administration’s stimulus package.
Multiple studies in the US show that for every $1 invested, libraries provide an economic boost of around $5 and are a part of local government’s vital role in the nation’s economic recovery.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Association Advocacy
During times of economic need, Americans turn to "old friend". ALA news release, Feb. 17, 2009.
CBS Nightly News: Libraries are becoming the 'hot spot for just about everyone'. American Library Association, February 10, 2009.
"Library a bright spot during tough times." Press release, Western Counties Regional Library, Feb. 11, 2009
Uncertain economy triggers increased public library use. Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, October 30, 2008.
Advocating in a tough economy toolkit. American Library Association.
Media Articles, Canadian
Tough economy pushes library borrowing up. Alana Power. National Post, January 19, 2010.
Living on less and loving it! Vanessa Milne. Chatelaine, June 2009, p. 107-110.
Doing more with less: libraries stretch limited resources to meet increased demand. Eric Emin Wood. Quill & Quire, May 2009, p. 26.
The books: free. The silence: priceless. globeandmail.com, April 20, 2009.
Libraries witnessing a boom across the country: CBC News, April 18, 2009
Library has lots to offer during hard times. Library Guide: Halifax Public Libraries, March-April, 2009.
Calgary libraries enjoy busiest year. Calgary Herald, Jan 23 03:41
Page: A11, Section: News, Edition: Final.
A huge increase in use during 2008 set a new circulation record for the Calgary Public library, making it one of the busiest library systems in North America. Library users borrowed nearly 15.4 million books, CDs and DVDs from city libraries in 2008, an increase of more than 1.1 million items over 2007, library officials said Thursday. That makes the library the sixth busiest in North America, after the huge cities of Toronto, Los Angeles and the boroughs of New York. What's more, library officials predict another dramatic rise in 2009. Economic downturns often prompt people to flock to libraries, so officials are planning ways to deal with booming demand. "The Calgary Public library was wildly popular during the boom, but we become absolutely essential in tough times," director Gerry Meek said in a news release. The library has plans to launch a new online catalogue and borrowing system in February.
Library use stacks up in hard times, town hears. York Region.com, Nov. 27, 2008
Tough times mean busier libraries, by Samantha Craggs. The Standard [St. Catherines, Ontario], Oct. 9, 2008.
Media Articles, American.
BPL President: In Downturns, The Library Is A ‘Soft Place’. WBUR.org, April 20, 2009.
Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries. The New York Times, April 1, 2009.
Get the most of your local library-online. Lifehacker, Feb. 9, 2009.
In recession, libraries are booming. CBS Evening news, Feb. 2, 2009.
Libraries big draw for job seekers. Detroit Free Press, Jan. 26, 2009.
Libraries’ many benefits discovered in hard economic times. JSOnline, Jan. 21, 2009.
Hard time boost library usage. Fairmont Sentinel, Jan. 21, 2009.
Library use rises as recession deepens: Budgets — so far — remain stable, by Robb Murray. Mankato Free Press [Minnesota], January 11, 2009.
The Public Library Renaissance. Freakonomics (blog), Jan. 7, 2009.
Markets down, libraries up. Financial News and Daily Record, Jan. 7, 2009.
Check it out: As the economy sags, library use is booming. But will the services people want survive the budget cuts towns fear? by Keith O'Brien. The Boston Globe, January 4, 2009.
The library: a recession sanctuary. Boston Globe, Jan. 3, 2009.
Library use surging amid economic downturn, by Andy Malby. The Belgrade News [Montana], December 30, 2008.
More people using libraries in tough times, by Julian Guthrie. San Francisco Chronicle, December 27, 2008.
Refuge from recession: Library use increases during tough economic times, by Tim Trainor. The Montana Standard, December 26, 2008.
Look to library for recession-proof services, by Georgia Mergler. Dayton Daily News [Ohio], December 25, 2008.
Library usage increases with the recession, by Tim Nelson. Minnesota Public Radio, December 18, 2008.
Libraries offer free relief from tough times. NBC News, Dec. 11, 2008.
Poor economy sparks library visits, by Sarah Long. Daily Herald [Chicago], August 17, 2008.
More visitors take advantage of free public library services in economic downturn, by Chris Killian. Kalamazoo Gazette [Michigan], August 11, 2008.
Are Economic Woes Pushing Up Library Circulation? by Sewall Chan. City Room Blogs, The New York Times, August 1, 2008.
Libraries Shine In Tough Economic Times. National Public Radio report, July 29, 2008.
As economy struggles, more people rely on libraries, by Terry Date. The Eagle Tribune [North Andover, Massachusetts], February 19, 2008.
Other Articles:
Title: Escape From Bad Times.
Authors: SHEFFER, CAROL csheffer [at] live [dot] com
Source: Public Libraries; Nov/Dec2008, Vol. 47 Issue 6, p6-6, 1p
Abstract: The article reports on the increased use of public libraries especially during the economic downturn in the U.S. The use of public libraries increased since customers want and need the job-related services like resume writing, interviewing techniques, and job search strategies. In addition, libraries provide an escape through books which are the portable escape hatch that takes people wherever they want to go.
Economic hard times and public library use revisited: new study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, by Mary Jo Lynch. American Libraries v. 33 no. 7 (August 2002) p. 62-3.
Abstract: A study investigated whether library use has increased since the beginning of the current economic downturn in March 2001. The Library Research Center of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign, which conducted the study, collected and analyzed circulation data for the period between 1997 and 2001 from 18 public libraries serving populations of 1 million or more. Results revealed a significant increase in public library circulation in every month from March 2001 to December 2001. Possible explanations for this increase are that people who are unemployed are checking out books to help themselves qualify for new jobs and that people with less money are getting books at the library rather than buying them.
Reports
Public Libraries - A Wise Investment: A Return on Investment Study of Colorado Libraries. Colorado State Libraries : Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, March 2009.
The Economic Contribution of Wisconsin Public Libraries to the Economy of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction : Northstar Economics, Inc., May 1, 2008.
Library value calculator. Denver Public Library, Dec. 10, 2007.
South Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study: A study prepared by The School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, 2005.
Florida’s Public Libraries Build Strong Economies: A Taxpayer Return On Investment Report. State Library and Archives of Florida, Florida Department of State, January 2005.
Taxpayer Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries: Summary Report, September 2004. Prepared for State Library and Archives of Florida.
Libraries: How they stack up. OCLC Online Computer Library Center, 2003.
Public Library Use and Economic Hard Times: Analysis of Recent Data. A Report Prepared for The American Library Association by The Library Research Center, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, April 18, 2002.
North Suburban Library System, [Illinois], Aug. 8, 2008.
