Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and Community. A Report to the OCLC Membership

Abstract

This report is a sequel to the 2005 "Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources." This new report provides updated information and new insights into information consumers and their online habits, preferences, and perceptions. Particular attention was paid to how the current economic downturn has affected the information-seeking behaviors and how those changes are reflected in the use and perception of libraries. This report explores: (1) Technological and economic shifts since 2005; (2) Lifestyle changes Americans have made during the recession, including increased use of the library and other online resources; (3) How a negative change to employment status impacts use and perceptions of the library; and (4) Perceptions of libraries and information resources based on life stage. The report is based on U.S. data from an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC). OCLC analyzed and summarized the results in order to produce this report. Appended are: (1) Methodology; (2) OCLC Research and Reports; and (3) Sources Consulted. [For the 2005 edition, "Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources: A Report to the OCLC Membership," see ED532603.]