Perceptions of Libraries

and Information Resources

A Report to the OCLC Membership
Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources

A Report to the OCLC Membership

 Introduction

Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources
A Report to the OCLC Membership

Principal contributors
Cathy De Rosa, M.B.A., Vice President, Marketing and Library Services
Joanne Cantrell, Marketing Analyst
Diane Cellentani, M.B.A., Market Research Consultant to OCLC
Janet Hawk, M.B.A., Manager, Market Research & Analysis
Lillie Jenkins, Ph.D., M.S.I.S., Market Research Support Specialist
Alane Wilson, M.L.I.S., Senior Library Market Consultant

Graphics, layout and editing

Brad Gauder, Senior Marketing Writer
Andy Havens, Manager, Creative Services
Rick Limes, Art Director

OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.

Dublin, Ohio USA
Copyright © 2005, OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
6565 Frantz Road
Dublin, Ohio 43017-3395

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or
otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright
holder.
Third-party product, service, business and other proprietary names
are trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners.
Printed in the United States of America
Cataloged in WorldCat® on November 17, 2005
OCLC Control Number: 62293968

ISBN: 1-55653-364-0
1 0 0 9 0 8 07 0 6 0 5 1 2 3 4 5 6
Table of Contents
Introduction vii
Methodology xi
Report Structure xiv
Related OCLC Research and Reports xvi

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources— 1-1

Use, Familiarity and Favorability
1.1 Library Use 1-2
1.2 Familiarity with and Usage of Multiple Information Sources 1-7
1.3 How Respondents Learn about New Information Sources 1-19
1.4 Impressions of Information Sources 1-21

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online 2-1

2.1 Activities at the Library 2-1
2.2 Awareness of Library Electronic Resources 2-6
2.3 Using Library Electronic Information Resources 2-10
2.4 Seeking Assistance in Using Library Resources 2-14
2.5 Familiarity with the Library Web Site 2-16
2.6 The Internet Search Engine, the Library and the Librarian 2-18
2.7 Keeping Up-to-Date with Library Resources 2-27

Part 3: The Library Brand 3-1

3.1 The Value of Electronic Information Resources 3-2
3.2 Judging the Trustworthiness of Information 3-4
3.3 Trust in Library Resources and Search Engines 3-6
3.4 Free vs. For-Fee Information 3-9
3.5 Validating Information 3-14
3.6 Libraries—Positive and Negative Associations 3-19
3.7 Lifestyle Fit 3-27
3.8 Books—the Library Brand 3-31
3.9 Brand Potential—Libraries, Books and Information 3-38

Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries 4-1

4.1 The Library’s Role in the Community 4-2
4.2 Rating Library Services 4-4
4.3 Advice to Libraries 4-6

Part 5: Libraries—A “Universal” Brand? 5-1

Conclusion 6-1
Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables A-1
Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments B-1
About OCLC C-1
I really can’t think of
anything. I think Introduction
the public libraries
provide a In 2003, OCLC published The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition as

very good a report to the OCLC membership to identify and describe issues and trends that are
impacting and will impact OCLC and, in particular, libraries. The goal of the report

service to was first to inform OCLC’s key decision makers to guide them in strategic planning
and later to serve as a reference document for librarians as they work on strategic
the public planning for their institutions and communities. Over 7,500 copies of the Scan are
but with using the in circulation and more than 15,000 librarians have engaged in discussions with
computer it makes it colleagues and OCLC management on findings and future opportunities.

easier In the introduction to the Scan (page ix), we wrote: “It has become increasingly
for me to find information difficult to characterize and describe the purpose of using libraries […] The
I would need on the relationships among the information professional, the user and the content have

internet
without having to leave
changed and continue to change.” Another way of stating this is that trends indicate
a dissonance between the environment and content that libraries provide and the
environment and content that information consumers want and use. Three major
my home.
trends were identified in the Scan that provide evidence of that dissonance.
54-year-old from Canada
Self-service, satisfaction and seamlessness seem to exemplify the expectations of
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, the information consumer in the huge “infosphere” in which libraries operate. The
question 1240, “If you could give one
piece of advice to your library, what characteristics that support self-service, satisfaction and seamlessness, such as
would it be?”
ease of use, convenience and availability, appeared to many information
professionals, including the authors of the Scan, to be as important to the
information consumer as information quality and trustworthiness.

The Scan provides references to studies, articles and reports that support the
identification and analysis of these overarching trends. But, few of these resources
emanated from the part of the infosphere that OCLC and libraries inhabit and there are
no major recent empirical studies that look specifically and broadly at the role libraries
and librarians play in the infosphere, from the point-of-view of the information
consumer. How are libraries perceived by today’s information consumer? Do libraries
still matter? On what level? Will library use likely increase or decrease in the future?

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources vii

Introduction

As a consequence, early in 2005, OCLC Market Research staff, with input from many
other OCLC staff and hundreds of librarians who have contributed to discussions
and workshops, conceived of a project designed to better understand these
trends as they relate to libraries and the information consumer. To that end, OCLC
commissioned Harris Interactive Inc., a company that for 45 years has provided
custom research to a broad range of clients including nonprofit organizations and
governmental agencies, to administer the resulting survey on behalf of OCLC.
We were clear as to the goals of the survey. We wanted to know more about
people’s information-seeking behaviors, how familiar people are with the variety
of e-resources libraries provide for their users and how libraries fit into the lives
of the respondents. One of the most important goals of the project as a whole
was to collect information that would help us build a better understanding of the
“Library” brand. My mom loves
the library and is
The topics explored in the survey include the perceptions and preferences of there all the time
information consumers; users’ relationship with and use of libraries, including
usage of and familiarity with electronic information resources; awareness of but I never
libraries and resources offered; the “Library” brand and its ubiquity and think of it.
universality; trust of libraries and their resources; and people’s perceptions
I think they should
of the library’s purpose/mission.
look into ways to
We wanted to survey a broad set of information consumers. Our goal was to gather bridge the
survey data across a wide range of age groups and geographic regions. We also generation gap.
wanted to understand more about college students as information consumers, both 33-year-old from the
United States
inside and outside the United States. Given budget constraints and geographic reach
goals, this survey was administered electronically and in English. All respondents Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC,
therefore use the Internet, are at least somewhat familiar with using electronic Web 2005, question 1240, “If you could
provide one piece of advice to your
resources and took the survey in English. Respondents could have taken this survey in library, what would it be?”

a library that provides Internet access, as some respondents indicated they access the
Internet via the library.

We understand that the results, therefore, represent the online population, a subset of
library users. Please read the survey results with this in mind. We did. We are also
mindful that the survey respondents do represent a significant, and potentially
growing, percent of library and potential library users. As outlined more fully in the
Methodology section of the report, the survey was weighted demographically and fairly
represents the online population of all countries surveyed except India, due to low
sample size. Recent surveys report that over 60 percent of the Australia, Canada,
Singapore, United Kingdom and United States populations have Internet access and

viii Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Introduction

i do not the growth in Internet access over the last five years is staggering. Most countries
surveyed have seen an increase in Internet access of 50 to 100 percent. Information

use it consumers are using the Internet more—both at the library and elsewhere.

however it is a good The findings presented in this report do not surprise, they confirm. During the
place for research hundreds of Scan discussions and meetings held over the past 24 months, several
but think the internet recurring themes surfaced. “Users are not aware of the electronic resources libraries
make freely available.” Our survey findings bear this out. “Users are as comfortable
is better for
using Web information sources as library sources.” Our study shows this perception
information & faster
also to be true, across countries, across U.S. age groups, across library card holders
33-year-old from the and non-card holders. “The library brand is dated.” Again, our survey findings do
United Kingdom
not surprise, they confirm.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC,
2005, question 810, “What do you We collected over 20,000 open-ended responses from information consumers.
feel is the main purpose of a library?”
This bank of data represented a valuable source of unedited views about users’
perceptions, thoughts and attitudes about libraries and electronic resources. The
respondents provided over 3,000 statements of advice for libraries. They cover
everything from content, to community, to coffee and conversation. We have worked
hard to incorporate as many of these views and ideas as possible and to provide a
You can still do
balanced view of their comments. Appendix B provides a sample of approximately
better 2,000 respondent comments.

there is always Trends toward increased information self-service and seamlessness are clearly
scope for evident in the survey results. Libraries’ mindshare in this new self-service
improvement e-resource environment is also clear: behind newer entrants. Libraries’ continued
66-year-old from India importance as a trusted information provider is evident and, overall, users have
positive, if outdated, views of the “Library.” Our collective challenge is, therefore, to
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC, take this information—both the positive and the challenging—and evaluate where
2005, question 1240, “If you could
provide one piece of advice to your to invest more, invest less, invent new and invert old, communicate more and
library, what would it be?”
market better.

Cathy De Rosa
Vice President, Marketing & Library Services

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources ix

Introduction

Source

x Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Introduction

Methodology
OCLC Market Research staff defined a research project to look at library resource
use, perceptions and impressions of libraries, and people’s preferences for using
information discovery tools. OCLC commissioned a blind survey of information
users from Harris Interactive Inc. Harris drew a sample of potential respondents
from the Harris Poll Online panel consisting of millions of individuals worldwide.
The respondents were interviewed between May 20 and June 2, 2005. Target
respondents ranged from young people age 14 to people age 65 and older.
The online survey was open to English-speaking male and female residents of
Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom (U.K.) and the United States
(U.S.). Responses from Australian, Singaporean and Indian residents are combined
and are referred to throughout the report as the geographic region of
Australia/Singapore/India.
The majority of youth surveyed reside in the U.S. Respondents outside the U.S. were
generally age 18 and over. The U.S. respondents’ data were segmented by age to
provide another perspective. The sample sizes for the other geographic regions were
not large enough to report by age segment.
As the poll was conducted online, all respondents are at least familiar with online
resources and have access to the Internet. The survey was conducted in English, and
3,348 respondents completed the survey.
The collected data have an overall statistical margin of error of +/- 1.69 percent at the
95 percent confidence level for the online population in the countries surveyed. The
online population may or may not represent the general population of each country
surveyed. Based on statistics from www.internetworldstats.com, the following table
shows the percentage of residents in the countries surveyed who have Internet
access. The table also shows the penetration of Internet access in 2000, as an
indication of its growth in the last five years.

Internet Access and Population—by Country1

Penetration of Penetration of
Internet access Internet access
Country Population Internet users in 2005 in 20002
Australia 20,507,264 13,991,612 68.2% 34.5%
Canada 32,050,369 20,450,0003 63.8%3 42.1%
India 1,094,870,677 39,200,000 3.6% 0.54%
Singapore 3,547,809 2,421,800 68.3% 32.4%
United Kingdom 59,889,407 36,059,096 60.2% 26.4%
United States 296,208,476 203,466,989 68.7% 44.1%

1. Table content is based on data at http://www.internetworldstats.com, accessed November 15, 2005.

2. World Bank, World Development Indicators, http://devdata.worldbank.org/data-query/, accessed November 15, 2005.
3. http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats2.htm, accessed November 15, 2005; data is from December 2003.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources xi

Introduction

All survey data were weighted demographically, except for data from Indian
respondents due to the relatively small number of respondents. In general, question
wording and issues related to conducting surveys may introduce some error or bias
into opinion poll findings.

Percentages in data tables may not total 100 percent due to rounding or because
respondents frequently were asked to select all responses that may apply or respondents
were not required to answer the question.

Eighty-three questions were asked of the 3,348 respondents. The survey included a series
of branching questions such that responding either yes or no to a question led to a series
of follow-up questions. The survey also asked open-ended questions to ensure that
respondents had the opportunity to provide input in their own words. Several of the
following parts include samples of the verbatim comments. The comments are
included as written by the survey respondents, including misspellings and
grammatical errors.

It is not possible to provide all the data or the over 20,000 verbatim responses
collected from the survey in this report; however, results are presented for all major
topics explored in the survey, and 10 percent of the verbatim comments are provided
in Appendix B as these will be rich sources of information about what is on the minds
of respondents with regard to their libraries.

Once the survey was complete, the OCLC Market Research team analyzed and
summarized survey results in order to produce this report. In addition to presenting
the analyses of the survey data, team members did correlation analyses on several
of the interrelated questions to elicit additional value from the results and these are
included in the report.

Throughout the report, the phrase “information consumer” is used, as it was in The
2003 OCLC Environmental Scan, to refer to people who seek, ingest and sometimes
purchase information.

The survey results show that information consumers are familiar with libraries.
Nearly all survey respondents have visited a library in the past. Survey respondents
were asked to indicate the type of libraries they have visited. Ninety-six percent of
respondents have visited a public library.

Respondents were asked to identify the library that they use primarily (e.g., public,
college/university, community college, school, corporate, other) and were asked to
answer all library-related questions with that library in mind.

“College students” is used in the report to refer to postsecondary students, both

graduate and undergraduate, responding to the survey; these students reside in all
geographic regions surveyed.

The term “library card holder” is used in the report to refer to those respondents
throughout all geographic regions surveyed who indicated that they are registered
users of a library.

xii Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Introduction

Total Respondents to the OCLC Survey—

by Geographic Region
Geographic Region Number of Respondents
Australia/Singapore/India 535
Canada 491
United Kingdom 468
United States 1,854

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005.

Total U.S. Respondents—by Age of Respondent

U.S. Ages Number of Respondents
Age 14-17 621
Age 18-24 403
Age 25-64 449
Age 65 and older 381

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005.

Total College Students—by Age of Respondent

The survey included 396 college students, both undergraduate and graduate, from
all geographic regions included in the study. This table shows the breakdown of
college students by age group.

Percentage of College
College Student Ages
Students per Age Range
Age 14-17 3%
Age 18-24 65%
Age 25-64 31%
Age 65 and older 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005.

Total Library Card Holders—by Geographic Region

The survey asked respondents to indicate if they are registered users of a library.
This table shows the percentage of registered users by geographic region.

Geographic Region Percentage of Library Card Holders

Australia/Singapore/India 71%
Canada 71%
United Kingdom 59%
United States 75%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 805.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources xiii

Introduction

Report Structure
This report is structured to provide readers with a sequenced view of how the
information consumer finds, uses, evaluates and favors information resources,
including physical and online libraries. The findings are presented in five parts,
not in the order in which the survey tool presented them, but in such a way as to
categorize the actions, attitudes and brand values of respondents.

Part 1, Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability,

reviews respondents’ familiarity and use of libraries and information, as well as
the information sources that are most frequently selected and used by survey
respondents. We explore respondents’ favorability toward information resources.
For purposes of this report, we categorized questions into three groupings—
information sources, electronic resources and information brands—that are used
in subsequent parts of the report.

We asked questions about five places, physical and virtual, that respondents use to
search for information and content. These we refer to as information sources and
they are:

• Search engines information

•
•
Libraries
Bookstores sources
• Online libraries
• Online bookstores

We asked questions about the kinds of electronic resources respondents are familiar
with and use to get information. These we refer to as electronic resources and they are:

• Search engines* • Library Web sites

• Online bookstores* • Online news
• Electronic magazines/journals • Blogs electronic
• Electronic books (digital) • Online databases
• Topic-specific Web sites • E-mail resources
• Instant messaging • RSS feeds
• E-mail information subscriptions • Ask-an-expert services
• Online librarian question services • Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
* Search engines and online bookstores are included as both information sources and electronic resources.

xiv Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Introduction

We asked questions about respondents’ perceptions of, attitudes toward and

familiarity with well-known information sources and resources associated with them.
These we refer to as information brands. The branded sources are:

• About.com • HotBot.com
• AllTheWeb.com • iW0n.com
• AltaVista.com • Library Web sites**
• AOL Search • LookSmart.com
information
• Ask an expert (e.g., Homework Helper)** • Lycos.com
brands • Ask Jeeves.com • MSN Search
• Clusty.com • Netscape Search
• Dogpile.com • Online librarian question services
(Ask a librarian)**
• Excite.com
• Teoma.com
• Gigablast.com
• Yahoo.com
• Google.com

**Ask an expert, library Web sites and online librarian question services are not brand names, they are electronic
resources. They are included as choices in order to contrast respondents’ perceptions and attitudes about
information brands with their perceptions and attitudes about libraries.

Part 2, Using the Library—In Person and Online, reports on what we discovered
about how information consumers are using libraries and how newer information
sources, electronic resources and information brands are impacting and influencing
the behaviors of respondents.

Part 3, The Library Brand, explores the “Library” brand, looking closely at
traditional brand determinants such as positive and negative attributes, trust, price
and lifestyle fit. We report the findings about top-of-mind perceptions of libraries
among respondents, as well as perceptions about the purpose, or brand potential,
of libraries.

Part 4, Respondents’ Advice to Libraries, provides unedited views and advice

about libraries’ services, resources and facilities. Respondents were generous
with their advice—over 3,000 responses were submitted—and many were clearly
knowledgeable about libraries and their services, as evidenced by their choice of
words. Appendix B includes a sample of 10 percent of the verbatim responses.

Part 5, Libraries—A “Universal” Brand?, looks at the consistency and uniformity

of responses across all geographic regions surveyed. The consistency of stated
perceptions, attitudes and practices suggests the “Library” brand is both local
and universal.

The Conclusion summarizes the findings outlined in the report.

Appendices provide additional supporting data tables and sample verbatim responses.

About OCLC gives an overview of OCLC, including the vision and key products,
partnerships and research projects.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources xv

Introduction

Related OCLC Research and Reports

In 2002, OCLC commissioned Harris Interactive Inc. to conduct a study of U.S.
college students age 18–24 and their usage of the Internet and its resources. The
resulting report, OCLC White Paper on the Information Habits of College Students,
concentrated on the Web-based information habits of college students, particularly
their use of campus library Web sites. This study found that college and university
students looked to campus libraries and library Web sites for their information
needs and that they valued access to accurate, up-to-date information with easily
identifiable authors. They were aware of the shortcomings of information available
from the Web and of their needs for assistance in finding information in electronic
or paper formats. To access the results of this study, visit the OCLC Web site at:
www.oclc.org/research/announcements/2002-06-24.htm

Five-Year Information Format Trends, released in early 2003, provides a snapshot

look at how trends and innovation in information formats (e.g., Web pages,
electronic books, MP3 audio) create new challenges and opportunities for librarians,
who must integrate new formats with existing formats and build new information
management processes while balancing resource allocation. To access the report,
visit the OCLC Web site at: www.oclc.org/reports/2003format.htm

The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition report was published in
January 2004 for OCLC’s worldwide membership to examine the significant issues
and trends impacting OCLC, libraries, museums, archives and other allied
organizations, both now and in the future. The Scan provides a high-level view of the
information landscape, intended both to inform and stimulate discussion about
future strategic directions. To access the Scan, visit the OCLC Web site at:
www.oclc.org/reports/2003escan.htm

2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers

returned to the subject of information format management
introduced in the Five-Year Information Format Trends
report of 2003. The report examined the “unbundling of
content” from traditional containers (books, journals, CDs)
and distribution methods (postal mail, resource sharing).
As the boundaries blurred among content, technology and
the information consumer, the report showed how format
was beginning to matter less than the information within
the container. To access the report, visit the OCLC Web site
at: www.oclc.org/reports/2004format.htm

xvi Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information
Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability
Survey results indicate a high level of both use of and familiarity with a wide variety
96% of information resources. Ninety-six percent of respondents across all geographic
regions and demographics have visited a public library. Seventy-four percent of
have visited a respondents have used e-mail, and 72 percent have used an Internet search engine.
Thirty percent of all information consumers surveyed have used a library Web site.
public library.
Seventy-two percent of respondents hold a library card. Over 80 percent of U.S.
youth and young adults, respondents 14 to 24 years old, hold a library card—more
than any other U.S. age demographic. Thirty-three percent of respondents visit a
public library at least once a month; 73 percent visit at least once a year.

Respondents’ familiarity with electronic information resources varies widely.

Respondents are very familiar with e-mail, search engines and online news, but
are not familiar with Ask an Expert resources or RSS feeds. Twenty percent of

51% respondents are not aware of online libraries, and 30 percent have never heard
of online databases.

have used While most electronic information resources, from e-mail to online databases to
audiobooks, are used by a portion of all information consumers surveyed, frequency
instant of use is clearly dominated by three resources: e-mail, search engines and instant
messaging. messaging. Almost all respondents begin their searches for information with a
search engine.

Respondents generally choose electronic resources in the same ways they choose
other types of information resources. Sixty-one percent identify friends as their
top choice in identifying new electronic resources to use. Less than 15 percent of
respondents indicate that they discover new electronic resources from librarians
or teachers.

Favorability of information sources is similar to the data related to familiarity, with

30% search engines again dominating as the favored choice for all respondents. Eighty
percent of respondents said the search engine would be their first choice the next time
they need a source for information.
have never
heard of online Nearly one-third of respondents say their library use has decreased in the past three to
five years. Respondents expect their library use to remain fairly constant over the next
databases. three to five years.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-1

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

1.1 Library Use

Ninety-six percent of respondents have visited a public library in person.
Amount of
Seventy-two percent of the total respondents are registered
users of a library (e.g., have a library card). books/music
available
Public Library Usage–by Region of Respondent Use of computers
Total
Australia
Singapore United United
if needed
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States 57-year-old from the
Visited a public library in person 96% 97% 97% 97% 96% United Kingdom
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 815.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC,
2005, question 812a, “Please list two
The number of respondents who reported visiting a public library Web site was
positive associations with the library.”
lower and varied considerably by geographic region. Twenty-seven percent of total
respondents indicated that they had visited a public online library. This varied by
geographic region, from 42 percent of Canadian respondents to 9 percent of
respondents from the U.K.

Public Library Web Site Usage—by Region of Respondent

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Visited an online library (Web site) 27% 31% 42% 9% 27%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 815.

Seventy-two percent of respondents indicated that they are registered users of a

library. The response was consistent across all geographic regions except from the
U.K., where 59 percent of respondents hold a library card. College students are
more likely to have a library card than any other segment surveyed; 90 percent
indicated that they are registered users. U.S. 14- to 24-year-olds are more likely
to be registered users than those 25 and older, with over 80 percent indicating they
have a library card. Percent of Library Card
Holders—
by College Students
Percent of Library Card Holders—by Region of Respondent across all Regions
Australia College
Total Singapore Students
Respondents India Canada United Kingdom United States
72% 71% 71% 59% 75% 90%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 805. Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 805.

1-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Percent of Library Card Holders—by Age of U.S. Respondent

Total U.S.
Respondents U.S. 14-17 U.S. 18-24 U.S. 25-64 U.S. 65+
75% 83% 82% 74% 71%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 805.

Frequency of Library Use

Use of the public library (at least monthly) in the United States is
consistent across all age groups. College students use the public library
more frequently than the total respondents and frequently use more than
one type of library (i.e., public and academic).

The frequency with which respondents use a library varies by age and region. Sixty-
five percent of college students use their college/university library at least monthly,
with 14 percent using it daily. Forty percent of college students also use their public
library at least monthly.

I seldom have to buy

Frequency of Public Library Use—by Region of Respondent
books anymore— How frequently do you go to the following libraries?
almost anything I want [Only “public library” responses included below.]
is at the Library! Australia
Being able to Total
Respondents
Singapore
India Canada
United
Kingdom
United
States

reserve books Daily

Weekly
1%
13%
1%
21%
1%
15%
1%
9%
1%
12%
online is the Monthly
Several times/year
19%
24%
21%
25%
19%
24%
18%
24%
18%
24%
greatest!! At least once/year 16% 12% 17% 12% 18%
Not even once/year 27% 21% 23% 36% 27%
42-year-old from Canada
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 820.

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, “What is the first thing
you think of when you think of a Frequency of Public Library Use—by Age of U.S. Respondent
library?”
How frequently do you go to the following libraries?
[Only “public library” responses included below.]

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Daily 1% 3% 4% 1% 1%
Weekly 12% 12% 12% 12% 14%
Monthly 18% 19% 14% 18% 18%
Several times/year 24% 28% 22% 23% 26%
At least once/year 18% 28% 20% 17% 15%
Not even once/year 27% 10% 29% 29% 26%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 820.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-3

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Frequency of Library Use—

by College Students across all Regions
How frequently do you go to each of the following libraries?
College/University
Library Public Library
Daily 14% 1%
Weekly 34% 18%
Monthly 17% 21%
Several times/year 21% 25%
At least once/year 10% 14%
Not even once/year 6% 20%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 820.

Past and Future Library Use

Nearly one-third of respondents say their library use has decreased
in the past three to five years. Respondents expect their library
use to remain fairly constant. Past Library Use—
by College Students
The survey asked respondents if their usage increased or decreased in the last three across all Regions
to five years. Forty-four percent of total respondents report their library usage has
remained the same and 31 percent state that their usage decreased during that
time period. The reported past library usage is very similar across all geographic 44%
regions surveyed. 16%
40%
College students were more likely to indicate that their library usage has increased,
at 44 percent. U.S. respondents 65 and older were the U.S. age group most likely to
indicate a decrease in library usage, at 34 percent. Increased
About the same

Past Library Use—by Region of Respondent Decreased

How much has your personal library use changed over the Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
last three to five years? Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1220.
Australia
Total Singapore United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom United States
Past Usage
Increased 25% 27% 29% 24% 24%
About the same 44% 41% 46% 44% 45%
Decreased 31% 32% 26% 32% 31%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1220.

1-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Past Library Use—by Age of U.S. Respondent

How much has your personal library use changed over the
last three to five years?
I haven’t carried a Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
library card since I was Past Usage
in high school so I Increased 24% 35% 33% 21% 22%
About the same 45% 39% 44% 46% 44%
really don’t have a Decreased 31% 25% 23% 33% 34%
negative
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1220.
and do not
know anything Past Library Use—by Library Card Holders and
about this Non-Card Holders across all Regions
library online, How much has your personal library use changed over the
but would be most last three to five years?
interested in trying it. Library Non-Card
Total Respondents Card Holders Holders
59-year-old from Past Usage
the United States Increased 25% 30% 12%
About the same 44% 43% 48%
Decreased 31% 27% 39%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC,
2005, question 812b, “Please list two Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1220.
negative associations with the
library.”
Respondents also were asked to project the level of their anticipated future library
usage. Sixty-two percent of all respondents anticipate their usage in the next three
to five years will remain the same. The anticipated future library use is very similar
across all geographic regions surveyed.

U.S. 14- to 24-year-olds were more likely to anticipate increased library use in the
next three to five years than other U.S. age demographics. Forty-one percent of U.S.
14- to 17-year-olds and 31 percent of U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds anticipate increasing
their use of the library.

Throughout the geographic regions, 38 percent of college students surveyed

anticipate increased library usage.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-5

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Anticipated Future Library Use—by Region of Respondent

How do you anticipate your personal usage of the library
to change over the next three to five years?
Australia
Total Singapore United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom United States
Future Usage
Will increase 20% 20% 21% 14% 22%
Will stay the same 62% 59% 67% 61% 61%
Will decrease 18% 20% 12% 24% 18%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1225.

Anticipated Future Library Use—by Age of U.S. Respondent

How do you anticipate your personal usage of the library
to change over the next three to five years?
Total U.S.
Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+
Anticipated Future
Future Usage Library Use—
Will increase 22% 41% 31% 20% 15% by College Students
Will stay the same 61% 47% 47% 63% 68%
Will decrease 18% 12% 22% 17% 17%
across all Regions

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1225.
38%
12%
Anticipated Future Library Use—by Library Card Holders and 50%

Non-Card Holders across all Regions

How do you anticipate your personal usage of the library Will increase
to change over the next three to five years? Will stay the same
Will decrease
Library Non-Card
Total Respondents Card Holders Holders Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Future Usage question 1225.
Will increase 20% 24% 11%
Will stay the same 62% 61% 62%
Will decrease 18% 15% 27%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1225.

1-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

1.2 Familiarity with and Usage of Multiple

Information Sources
Respondents are familiar with search engines.
Over half of respondents are not familiar with online libraries.

The survey asked respondents to rate their familiarity with the following five
information sources: search engines, libraries, bookstores, online libraries and
online bookstores.

More than 60 percent of all respondents, regardless of geographic region, are

extremely familiar, very familiar or somewhat familiar with search engines. Just
1 percent of all respondents surveyed have never heard of search engines.

In the 12 years that search engines have been in existence, they have achieved
a familiarity rating that is slightly higher than that of physical libraries and
considerably higher than that of online libraries.
Make access to
Respondents have similar levels of familiarity with libraries and bookstores: over
the online 25 percent of all respondents are extremely familiar with both. Respondents have
search engines less familiarity with the online versions of the library and bookstore. Twenty percent
have never heard of online libraries. Across geographic regions surveyed, college
much easier. students were the most likely to state that they are extremely familiar with online
Much of the information libraries, at 20 percent. Thirteen percent of U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds indicated that
I look for does not have they are extremely familiar with online libraries.
enough of a description
to really decide whether Tables detailing usage of information sources by region, U.S. age and college students
it is good information, are included in Appendix A.
especially if I have to do
an interlibrary loan.
Familiarity Ratings for Information Sources—
Mostly the by Total Respondents
descriptions Please rate how familiar you are with the following sources/places
are too vague. where you can obtain information.
I do research for History, Extremely familiar
40%
and I find it hard to find Very familiar
‘primary’ resources—I 35% Somewhat familiar
Not very familiar
usually have to go online 30% Just know the name
for these. Never heard of
25%

46-year-old from Canada 20%

15%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, 10%
question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice to your library, 5%
what would it be?”
0%
Search Engines Library Online Library Bookstore Online Bookstore

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-7

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Familiarity Ratings for Information Sources—

by Region of Respondent advertise?
i have forgotten
Please rate how familiar you are with the following sources/places
where you can obtain information.
about librarys
since i left school
Australia
Total Singapore United United 30-year-old from Australia
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engines
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
Extremely familiar 36% 38% 37% 35% 35% and Information Resources, OCLC,
Very familiar 18% 19% 23% 19% 16% 2005, question 1240, “If you could
provide one piece of advice to your
Somewhat familiar 10% 8% 8% 10% 12% library, what would it be?”
Not very familiar 2% 1% 1% 2% 2%
Just know the name 1% 0% 1% 1% 2%
Never heard of 1% 0% 1% 1% 1%
Physical library
Extremely familiar 26% 27% 30% 18% 27%
Very familiar 20% 21% 24% 17% 20%
Somewhat familiar 13% 13% 12% 17% 13%
Not very familiar 5% 3% 4% 7% 6%
Just know the name 1% 1% 2% 3% 1%
Never heard of 5% 4% 4% 12% 4%
Physical bookstore
Extremely familiar 26% 24% 29% 21% 27%
Very familiar 21% 24% 23% 17% 20%
Somewhat familiar 13% 16% 14% 12% 12%
Not very familiar 5% 2% 2% 8% 5%
Just know the name 1% 1% 2% 3% 1%
Never heard of 6% 4% 4% 13% 6%
Online library
Extremely familiar 8% 8% 9% 3% 9%
Very familiar 9% 12% 14% 4% 8%
Somewhat familiar 16% 20% 21% 12% 15%
Not very familiar 21% 20% 22% 23% 20%
Just know the name 14% 11% 12% 17% 15%
Never heard of 20% 15% 11% 34% 21%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 15% 12% 15% 15% 16%
Very familiar 15% 16% 15% 12% 16%
Somewhat familiar 20% 25% 22% 21% 17%
Not very familiar 13% 15% 16% 12% 12%
Just know the name 10% 9% 9% 11% 10%
Never heard of 7% 6% 4% 12% 7%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

1-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Familiarity Ratings for Information Sources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please rate how familiar you are with the following sources/places
where you can obtain information.

Get a website Total U.S.

Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+
so that I can see Search engines
Extremely familiar 35% 34% 40% 38% 22%
what materials Very familiar 16% 12% 18% 15% 20%

are available in Somewhat familiar

Not very familiar
12%
2%
6%
1%
8%
1%
12%
2%
18%
6%
the library. Just know the name 2% 1% 1% 1% 4%
Never heard of 1% 6% 2% 1% 1%
51-year-old from the
Physical library
United States
Extremely familiar 27% 25% 26% 30% 20%
Very familiar 20% 16% 18% 21% 21%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
Somewhat familiar 13% 11% 23% 12% 11%
and Information Resources, OCLC,
2005, question 1240, “If you could Not very familiar 6% 3% 2% 6% 9%
provide one piece of advice to your Just know the name 1% 2% 0% 0% 3%
library, what would it be?”
Never heard of 4% 7% 2% 4% 8%
Physical bookstore
Extremely familiar 27% 22% 30% 29% 21%
Very familiar 20% 12% 17% 22% 19%
Somewhat familiar 12% 14% 12% 12% 12%
Not very familiar 5% 5% 8% 4% 11%
Just know the name 1% 4% 0% 1% 1%
Never heard of 6% 8% 6% 5% 9%
Online library
Extremely familiar 9% 8% 13% 8% 6%
Very familiar 8% 7% 7% 9% 7%
Somewhat familiar 15% 24% 23% 14% 11%
Not very familiar 20% 17% 15% 20% 26%
Just know the name 15% 11% 17% 15% 16%
Never heard of 21% 18% 13% 22% 26%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 16% 12% 18% 18% 10%
Very familiar 16% 13% 18% 17% 11%
Somewhat familiar 17% 22% 21% 16% 17%
Not very familiar 12% 16% 9% 11% 20%
Just know the name 10% 11% 10% 9% 15%
Never heard of 7% 8% 3% 7% 13%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-9

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Familiarity Ratings for Information Sources—

by College Students across all Regions
Please rate how familiar you are with the following sources/places
where you can obtain information.

Total
Respondents
College
Students
My Library is
Search engines half an hour’s
Extremely familiar 36% 45%
Very familiar 18% 17% car ride away.
Somewhat familiar 10% 10% It is small and therefor[e]
Not very familiar 2% 0%
more limited [than] the
Just know the name 1% 1%
main libraries. ALSO once
Never heard of 1% 0%
Physical library I get past the age when
Extremely familiar 26% 34% driving is a possibility—
Very familiar 20% 21% local transport is not
Somewhat familiar 13% 16% available to take me there.
Not very familiar 5% 1%
59-year-old from Australia
Just know the name 1% 1%
Never heard of 5% 0%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Physical bookstore Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Extremely familiar 26% 36% question 812b, “Please list two nega-
tive associations with the library.”
Very familiar 21% 20%
Somewhat familiar 13% 13%
Not very familiar 5% 4%
Just know the name 1% 1%
Never heard of 6% 2%
Online library
Extremely familiar 8% 20%
Very familiar 9% 15%
Somewhat familiar 16% 23%
Not very familiar 21% 12%
Just know the name 14% 9%
Never heard of 20% 4%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 15% 25%
Very familiar 15% 17%
Somewhat familiar 20% 23%
Not very familiar 13% 7%
Just know the name 10% 4%
Never heard of 7% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

1-10 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Awareness and Usage of

Electronic Resources
The majority of respondents have used e-mail, search engines
and instant messaging.

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of awareness and usage of 16

electronic resources.

• Search engines • Topic-specific Web sites

• Library Web sites • E-mail
• Online bookstores • Instant messaging/online chat
• Online news • E-mail information subscriptions
• Electronic magazines/journals • Ask an expert
• Audiobooks (downloadable/digital) • Online librarian question services
• Electronic books (digital) • RSS feeds
• Online databases • Blogs

Respondents show a wide familiarity with and usage of these electronic resources.
The use of e-mail and search engines are the highest among all resources across all
segments surveyed, but all electronic resources are used by at least 5 percent of
respondents.

College students are the most familiar with all the electronic resources and show a
substantially higher use of electronic magazines/journals, online databases and
electronic books.

Library Web site usage is also highest among college students, at 61 percent. Both
the U.S. 14- to-17-year-old and 18- to 24-year-old segments indicate high use of the
library Web site, at 44 percent each, but usage by other U.S. age groups is low.

Forty-seven percent of the total respondents have used an online bookstore. U.S. 14-
to 17-year-olds and U.S. respondents 65 and older report the lowest usage among
the U.S. age groups, at 41 percent. College students report the highest usage among
all segments surveyed, at 62 percent. Although respondents from Australia/
Singapore/India are aware of online bookstores, with 61 percent at least somewhat
familiar, their usage at 36 percent is the lowest among the geographic regions
surveyed.

We have included tables detailing usage of all 16 electronic resources and familiarity
of the top four electronic resources by region, U.S. age and college students. Tables
detailing familiarity with all 16 electronic resources by region and U.S. age are
included in Appendix A.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-11

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Usage of Electronic Resources—

by Total Respondents
Please indicate if you have used the following
electronic information sources, even if you have used them only once.
E-mail 74%
Search engine 72%
Instant messaging 51%
Online news 50%
Online bookstore 47%
1- A wealth of
E-mail information subscriptions 46%
Topic-specific Web site 41%
information
Library Web site 30% 2- The availabilty
Electronic magazines/journals 28%
Online database 16% of computers at
Blogs 16%
the library
Electronic books (digital) 15%
Ask an expert 14% 62-year-old from the
Audiobooks 10% United States
Online librarian question service 6%
RSS feeds 5%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% and Information Resources, OCLC,
2005, question 812a, “Please list
two positive associations with the
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.
library.”

Usage of Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent
Please indicate if you have used the following
electronic information sources, even if you have used them only once.
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
E-mail 74% 74% 74% 70% 74%
Search engine 72% 74% 73% 70% 71%
Instant messaging/online chat 51% 50% 58% 37% 53%
Online news 50% 51% 56% 39% 51%
Online bookstore 47% 36% 42% 48% 52%
E-mail information subscriptions 46% 47% 48% 36% 47%
Topic-specific Web sites 41% 33% 36% 17% 50%
Library Web site 30% 30% 37% 17% 31%
Electronic magazines/journals 28% 36% 36% 23% 25%
Blogs 16% 15% 15% 7% 19%
Online database 16% 21% 17% 9% 16%
Electronic books (digital) 15% 22% 17% 14% 13%
Ask an expert 14% 12% 13% 13% 15%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital) 10% 18% 7% 10% 9%
Online librarian question service 6% 10% 6% 4% 5%
RSS feeds 5% 7% 6% 4% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

1-12 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Usage of Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please indicate if you have used the following
electronic information sources, even if you have used them only once.
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
E-mail 74% 81% 82% 73% 69%
Search engine 71% 81% 78% 71% 59%
Dewey system can be Instant messaging/online chat 53% 75% 69% 52% 34%
hard to navigate. Also Online news 51% 57% 59% 51% 41%
Online bookstore 52% 41% 57% 54% 41%
the internet E-mail information subscriptions 47% 57% 48% 48% 37%
Topic-specific Web sites 50% 40% 48% 54% 39%
has now put Library Web site 31% 44% 44% 29% 23%
Electronic magazines/journals 25% 35% 34% 24% 17%
all the Blogs 19% 39% 24% 18% 11%
Online database 16% 18% 24% 17% 9%
librarys of Electronic books (digital) 13% 18% 17% 13% 7%
Ask an expert 15% 22% 12% 16% 8%
the world Audiobooks (downloadable/digital) 9% 14% 9% 9% 6%
Online librarian question service 5% 10% 7% 4% 5%
[at] your RSS feeds 5% 7% 8% 4% 2%

fingertips Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

71-year-old from the

United States
Usage of Electronic Resources—
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
by College Students across all Regions
and Information Resources, OCLC, Usage of Electronic Information Categories—by College Students across all Regions
2005, question 812b, “Please list Please indicate if you have used the following
two negative associations with the electronic information sources, even if you have used them only once.
library.”
Total College
Respondents Students
E-mail 74% 83%
Search engine 72% 82%
Instant messaging/online chat 51% 69%
Online news 50% 64%
Online bookstore 47% 62%
E-mail information subscriptions 46% 51%
Topic-specific Web sites 41% 50%
Library Web site 30% 61%
Electronic magazines/journals 28% 58%
Blogs 16% 29%
Online database 16% 34%
Electronic books (digital) 15% 31%
Ask-an-expert 14% 21%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital) 10% 16%
Online librarian question service 6% 8%
RSS feeds 5% 7%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-13

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Familiarity of the Top Four Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the
following electronic information sources.

Note: This table includes the top four electronic resources based on survey responses.
Detailed data for all 16 electronic resources are included in Appendix A. Respondents were not required to
respond, so the totals for each resource do not equal 100 percent.

Total
Respondents
Australia
Singapore
India Canada
United
Kingdom
United
States
It is tedious
E-mail
Extremely familiar 48% 51% 53% 45% 47%
to go to
Very familiar
Somewhat familiar
10%
3%
8%
1%
9%
2%
12%
3%
10%
3%
library,
Not very familiar
Just know the name
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1%
0%
it is easy to
Never heard of
Search engine
0% 0% 1% 1% 0%
trace the
Extremely familiar
Very familiar
42%
13%
46%
10%
46%
12%
41%
12%
40%
14%
information
Somewhat familiar
Not very familiar
6%
1%
4%
0%
5%
1%
7%
1%
7%
2%
on internet.
Just know the name 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 54-year-old from India
Never heard of 1% 0% 1% 1% 1%
Instant messaging/online chat
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Extremely familiar 26% 26% 33% 21% 25% Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Very familiar 13% 13% 15% 11% 13% question 810, “What do you feel is
Somewhat familiar 15% 16% 11% 16% 15% the main purpose of the library?”

Not very familiar 10% 9% 7% 12% 10%

Just know the name 9% 6% 9% 14% 8%
Never heard of 2% 3% 1% 5% 2%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 21% 17% 20% 22% 23%
Very familiar 19% 19% 19% 15% 20%
Somewhat familiar 17% 25% 21% 15% 14%
Not very familiar 8% 8% 10% 8% 7%
Just know the name 9% 8% 10% 11% 8%
Never heard of 3% 5% 6% 4% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

1-14 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Familiarity of the Top Four Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following
electronic information sources.

Note: This table includes the top four electronic resources based on survey responses.
Detailed data for all 16 electronic resources are included in Appendix A. Respondents were not required to
respond, so the totals for each resource do not equal 100 percent.

Free audio E-mail

Total U.S.
Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+

books Extremely familiar

Very familiar
47%
10%
41%
5%
49%
6%
49%
10%
42%
16%

free DVDs Somewhat familiar

Not very familiar
3%
1%
4%
0%
2%
1%
3%
1%
2%
0%
68-year-old from the Just know the name 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
United States Never heard of 0% 4% 0% 0% 0%
Search engine
Extremely familiar 40% 37% 51% 41% 27%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Very familiar 14% 6% 7% 14% 20%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 812a, “Please list two Somewhat familiar 7% 3% 3% 7% 14%
positive associations with the Not very familiar 2% 1% 1% 2% 4%
library.”
Just know the name 1% 1% 1% 0% 2%
Never heard of 1% 5% 0% 0% 2%
Instant messaging/online chat
Extremely familiar 25% 34% 40% 24% 13%
Very familiar 13% 7% 14% 14% 10%
Somewhat familiar 15% 7% 8% 16% 23%
Not very familiar 10% 1% 3% 12% 13%
Just know the name 8% 2% 0% 7% 21%
Never heard of 2% 6% 2% 1% 3%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 23% 22% 33% 23% 15%
Very familiar 20% 17% 18% 22% 18%
Somewhat familiar 14% 18% 13% 13% 17%
Not very familiar 7% 7% 3% 8% 8%
Just know the name 8% 7% 7% 6% 17%
Never heard of 2% 9% 2% 1% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-15

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Familiarity of the Top Four Electronic Resources—

by College Students across all Regions
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following
electronic information sources.

Note: This table includes the top four electronic resources based on survey responses.
Detailed data for all 16 electronic resources are included in Appendix A. Respondents were not
required to respond, so the totals for each resource do not equal 100 percent.

Total College
Respondents Students
E-mail
Extremely familiar 48% 56%
Very familiar 10% 6%
Somewhat familiar 3% 1%
Not very familiar 1% 0%
Just know the name 0% 0%
Never heard of 0% 0%
Search engine
Extremely familiar 42% 53%
Very familiar 13% 9%
Somewhat familiar 6% 1%
Not very familiar 1% 0%
Just know the name 1% 0%
Never heard of 1% 0%
Instant messaging/online chat
Extremely familiar 26% 42%
Very familiar 13% 14%
Somewhat familiar 15% 8%
Not very familiar 10% 2%
Just know the name 9% 1%
Never heard of 2% 3%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 21% 29%
Very familiar 19% 22%
Somewhat familiar 17% 14%
Not very familiar 8% 3%
Just know the name 9% 3%
Never heard of 3% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

1-16 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Starting an Information Search

Respondents use search engines to begin information searches.

The survey asked respondents to indicate, from a list of the same 16 electronic
resources, the electronic resource they typically use to begin an information search.
The survey findings indicate that 84 percent of information searches begin with a
search engine. Library Web sites were selected by just 1 percent of respondents as
the source used to begin an information search. Very little variability in preference
exists across geographic regions or U.S. age groups. Two percent of college students
start their search at a library Web site.

Where Electronic Where Electronic Information Searches Begin—

Information by Total Respondents
Searches Begin—
Where do you typically begin your search for information on a particular topic?
by College Students
across all Regions
Search engine 84%

E-mail 6%

Topic-specific Web sites 2%

E-mail information subscriptions 2%

Online news 2%

Search Engine: 89% Instant messaging/online chat 1%

Library Web site: 2% Online bookstore 1%

Online database: 2% Online database 1%

E-mail: 1%
Library Web site 1%
Topic-specific
Web sites: 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

E-mail information
subscriptions: 1% Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 520.
Online news: 1%

Online bookstore: 1% Tables detailing where electronic information searches begin by region, U.S. age,
Instant messaging/ college students and library card holders are included in Appendix A.
Online chat: 0%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 520.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-17

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Search Engine Used Most Recently

The majority of respondents used Google.com
for their most recent information search.

Respondents who indicated that they use search engines were asked to identify the Fun to search for
search engine used in their most recent search. Respondents were asked to select
from a list of 21 brand-specific search engines. Google was used most frequently by information
62 percent of all respondents. Yahoo! ranked second at 18 percent, followed by MSN 23-year-old from the
Search at 7 percent and Ask Jeeves at 3 percent. Google was the dominant choice United States
across all geographic regions and U.S. age groups.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Search Engine Used Most Recently— Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,

question 812a, “Please list two positive

by Total Respondents associations with the library.”

Earlier you stated you typically begin your search for information using search
engines. Which search engine did you use for your most recent search?
Base: Respondents who begin their search using a search engine, question 520.

Google.com 62%

Yahoo.com 18%

MSN Search 7%

Ask Jeeves.com 3%

AOL Search 2%

Dogpile.com 1%

Netscape Search 1%

AltaVista.com 1%

Excite.com 1%

iWon.com 1%

Lycos.com 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 645.

Search Engine Used Most Recently (Top Five)—

by Region of Respondent
Earlier you stated you typically begin your search for information using search
engines. Which search engine did you use for your most recent search?
Base: Respondents who begin their search using a search engine, question 520.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Google.com 62% 64% 71% 66% 59%
Yahoo.com 18% 19% 13% 13% 21%
MSN Search 7% 6% 7% 6% 7%
Ask Jeeves.com 3% 1% 1% 6% 3%
AOL Search 2% 0% 0% 3% 3%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 645.

1-18 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Search Engine Used Most Recently (Top Five)—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Earlier you stated you typically begin your search for information using search
Make a way to
engines. Which search engine did you use for your most recent search?
search through all Base: Respondents who begin their search using a search engine, question 520.
of the databases
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

with one Google.com

Respondents
59%
14-17
63%
18-24
69%
25-64
57%
65+
55%
Yahoo.com 21% 22% 24% 20% 20%
search MSN Search
Ask Jeeves.com
7%
3%
4%
5%
3%
2%
9%
2%
5%
3%

engine, AOL Search 3% 2% 1% 3% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 645.
instead of having
to search each
database
individually. 1.3 How Respondents Learn about
21-year-old from the
United States
New Information Resources
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Other than search engines, most respondents
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, learn about new electronic information resources from friends.
question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice to your library, Eight percent of respondents indicate they use librarians.
what would it be?”

When search engines are excluded as a referral tool, most respondents indicate
they learn about new electronic information sources by word of mouth from friends,
relatives or colleagues. Sixty-one percent of all respondents learn about electronic
information sources from friends, followed closely by links from electronic informa-
tion sources or Web sites. The top four mentions include:

• Friend: 61 percent
• Links from electronic information sources or Web sites: 59 percent
• News media: 52 percent
• Promotions/advertising: 39 percent
Fifteen percent of respondents learn about new electronic information sources by
referencing the library Web site. Reference from a library Web site rated the highest
among college students (36 percent). Twenty percent of library card holders surveyed
rely on references from a library Web site to identify new electronic information
sources, while only 3 percent of non-card holders rely on library Web sites.

The librarian was ranked lowest, at 8 percent, as a source of information about

electronic resources for the total respondents. Usage of the librarian among college
students throughout the geographic regions surveyed was the highest among all
segments surveyed, at 33 percent.

Tables detailing where respondents learn about information sources by region, U.S.
age, college students and library card holders are included in Appendix A.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-19

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Learning about Electronic Information Sources—

by Total Respondents
Other than search engines, how do you learn about
electronic information sources? (Select all that apply.)

Friend 61%
Links from electronic information 59%
sources or Web sites
News media 52%

Promotions/advertising 39%
Online news 38%

Relative 37%
Coworker/professional colleague

Instant messaging/online chat

35%

22%
Not always
Reference from a library Web site

Teacher
15%

11%
open when
Blogs

Librarian
9%

8%
you want.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Harder to search for
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 605.
what you want, than
using a search
engine on line.
Learning about Electronic Information Sources— 60-year-old from Canada

by College Students across all Regions

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Other than search engines, how do you learn Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 812b, “Please list two nega-
about electronic information sources? (Select all that apply) tive associations with the library.”

Total College
Respondents Students
Friend 61% 67%
Links from electronic information sources or Web sites 59% 61%
News media 52% 44%
Promotions/advertising 39% 26%
Online news 38% 42%
Relative 37% 26%
Coworker/professional colleague 35% 37%
Instant messaging/online chat 22% 26%
Reference from a library Web site 15% 36%
Teacher 11% 50%
Blogs 9% 13%
Librarian 8% 33%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 605.

1-20 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

1.4 Impressions of Information Sources

The majority of respondents view search engines
very favorably as a source for information.
Libraries and bookstores are viewed favorably.

Search engines have the highest favorability ratings of the five information sources
evaluated. The search engine is viewed as very favorable or favorable by 88 percent
of all respondents. The library is viewed as very favorable or favorable by 79 percent.
Fifty-seven percent of the U.S. respondents 65 and older gave a very favorable rating
for the library—significantly higher than any other U.S. age segment.

Both the online bookstore and online library received neutral ratings, with 35 and 46
percent respectively of respondents expressing neither favorable nor unfavorable ratings.

Favorable Ratings for Information Sources—

by Total Respondents
Based on your overall impressions, please indicate how you would rate each
source/place with respect to the information available. Even if you haven’t used
one or more of the sources/places, rate each one based on what you have seen,
read or heard about them.

Very favorable
60% Somewhat favorable
Neither favorable nor unfavorable
Not very favorable
50%
Not at all favorable

40%

30%

20%

10%

0
Search engines Library Online library Bookstore Online bookstore

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1315.

Nearly half or more of the U.S., Canadian and Australian/Singaporean/Indian

respondents have at least a favorable (either very favorable or favorable) opinion
of the online library. Sixty-six percent of the college students stated that they have
at least a favorable view of the online library. Conversely, 22 percent of the U.S.
respondents age 14 to 17 reported an unfavorable (not very favorable or not at all
favorable) view of the online library, the highest of any age segment. Fifty-two
percent of library card holders have at least a favorable view of the online library,
as compared to 33 percent of non-card holders.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-21

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Favorable Ratings for Information Sources—

by Region of Respondent
Based on your overall impressions, please indicate how you would rate each
source/place with respect to the information available. Even if you haven’t used
one or more of the sources/places, rate each one based on what you have seen,
read or heard about them.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engines
Very favorable 56% 62% 55% 56% 55%
Somewhat favorable 32% 32% 34% 34% 31%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 9% 5% 9% 8% 11%
Not very favorable 1% 0% 1% 1% 2%
Not at all favorable 0% 0% 1% 1% 0%
Physical library
Very favorable 44% 44% 43% 30% 47%
Somewhat favorable 35% 40% 38% 34% 33%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 16% 12% 16% 27% 15%
Not very favorable 4% 3% 3% 6% 4%
Not at all favorable 1% 1% 0% 4% 1%
Physical bookstore
Very favorable 38% 35% 39% 32% 40%
Somewhat favorable 39% 45% 41% 37% 38%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 19% 16% 18% 27% 18%
Not very favorable 2% 3% 1% 3% 2%
Not at all favorable 1% 1% 2% 2% 1%
Online library I despise searching
Very favorable 17% 21% 16% 9% 19%
Somewhat favorable 29% 37% 36% 21% 27%
the library for books
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 46% 36% 42% 61% 47% and other sources.
Not very favorable 4% 4% 3% 4% 5%
Not at all favorable
Online bookstore
3% 2% 3% 5% 2%
It takes a
Very favorable 25% 23% 20% 20% 29%
Somewhat favorable
Neither favorable nor unfavorable
33%
35%
35%
35%
36%
36%
33%
39%
31%
34%
long time
Not very favorable 5% 5% 4% 4% 5% and rarely can you find
Not at all favorable 2% 2% 4% 3% 2% sources needed. This
difficult process is the
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1315.
first thing I think of
when I think of using
the library.
18-year-old from Canada

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, “What is the first thing
you think of when you think of a
library?”

1-22 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Favorable Ratings for Information Sources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Based on your overall impressions, please indicate how you would rate each
source/place with respect to the information available. Even if you haven’t used
one or more of the sources/places, rate each one based on what you have seen,
read or heard about them.

Happiness... Total U.S.

Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+
Search engines
I love the library! Very favorable 55% 53% 49% 57% 51%
Somewhat favorable 31% 25% 33% 32% 32%

All that Neither favorable nor unfavorable

Not very favorable
11%
2%
16%
0%
17%
1%
9%
2%
14%
3%

knowledge in Not at all favorable

Physical library
0% 6% 0% 0% 0%

one place. Very favorable

Somewhat favorable
47%
33%
37%
30%
37%
40%
47%
34%
57%
25%
27-year-old from the Neither favorable nor unfavorable 15% 22% 18% 14% 15%
United States Not very favorable 4% 4% 5% 4% 2%
Not at all favorable 1% 7% 1% 0% 0%
Physical bookstore
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Very favorable 40% 32% 37% 42% 39%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, “What is the first thing Somewhat favorable 38% 34% 40% 39% 37%
you think of when you think of a Neither favorable nor unfavorable 18% 25% 18% 17% 19%
library?”
Not very favorable 2% 3% 3% 2% 3%
Not at all favorable 1% 7% 3% 1% 2%
Online library
Very favorable 19% 14% 15% 21% 18%
Somewhat favorable 27% 19% 35% 28% 18%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 47% 45% 35% 47% 57%
Not very favorable 5% 12% 10% 4% 4%
Not at all favorable 2% 10% 5% 0% 3%
Online bookstore
Very favorable 29% 16% 22% 33% 21%
Somewhat favorable 31% 23% 36% 31% 30%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 34% 36% 29% 32% 43%
Not very favorable 5% 14% 9% 4% 4%
Not at all favorable 2% 11% 3% 0% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1315.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-23

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Favorable Ratings for Information Sources—

by College Students across all Regions
Based on your overall impressions, please indicate how you would rate each
source/place with respect to the information available. Even if you haven’t used
one or more of the sources/places, rate each one based on what you have seen,
read or heard about them.

Total College Favorable Ratings

Respondents Students
Search engines
for Online Library —
Very favorable 56% 52% by College Students
Somewhat favorable 32% 40% across all Regions
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 9% 7%
Not very favorable 1% 1%
Not at all favorable 0% 0%
Physical library 39%
27%
Very favorable 44% 47%
Somewhat favorable 35% 38% 26%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 16% 11% 2%
5%
Not very favorable 4% 3%
Not at all favorable 1% 0% Very favorable
Physical bookstore
Very favorable 38% 43% Somewhat favorable
Somewhat favorable 39% 41% Neither favorable
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 19% 14% nor unfavorable
Not very favorable 2% 2% Not very favorable
Not at all favorable 1% 0%
Online library
Not at all favorable
Very favorable 17% 27%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Somewhat favorable 29% 39%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 46% 26% question 1315.
Not very favorable 4% 5%
Not at all favorable 3% 2%
Online bookstore
Very favorable 25% 27%
Somewhat favorable 33% 45%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 35% 22%
Not very favorable 5% 6%
Not at all favorable 2% 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1315.

1-24 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Favorable Ratings for Information Sources—

by Library Card Holders and Non-Card Holders across All Regions

Based on your overall impressions, please indicate how you would rate each
source/place with respect to the information available. Even if you haven’t used
one or more of the sources/places, rate each one based on what you have seen,
read or heard about them.
Total Library Non-Card
Respondents Card Holders Holders
Search engines
Very favorable 56% 58% 52%
Somewhat favorable 32% 32% 33%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 9% 9% 11%
Not very favorable 1% 1% 2%
Not at all favorable 0% 0% 1%
Physical library
Very favorable 44% 51% 24%
Somewhat favorable 35% 33% 40%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 16% 12% 28%
Not very favorable 4% 3% 6%
Not at all favorable 1% 1% 2%
Physical bookstore
Very favorable 38% 42% 27%
Somewhat favorable 39% 37% 46%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 19% 17% 22%

please
Not very favorable 2% 2% 3%
Not at all favorable 1% 1% 2%
Online library
Very favorable 17% 21% 9%
let us study Somewhat favorable
Neither favorable nor unfavorable
29%
46%
31%
42%
24%
56%
there longer!!! Not very favorable
Not at all favorable
4%
3%
4%
2%
6%
4%
20-year-old from Singapore Online bookstore
Very favorable 25% 29% 16%
Somewhat favorable 33% 33% 31%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Neither favorable nor unfavorable 35% 31% 45%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide Not very favorable 5% 5% 6%
one piece of advice to your library, Not at all favorable 2% 2% 3%
what would it be?”

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1315.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-25

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Information Sources Considered

Search engines are the most often used information source.
They are also the information source most likely to be used the next time
respondents need information.

Survey respondents were asked what information sources they will consider the next
time they need information. Ninety-one percent of respondents selected search
engines as an information source they would consider, while 55 percent selected the
bricks-and-mortar library and 42 percent selected the online library.

Search engines again are ranked as the “first choice” for information by 80 percent
of all respondents. The library ranks a distant second with 11 percent and the online
library third at 6 percent.

Information Sources Considered and First Choice— First Choice for

by Total Respondents Information Source—
by College Students
Next time you need a source/place for information, which source or sources would
across all Regions
you consider? Select all that apply.
And, which source/place would be your first choice?
72%
Sources Considered % First Choice… %
Search engines 91% Search engines 80%
10% 14%
Library (physical) 55% Library (physical) 11% 2%
2%
Online library 42% Online library 6%
Search engines
Bookstore (physical) 37% Bookstore (physical) 2%
Online bookstore 30% Online bookstore 2% Library (physical)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 1325 and 1335.
Online library

Bookstore (physical)
Tables detailing information by region, U.S. age, college students and library card Online bookstore
holder status are included in the tables in Appendix A.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1335.

1-26 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Finding Worthwhile Information

Ninety-three percent of respondents at least agree
Google provides worthwhile information.

Seventy-eight percent at least agree

library Web sites provide worthwhile information.

Respondents were asked to rate the information from the following brands:
93% •
•
About.com
AllTheWeb.com
•
•
HotBot.com
iW0n.com
agree Google • AltaVista.com • Library Web sites
provides • AOL Search • LookSmart.com
• Ask an expert (e.g., Homework Helper) • Lycos.com
worthwhile • Ask Jeeves.com • MSN Search
information. • Clusty.com • Netscape Search
• Dogpile.com • Online librarian question services
• Excite.com (Ask a librarian)
• Gigablast.com • Teoma.com
• Google.com • Yahoo.com

78% Respondents who indicated any usage of the 21 brands were asked to rate the
degree to which they agree or disagree that each brand they have used provides
worthwhile information. Google, Yahoo!, MSN Search and Ask Jeeves top the list of
agree library brands providing worthwhile information.
Web sites
Respondents who have used Google rate it highest, with 55 percent indicating that
provide they completely agree that Google provides worthwhile information. Yahoo! and
worthwhile the library Web site are closely rated by the respondents who use those brands, at
34 percent and 33 percent respectively. MSN Search and Ask Jeeves round out the
information. top five brands information consumers report to provide worthwhile information.

Forty-five percent of the college students across all regions completely agree that library
Web sites provide worthwhile information, more so than any other segment in the study.

Significant variation in views about library Web sites was apparent across U.S. age
groups. U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds are the least likely to completely agree that the

85% library Web site provides worthwhile information compared to other U.S. age groups
(20 percent). U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds and those over 65 are the most likely to
completely agree that the library Web site provides worthwhile information among
agree Yahoo! the U.S. age groups (over 40 percent).
provides Tables detailing worthwhile information, familiarity and usage for the 21 information
worthwhile brands by region are included in Appendix A.
information.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-27

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Five Highest-Rated Information Brands with

Worthwhile Information—by Total Respondents
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic
information source provides worthwhile information.
Base: Respondents who indicated usage of any of the list of 21 information brands.

Completely agree
Agree
60% Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
50% Completely disagree

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
Ask Jeeves Google Library Web site MSN Search Yahoo!

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670.

Five Highest-Ranked Information Brands with

Worthwhile Information—by Total Respondents
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic
information source provides worthwhile information.
Base: Respondents who indicated usage of any of the list of 21 information brands.

Ask Library MSN Aim to become the

Jeeves Google Website Search Yahoo!
Completely agree
Agree
25%
53%
55%
38%
33%
45%
29%
52%
34%
51%
one-stop-
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
16%
3%
6%
0%
19%
3%
15%
3%
12%
1% shopping,
Completely disagree 1% 1% 0% 1% 1%
authoritative and
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670. trustworthy source
for infomation i.e
the mother of all
search engines.
59-year-old from Canada

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice to your library,
what would it be?”

1-28 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Five Highest-Rated Information Brands with

Worthwhile Information—
by Age of U.S. Respondents who “Completely Agree”
Improve Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic
the web information source provides worthwhile information.
(Only “Completely Agree” responses are graphed below.)

site more— Base: Respondents who indicated usage of any of the list of 21 information brands.

I like the catalog, but if it U.S. total respondents

U.S. 14-17
could reference some sort of 60% U.S. 18-24
rating system it would be 54%
U.S. 25-64
even better—I was looking at 50% U.S. 65+
a new author today who has
many books, and I had to go 40%
34% 35%
to an internet computer,
27%
check on Amazon and see 30%
25%
which books were most
20%
highly recommended, and
go back to the catalog to see
10%
if they were available.
15-year-old from the 0%
Ask Jeeves Google Library Web site MSN Search Yahoo!
United States
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide one
piece of advice to your library, what Worthwhile Information from the Library Web site—
would it be?”
All Respondents who “Completely Agree”
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic
information source provides worthwhile information.
(Only “Completely Agree” responses are graphed below.)
Base: Respondents who indicated usage of the library Web site from a list of
21 information brands.

Total Respondents 33%

College Students 45%

Australia/ 33%
Singapore/India
Canada 29%
United Kingdom 29%
United States 34%

U.S. 14-17 20%

U.S. 18-24 43%
U.S. 25-64 32%
U.S. 65+ 43%

Library Card Holders 34%

Non-Card Holders 17%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-29

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Library Electronic Resources

Respondents who use the library agree that electronic library
information resources are worthwhile.

Respondents who use the library’s electronic information sources are in general Doing an
consensus that the library sources provide worthwhile information. The online
library catalog, online reference materials, the library Web site and electronic
magazines/journals rate highly as resources providing worthwhile information.
online
Although usage of many of the library electronic resources is relatively low,
search
respondents indicated that the information provided was worthwhile. While only and request for
6 percent of respondents have used an online librarian question service, 71 percent material from the
agree (completely agree or agree) this service provides worthwhile information.
comfort of my home
Again, college students had higher ratings than the overall group. 33-year-old from Canada

• Seventy-two percent of college students completely agree or agree that online Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
databases provide worthwhile information. Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, "What is the first thing
• Eighty-five percent of college students completely agree or agree that electronic you think of when you think of a
library."
magazines/journals provide worthwhile information. Roughly three-quarters of
respondents from all geographic regions indicate they completely agree or agree.

1-30 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Worthwhile Information from the Library’s Resources—

by Region of Respondent
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each
electronic information source available through your primary library
provides worthwhile information.
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Online library catalog
Completely agree 39% 32% 39% 31% 43%
Agree 43% 50% 44% 50% 40%
Neither agree nor disagree 14% 15% 12% 16% 14%
Disagree 1% 1% 2% 2% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 2% 3% 1% 2%
Online reference materials
Completely agree 34% 28% 40% 21% 36%
Agree 45% 55% 43% 53% 42%
Neither agree nor disagree 19% 17% 14% 22% 21%
Disagree 1% 0% 3% 2% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 1% 0% 2% 1%
Online librarian question service
Completely agree 32% 29% 31% 22% 35%
Agree 39% 41% 36% 42% 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 26% 29% 25% 32% 24%
Disagree 2% 1% 6% 1% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 1% 3% 3% 1%
Library Web site
Completely agree 31% 23% 30% 25% 34%
Agree 46% 52% 50% 52% 43%
Neither agree nor disagree 19% 21% 16% 20% 19%
Disagree 1% 2% 3% 1% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 2% 1% 2% 2%
Online databases
Completely agree 28% 26% 24% 15% 31%
Agree 43% 48% 47% 55% 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 27% 25% 22% 27% 28%
Disagree 2% 0% 6% 3% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 0% 1% 0% 1%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
Completely agree 22% 13% 23% 18% 26%
Agree 43% 52% 38% 40% 41%
Neither agree nor disagree 33% 32% 34% 40% 31%
Disagree 2% 2% 4% 0% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 2% 0% 2% 1%
Electronic magazines/journals
Completely agree 28% 27% 32% 33% 26%
Agree 48% 55% 50% 45% 46%
Neither agree nor disagree 22% 16% 13% 21% 26%
Disagree 1% 0% 3% 1% 0%
Completely disagree 2% 1% 1% 1% 2%
Electronic books (digital)
Completely agree 20% 18% 26% 21% 18%
Agree 47% 53% 37% 44% 49%
Neither agree nor disagree 29% 26% 26% 34% 30%
Disagree 2% 1% 9% 0% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 2% 1% 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 870.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-31

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Worthwhile Information from the Library’s Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each
electronic information source available through your primary library
provides worthwhile information.

I love
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Online library catalog
Completely agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
43%
40%
14%
29%
40%
24%
33%
41%
24%
50%
38%
10%
33%
52%
12%
audio
Disagree
Completely disagree
Online reference materials
1%
2%
2%
5%
1%
1%
0%
1%
0%
2% books,
Completely agree 36% 23% 27% 44% 22%
Agree 42% 39% 40% 41% 52% they are a great
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
21%
1%
29%
5%
31%
1%
16%
0%
24%
0%
resource for
Completely disagree
Online librarian question service
1% 3% 1% 0% 2%
new moms.
Completely agree 35% 15% 11% 47% 25% 23-year-old from the
Agree 39% 44% 45% 34% 53%
United States
Neither agree nor disagree 24% 33% 39% 19% 21%
Disagree 1% 1% 3% 0% 0%
Completely disagree 1% 7% 2% 0% 1% Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Library Web site Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Completely agree 34% 17% 26% 39% 31% question 1240, “If you could provide
Agree 43% 36% 44% 43% 52% one piece of advice to your library, what
would it be?”
Neither agree nor disagree 19% 41% 28% 15% 11%
Disagree 1% 3% 1% 1% 3%
Completely disagree 2% 3% 1% 2% 2%
Online databases
Completely agree 31% 18% 22% 38% 16%
Agree 39% 31% 37% 40% 43%
Neither agree nor disagree 28% 39% 39% 22% 39%
Disagree 1% 5% 0% 0% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 7% 1% 0% 1%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
Completely agree 26% 13% 8% 35% 11%
Agree 41% 21% 38% 41% 64%
Neither agree nor disagree 31% 54% 51% 24% 22%
Disagree 1% 4% 1% 0% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 8% 2% 0% 2%
Electronic magazines/journals
Completely agree 26% 17% 22% 28% 28%
Agree 46% 37% 43% 48% 48%
Neither agree nor disagree 26% 35% 33% 22% 21%
Disagree 0% 3% 0% 0% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 9% 1% 1% 2%
Electronic books (digital)
Completely agree 18% 7% 12% 23% 18%
Agree 49% 34% 36% 59% 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 30% 38% 51% 18% 41%
Disagree 1% 9% 0% 0% 0%
Completely disagree 2% 11% 1% 0% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 870.

1-32 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

Worthwhile Information from the Library’s Resources—

by College Students across all Regions
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each
electronic information source available through your primary library
provides worthwhile information.

Worthwhile Information Total College

Respondents students
for Electronic Online library catalog
Magazines/Journals— Completely agree 39% 44%
Agree 43% 39%
by College Students Neither agree nor disagree 14% 15%
across all Regions Disagree
Completely disagree
1%
2%
2%
0%
Online reference materials
Completely agree 34% 38%
40% Agree 45% 43%
45% Neither agree nor disagree 19% 18%
15% Disagree 1% 0%
Completely disagree 1% 0%
Online librarian question service
Completely agree 32% 32%
Completely agree Agree 39% 32%
Neither agree nor disagree 26% 36%
Agree Disagree 2% 0%
Neither agree Completely disagree 2% 0%
nor disagree Library Web site
Completely agree 31% 38%
Disagree: 0% Agree 46% 41%
Completely Neither agree nor disagree 19% 20%
disagree: 0% Disagree 1% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 0%
Online databases
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Completely agree 28% 36%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, Agree 43% 36%
question 870. Neither agree nor disagree 27% 29%
Disagree 2% 0%
Completely disagree 1% 0%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
Completely agree 22% 24%
Agree 43% 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 33% 38%
Disagree 2% 0%
Completely disagree 1% 0%
Electronic magazines/journals
Completely agree 28% 40%
Agree 48% 45%
Neither agree nor disagree 22% 15%
Disagree 1% 0%
Completely disagree 2% 0%
Electronic books (digital)
Completely agree 20% 20%
Agree 47% 41%
Neither agree nor disagree 29% 37%
Disagree 2% 1%
Completely disagree 2% 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 870.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 1-33

Part 1: Libraries and Information Sources—Use, Familiarity and Favorability

1-34 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—
In Person and Online
In Part 1, we reviewed survey findings related to respondents’ frequency of use,
Borrowing familiarity and favorability toward a wide range of information sources, including
the physical and online library.
print books
In Part 2, we review responses to questions that probe further for respondents’
is the top use habits with regard to activities pursued at the library and through the online
library activity library. In particular, respondents were asked about their levels of familiarity and
satisfaction with library-provided electronic information resources and where they
for information seek help when they need assistance using library information resources. Finally,
consumers. we review responses related to the evaluation of search engines and libraries against
a set of performance attributes.

41% 2.1 Activities at the Library

use the library
Borrowing print books, researching specific reference books
at least and getting assistance with research are the top three library activities.
once a year We asked respondents to indicate how frequently they use 20 different library
to get resources. Results show that libraries are used to pursue activities in all 20
categories, but frequency of use varies considerably across types of resources and
assistance across regions and U.S age groups surveyed.
with research. Eight of the most frequently used activities are reviewed. Please refer to Appendix A
for detailed data on all 20 library activities by geographic region, U.S. age and
college students.
Borrowing print books is the activity respondents used most frequently. Fifty-five
In the U.S., percent of all respondents borrow print books at least annually. Frequency varied
across regions. Respondents from the Australia/Singapore/India regions borrow
frequency of print books most frequently with 61 percent reporting they borrow print books at
library use least annually. Respondents from the U.K. borrow print books least frequently,
at 51 percent at least annually.
declines Researching specific reference books is the second most frequent library activity
conducted annually. Respondents from the Australia/Singapore/India regions report
with age. the highest use of specific reference books at 61 percent, with the U.K. respondents
again reporting the lowest use at 45 percent at least annually.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-1

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Of the 20 library activities surveyed, using the computer/Internet ranked seventh in

frequency of annual use. Twenty-nine percent of all respondents report they use the
computer/Internet at a library at least annually. Forty-two percent of all respondents
report they never have used a library to use a computer/Internet. Computer/
Internet use in the library varies across U.S. age groups. While 62 percent of U.S.
respondents 65 and over never have used the library for computer/Internet access,
only 14 percent of U.S. youth age 14–17 never have used a library for this purpose.
Sixty-four percent of U.S. respondents age 14–17 use the library for computer/
Internet access at least annually.

Activities at the Library—by Region of Respondent The library has

How frequently do you use your library for the following reasons?
Note: At least monthly is a rollup of daily, weekly and monthly.
no purpose in
At least annually is a rollup of several times a year and at least once a year. my life.
Australia I guess it is more of a
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States historical archive of
Borrow print books
At least monthly 26% 35% 30% 23% 23% old paper documents.
At least annually
Not even once a year
29%
10%
26%
7%
30%
12%
28%
7%
30%
11%
Who knows?
Never have used 17% 13% 14% 19% 18%
50-year-old from Canada
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 19% 14% 22% 19%
Research specific reference books
At least monthly 15% 22% 17% 14% 12%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
At least annually 36% 39% 36% 31% 36%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Not even once a year 12% 8% 11% 10% 14%
question 810, “What do you feel is the
Never have used 15% 9% 16% 15% 16%
main purpose of the library?”
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 22% 20% 29% 22%
Get assistance with research
At least monthly 11% 17% 15% 10% 9%
At least annually 30% 34% 27% 25% 30%
Not even once a year 13% 9% 15% 9% 15%
Never have used 23% 20% 22% 30% 22%
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 21% 21% 25% 24%
Read/borrow best-seller
At least monthly 16% 19% 17% 16% 16%
At least annually
Not even once a year
23%
11%
28%
9%
25%
12%
22%
7%
23%
12%
All associations
Never have used 31% 28% 30% 34% 32%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 16% 15% 21% 17% with my library are
Get copies of articles/journals
At least monthly
At least annually
Not even once a year
9%
25%
12%
18%
27%
11%
12%
25%
13%
8%
18%
8%
7%
25%
13%
positive
Never have used 33% 25% 34% 44% 33% 76-year-old from Canada
Used to use, but no longer do 21% 19% 16% 23% 22%
Use online databases
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
At least monthly 15% 21% 19% 9% 14%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
At least annually 18% 17% 20% 10% 19% question 812a, “Please list two positive
Not even once a year 9% 8% 7% 6% 10% associations with the library.”
Never have used 46% 39% 42% 61% 45%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 15% 12% 14% 12%
Use the computer/Internet
At least monthly 13% 17% 14% 10% 13%
At least annually 16% 17% 19% 11% 16%
Not even once a year 9% 8% 12% 6% 10%
Never have used 42% 36% 33% 54% 44%
Used to use, but no longer do 18% 21% 22% 19% 16%
Do homework/study
At least monthly 12% 16% 13% 9% 11%
At least annually 15% 19% 18% 11% 14%
Not even once a year 8% 7% 6% 6% 10%
Never have used 27% 23% 22% 34% 27%
Used to use, but no longer do 39% 35% 40% 40% 39%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

2-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Frequency of annual use of the top eight library activities typically declines with age.
U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds report that they borrow print books more frequently than
other U.S. age groups, at 66 percent. U.S. respondents age 25–64 report lower
usage and U.S. respondents age 65 and older report the least frequent print book
borrowing at 49 percent. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. 14- to 17-year-old respondents
report they research specific reference books at least annually, compared to 46
percent of U.S. respondents age 25-64. Read/borrow best-seller showed the most
consistent use at least annually across U.S. age groups.

Activities at the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent

How frequently do you use your library for the following reasons?
Note: At least monthly is a rollup of daily, weekly and monthly.
At atleast
Activities is ofa U.S.
annuallyAge
the Library—by rollup of several
times a year and at least once a year.
Respondent

Activities at the Library:

Borrow Print Books— Total U.S.
Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+
by College Students Borrow print books
At least monthly 23% 32% 28% 22% 19%
across all Regions At least annually 30% 34% 27% 30% 30%
Not even once a year 11% 8% 6% 12% 10%
Never have used 18% 21% 25% 15% 24%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 5% 14% 21% 18%
Research specific reference books
30% 39% At least monthly 12% 27% 25% 10% 4%
At least annually 36% 41% 40% 36% 33%
19% 9% Not even once a year 14% 11% 8% 14% 16%
Never have used 16% 16% 14% 15% 21%
Used to use, but no longer do 22% 6% 14% 25% 26%
2% Get assistance with research
At least monthly At least monthly 9% 23% 20% 7% 2%
At least annually 30% 35% 37% 28% 27%
At least annually Not even once a year 15% 10% 10% 16% 15%
Not even once a year Never have used 22% 28% 18% 22% 27%
Used to use, but no longer do 24% 6% 16% 27% 29%
Never have used Read/borrow best-seller
Used to use, At least monthly 16% 18% 15% 15% 17%
but no longer do At least annually 23% 26% 18% 23% 24%
Not even once a year 12% 12% 13% 13% 11%
Never have used 32% 38% 45% 29% 30%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Used to use, but no longer do 17% 6% 9% 20% 16%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, Get copies of articles/journals
question 840. At least monthly 7% 16% 13% 6% 1%
At least annually 25% 29% 31% 26% 20%
Not even once a year 13% 11% 8% 14% 14%
Never have used 33% 40% 32% 29% 47%
Used to use, but no longer do 22% 5% 15% 25% 18%
Use online databases
At least monthly 14% 21% 30% 12% 7%
At least annually 19% 32% 25% 17% 12%
Not even once a year 10% 10% 7% 12% 6%
Never have used 45% 31% 27% 45% 66%
Used to use, but no longer do 12% 6% 11% 14% 9%
Use the computer/Internet
At least monthly 13% 34% 35% 10% 5%
At least annually 16% 30% 24% 14% 12%
Not even once a year 10% 12% 4% 11% 8%
Never have used 44% 14% 19% 48% 62%
Used to use, but no longer do 16% 10% 18% 17% 13%
Do homework/study
At least monthly 11% 33% 34% 6% 0%
At least annually 14% 32% 25% 10% 11%
Not even once a year 10% 11% 7% 11% 6%
Never have used 27% 16% 12% 28% 39%
Used to use, but no longer do 39% 7% 22% 44% 43%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-3

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Monthly activity levels among college students are higher than total respondents in
all but one category (read/borrow best-seller). Forty-two percent report researching
specific reference books at the library at least monthly, 48 percent report using a
library to do homework/study at least monthly, and 33 percent report getting
assistance with research at a library at least monthly. Only 12 percent of these
respondents report using a library to read/borrow best-sellers at least monthly.

Tables detailing activities at the library by region, U.S. age and college students are
included in Appendix A.

Activities at the Library—by College Students across all Regions

How frequently do you use your library for the following reasons?
Note: At least monthly is a rollup of daily, weekly and monthly.
At least annually is a rollup of several times a year and at least once a year.

Total College
A library should
Borrow print books
Respondents Students
primarily
At least monthly
At least annually
26%
29%
39%
30%
provide books
Not even once a year 10% 9% and study resources.
Never have used 17% 19%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 2% Music and DVDs are
Research specific reference books
At least monthly 15% 42%
cool, but popular
At least annually 36% 41% titles should not be
Not even once a year 12% 5%
Never have used 15% 8% carried since they
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 4%
Get assistance with research
can be rented from
At least monthly 11% 33% the video shop for
At least annually 30% 35%
Not even once a year 13% 9% very little.
Never have used 23% 19%
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 4% I don’t believe
Read/borrow best-seller
At least monthly 16% 12% that lending
At least annually 23% 19%
Not even once a year
Never have used
11%
31%
8%
58%
Finding Nemo
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 3% should be part of a
Get copies of articles/journals
At least monthly 9% 32%
public library’s charter.
At least annually 25% 37%
Not even once a year 6%
33-year-old from Australia
12%
Never have used 33% 19%
Used to use, but no longer do 21% 7%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Use online databases
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
At least monthly 15% 44%
question 1240, “If you could provide
At least annually 18% 26%
one piece of advice to your library,
Not even once a year 9% 5% what would it be?”
Never have used 46% 22%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 3%
Use the computer/Internet
At least monthly 13% 45%
At least annually 16% 24%
Not even once a year 9% 4%
Never have used 42% 20%
Used to use, but no longer do 18% 8%
Do homework/study
At least monthly 12% 48%
At least annually 15% 29%
Not even once a year 8% 6%
Never have used 27% 9%
Used to use, but no longer do 39% 7%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

2-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Comparing Libraries and Bookstores

Respondents favor libraries over bookstores for free Internet access,
free materials and special programs. They favor bookstores for
coffee shops, current materials and meeting their friends.

Respondents were asked to compare a library to a bookstore against a list of activities

and attributes. The data show that respondents’ libraries are considered more
suitable than local bookstores on eight of 11 activities/attributes. Seventy-one
percent of all respondents feel the library is more suitable than their local bookstore
in providing comfortable seating, and 86 percent feel the library is more suitable than
local bookstores in providing access to free entertainment. Respondents feel that the
local bookstore is more a suitable source of current materials than their library.

U.S. young adults age 18 to 24 rated bookstores as more suitable for access to music
than did total respondents. They were split on whether the library or bookstore had
a more friendly environment.

Tables detailing data for responses by region, U.S. age, college students and library
card holder are included in Appendix A.

Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore

Provide a more for Specific Activities—by Total Respondents
Suitability of the library and the bookstore for specific activities—by Total Respondents
bookstore Comparing the library to your local bookstore, which do you feel provides a more
suitable environment for activities/materials in regard to the following?
environment
for free and more Libraries are more suitable than bookstores for… Bookstores are more suitable than libraries for…
Free access to the Internet: 95% Coffee/snack shop: 83%
people will come Free materials: 95% More current materials: 60%
24-year-old from the Special programs: 89% It’s where my friends are: 57%
United States Access to free entertainment: 86%
Book club/story hour: 77%
Comfortable seating/meeting area: 71%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC, Friendly environment: 64%
2005, question 1240, “If you could Access to music: 62%
provide one piece of advice to your
library, what would it be?”
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1230.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-5

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore

for Specific Activities—by U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds
Comparing the library to your local bookstore, which do you feel provides a more
suitable environment for activities/materials in regard to the following?
Note: Friendly environment appears in both columns because respondents were split on whether
the library or bookstore had a more friendly environment.

Libraries are more suitable than bookstores for… Bookstores are more suitable than libraries for…
Free materials: 92% Coffee/snack shop: 89%
Free access to the Internet: 91% Find more current materials: 71%
Access to free entertainment: 82% It’s where my friends are: 61%
Special programs: 81% Access to music: 55%
Book club/story hour: 62% Friendly environment: 50%
Comfortable seating/meeting area: 59%
Friendly environment: 50%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1230.

2.2 Awareness of Library Electronic Resources

Awareness of electronic databases and electronic materials at the library is
low. Awareness of library Web sites and online library catalogs is high. Advertise
Respondents were asked to indicate if their library provides various types of electronic what you
resources. Results indicate that awareness among respondents is low for most of
the library’s electronic resources. For example, 58 percent of all respondents are not offer more
sure if their library offers access to online databases.
for general public.
Of the eight library electronic resources evaluated, respondents show the highest If you don’t have
level of awareness for the library Web site and online library catalog. At least 60
percent of respondents are aware of these resources. Awareness of the online kids or are not
library catalog is highest among Canadian respondents at 74 percent and lowest studying—you
among respondents from the U.K. at 45 percent. don’t often know
A slight majority (55 percent) of respondents are aware that their library has online
what the library
reference materials. offers
33-year-old from Australia
In the other five categories, most respondents are not sure if the library has the
electronic resources. For example, only 38 percent of respondents indicate the Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
library has audiobooks, and just 34 percent indicate they are aware that their library Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
has electronic magazines/journals. one piece of advice to your library,
what would it be?”

2-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Awareness of Library
Awareness of Library Resources—by
Resources—by Region ofRegion of Respondent
Respondent

Please indicate which electronic information sources your primary library has.
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Library Web site
Yes, library has these 61% 67% 72% 45% 60%
No, library does not have 6% 8% 5% 7% 5%
Not sure 33% 25% 23% 48% 35%
Online library catalog
Yes, library has these 60% 69% 74% 45% 58%
No, library does not have 5% 6% 5% 6% 5%
Not sure 35% 25% 21% 48% 38%
Online reference materials
Yes, library has these 55% 57% 60% 44% 55%
No, library does not have 4% 7% 5% 6% 3%
Not sure 41% 36% 34% 50% 42%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
Yes, library has these 38% 42% 40% 33% 37%
No, library does not have 8% 10% 8% 9% 8%
Varied source Not sure
Online databases
54% 48% 52% 58% 55%

of information and Yes, library has these

No, library does not have
37%
5%
40%
8%
41%
5%
24%
6%
39%
4%
entertainment in Not sure
Electronic magazines/journals
58% 53% 54% 69% 57%

the form of Yes, library has these

No, library does not have
34%
7%
42%
8%
38%
9%
23%
10%
34%
5%
books, Not sure
Electronic books (digital)
58% 50% 53% 67% 60%

Yes, library has these 32% 38% 39% 24% 31%

periodicals, No, library does not have 8% 10% 8% 9% 7%
Not sure 60% 51% 53% 67% 62%
computers, Online librarian question service
Yes, library has these 27% 32% 30% 20% 27%
audio and No, library does not have
Not sure
10%
63%
13%
56%
11%
59%
10%
69%
9%
64%

visual sources Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 850.

in the form of
CDs, etc. Overall, the level of awareness of electronic library resources among U.S.
51-year-old from England respondents varies with age. U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds are more aware of the library’s
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and electronic information sources compared to U.S. respondents 25 and older. Seventy-
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question five percent of U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds indicate the library has an online catalog, as
807, “What is the first thing you think of when
you think of a library?” compared to 55 percent of U.S. respondents age 25-64. Eighty-one percent of U.S.
18- to 24-year-olds indicate the library has a Web site as compared to 57 percent of
U.S. respondents age 25–64.

U.S. respondents 65 and older have the lowest level of awareness of library
electronic resources. At least half of these respondents are not aware of seven of
the eight electronic resources. It is worth reminding the reader that this survey was
administered electronically and all respondents had access to the Internet.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-7

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Awareness of Library Resources—by Age of U.S. Respondent

Awareness of Library Resources—by Age of Respondent
Please indicate which electronic information sources your primary library has.
Total U.S.
Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+ advertise a
Library Web site
Yes, library has these 60% 73% 81% 57% 53% bit more;
No, library does not have 5% 8% 4% 5% 3%
Not sure 35% 19% 15% 39% 44%
until this survey I
Online library catalog didn’t really realize
Yes, library has these 58% 73% 75% 55% 47% that a library
No, library does not have 5% 7% 7% 4% 3%
Not sure
Online reference materials
38% 20% 18% 41% 50%
might have
Yes, library has these
No, library does not have
55%
3%
68%
7%
74%
6%
52%
2%
47%
3%
music,
Not sure
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
42% 25% 20% 45% 50%
movies, and
Yes, library has these
No, library does not have
37%
8%
37%
19%
46%
11%
36%
7%
36%
3%
audio books
Not sure
Online databases
55% 44% 43% 57% 61%
to borrow.
Yes, library has these 39% 43% 58% 37% 34% 24-year-old from the
No, library does not have 4% 10% 6% 3% 3% United States
Not sure 57% 47% 36% 61% 63%
Electronic magazines/journals
Yes, library has these 34% 36% 60% 31% 27% Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
No, library does not have 5% 20% 8% 4% 4% Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
Not sure 60% 44% 32% 66% 69% one piece of advice to your library,
Electronic books (digital) what would it be?”
Yes, library has these 31% 28% 47% 30% 26%
No, library does not have 7% 22% 12% 5% 4%
Not sure 62% 50% 41% 66% 70%
Online librarian question service
Yes, library has these 27% 26% 40% 24% 26%
No, library does not have 9% 26% 12% 8% 6%
Not sure 64% 48% 48% 68% 69%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 850.

2-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

College students across all geographic regions show high levels of awareness of
library electronic resources across all eight categories and closely mirror the level of
awareness indicated by U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds.

Awareness of Library Resources—

by College
Awareness of Students
Library Resources—by across
College allacross
Students Regions
all Regions
Please indicate which electronic information sources your primary library has.
Total College
Just remember that Respondents Students
Library Web site

students Yes, library has these

No, library does not have
Not sure
61%
6%
33%
87%
5%
8%
are less Online library catalog
Yes, library has these 60% 86%
No, library does not have 5% 6%
informed Not sure
Online reference materials
35% 8%

about the resources Yes, library has these 55% 71%

No, library does not have 4% 5%
of the library than Not sure 41% 23%
ever before because Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
Yes, library has these 38% 43%
they are competing No, library does not have 8% 12%
heavily with the Not sure 54% 44%
Online databases
Internet. Yes, library has these 37% 62%
20-year-old from the No, library does not have 5% 6%
Not sure 58% 31%
United States
Electronic magazines/journals
Yes, library has these 34% 62%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and No, library does not have 7% 6%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, Not sure 58% 32%
question 1240, “If you could provide
Electronic books (digital)
one piece of advice to your library,
what would it be?” Yes, library has these 32% 47%
No, library does not have 8% 11%
Not sure 60% 42%
Online librarian question service
Yes, library has these 27% 45%
No, library does not have 10% 13%
Not sure 63% 42%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 850.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-9

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

2.3 Using Library Electronic

Information Resources
68%
of U.S. respondents
Regular use of library electronic resources is low, particularly among
U.S. respondents age 65 and older.
65 and older

Respondents’ monthly use of online databases, electronic magazines/journals,

have never used
online reference materials, electronic books, online librarian question services and
audiobooks is less than 25 percent. an electronic

The data show distinctly different patterns of frequency of use by the age of U.S.
magazine/
respondents. U.S. respondents over the age of 65 are the most likely to report they journal.
never have used several electronic resource categories. Twenty-seven percent of
these respondents never have used the online library catalog, 68 percent never have
used electronic magazines/journals and 65 percent never have used online
databases.

By comparison, U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds are the most likely of all U.S. respondents
to have used the online library catalog with 71 percent reporting use at least
annually. Fifty-seven percent in this age segment report they use online
68%
databases at least annually. of U.S. youth age
Use of library electronic resources among college students at least annually is 14–17 use an
63 percent or higher in six of the eight categories. Eighty-six percent of college
students report using the library Web site at least annually and 85 percent of them online library
report using the online catalog at least annually. Over 50 percent use the library
Web site at least monthly. catalog at least
College students report low annual use of online librarian question services and once a year.
audiobooks, 51 percent and 48 percent respectively.

86%
of college
students use
the library
Web site at
least annually.

2-10 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Usage of Library Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent
Which of the following library electronic information sources have you ever
used from your primary library and how often do you use them?
Base: Respondents whoUsage of Library
indicated theirResources—by Region
primary library of Respondent
has the following electronic information
resources. Note: At least monthly is a rollup of daily, weekly and monthly.
At least annually is a rollup of several times a year and at least once a year.
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Online library catalog
At least monthly 28% 37% 35% 17% 25%
At least annually 36% 36% 36% 36% 36%
Not even once a year 8% 4% 7% 8% 10%
Never have used 21% 12% 15% 29% 23%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 11% 7% 10% 7%
Library Web site
At least monthly 28% 38% 33% 17% 30%
At least annually 34% 32% 36% 34% 36%
Not even once a year 10% 7% 11% 6% 12%
Never have used 18% 16% 13% 34% 18%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 7% 7% 10% 5%
Online reference materials
At least monthly 17% 23% 27% 12% 14%
At least annually 35% 33% 33% 27% 34%
Not even once a year 8% 7% 8% 8% 11%
Never have used 29% 21% 24% 35% 32%
Used to use, but no longer do 11% 14% 9% 19% 9%
Electronic magazines/journals
At least monthly 19% 31% 22% 20% 14%
At least annually 28% 24% 34% 23% 28%
Not even once a year 7% 5% 9% 4% 7%
Never have used 37% 30% 28% 43% 41%
Used to use, but no longer do 9% 10% 7% 10% 10%
Online databases
At least monthly 18% 24% 25% 10% 15%
At least annually 28% 25% 30% 23% 27%
Not even once a year 12% 12% 12% 9% 13%
Never have used 35% 28% 29% 48% 37%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 11% 5% 10% 7%
Online librarian question service
At least monthly 11% 18% 13% 11% 9%
At least annually 30% 38% 31% 33% 25%
Not even once a year 12% 8% 12% 6% 15%
Never have used 38% 27% 41% 40% 41%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 9% 3% 9% 9%
Electronic books (digital)
At least monthly 13% 22% 13% 11% 10%
At least annually 17% 19% 22% 13% 17%
Not even once a year 10% 8% 12% 9% 11%
Never have used 54% 42% 51% 63% 57%
Used to use, but no longer do 5% 8% 3% 3% 6%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
At least monthly 8% 17% 8% 2% 7%
At least annually 17% 14% 20% 11% 18%
Not even once a year 9% 7% 14% 8% 8%
Never have used 60% 53% 51% 70% 62%
Used to use, but no longer do 7% 8% 7% 9% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 855.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-11

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Usage of Library Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Which of the following library electronic information sources have you ever
used from your primary library and how often do you use them?
Base: Respondents who indicated their primary library has the following electronic information
Usage of Library Resources—by Age of Respondent
resources. Note: At least monthly is a rollup of daily, weekly and monthly.
At least annually is a rollup of several times a year and at least once a year.
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. When I think of the
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Online library catalog library, I think of an
At least monthly 25% 34% 29% 23% 20%
At least annually 36% 34% 42% 34% 39% abundance of
Not even once a year 10% 14% 6% 11% 8%
Never have used
Used to use, but no longer do
23%
7%
16%
4%
15%
9%
25%
7%
27%
5%
information
Library Web site
At least monthly 30% 29% 38% 29% 18%
on all topics.
At least annually 36% 39% 33% 36% 38% I would rather
Not even once a year 12% 14% 10% 12% 11%
Never have used 18% 14% 8% 18% 30%
research from a
Used to use, but no longer do 5% 5% 9% 5% 3% library or print
Online reference materials
At least monthly 14% 22% 18% 13% 3% source than the
At least annually
Not even once a year
34%
11%
43%
11%
45%
11%
31%
10%
28%
13%
Internet.
Never have used 32% 20% 20% 34% 46% 17-year-old from the
Used to use, but no longer do 9% 4% 7% 10% 9%
United States
Electronic magazines/journals
At least monthly 14% 26% 22% 12% 3%
At least annually 28% 20% 41% 27% 13% Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Not even once a year 7% 14% 6% 7% 10% Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Never have used 41% 34% 27% 41% 68% question 807, “What is the first thing
Used to use, but no longer do 10% 6% 6% 13% 5% you think of when you think of a
Online databases library?”
At least monthly 15% 23% 23% 15% 1%
At least annually 27% 31% 34% 27% 19%
Not even once a year 13% 16% 10% 14% 9%
Never have used 37% 27% 25% 36% 65%
Used to use, but no longer do 7% 2% 8% 8% 4%
Online librarian question service
At least monthly 9% 32% 17% 4% 5%
At least annually 25% 24% 26% 26% 28%
Not even once a year 15% 11% 10% 16% 20%
Never have used 41% 30% 41% 43% 39%
Used to use, but no longer do 9% 2% 6% 11% 8%
Electronic books (digital)
At least monthly 10% 24% 19% 7% 3%
At least annually 17% 14% 25% 14% 20%
Not even once a year 11% 9% 13% 10% 12%
Never have used 57% 48% 40% 62% 61%
Used to use, but no longer do 6% 4% 3% 7% 4%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
At least monthly 7% 22% 8% 3% 6%
At least annually 18% 9% 19% 20% 13%
Not even once a year 8% 12% 10% 8% 6%
Never have used 62% 52% 60% 62% 70%
Used to use, but no longer do 6% 4% 2% 8% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 855.

2-12 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Usage of Library Electronic Resources—

by College Students across all Regions
Which of the following library electronic information sources have you ever
used from your primary library and how often do you use them?
Base: Respondents whoUsage
indicated their
of Library libraries have
Resources—by the Students
College following electronic
across information resources.
all Regions
Note: At least monthly is a rollup of daily, weekly and monthly. At least annually is a rollup
of several times a year and at least once a year.

Total College
Respondents Students
Online library catalog
At least monthly 28% 47%
At least annually 36% 38%
Not even once a year 8% 2%
Never have used 21% 10%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 4%
Library Web site

Can be over- At least monthly

At least annually
28%
34%
56%
30%
Not even once a year 10% 6%
whelming Never have used
Used to use, but no longer do
18%
8%
6%
2%
Online reference materials
with all the different At least monthly 17% 38%
ways there are to find At least annually 35% 41%
Not even once a year 8% 4%
resource materials. Never have used 29% 14%
Used to use, but no longer do 11% 3%
Does not contain Electronic magazines/journals
information that can At least monthly
At least annually
19%
28%
49%
33%
be found on a website. Not even once a year 7% 3%
Never have used 37% 12%
28-year-old from Canada Used to use, but no longer do 9% 3%
Online databases
At least monthly 18% 42%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and At least annually 28% 33%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, ques- Not even once a year 12% 7%
tion 812b, “Please list two negative associa- Never have used 35% 15%
tions with the library.”
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 2%
Online librarian question service
At least monthly 11% 17%
At least annually 30% 34%
Not even once a year 12% 7%
Never have used 38% 41%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 1%
Electronic books (digital)
At least monthly 13% 34%
At least annually 17% 29%
Not even once a year 10% 10%
Never have used 54% 25%
Used to use, but no longer do 5% 2%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
At least monthly 8% 16%
At least annually 17% 32%
Not even once a year 9% 7%
Never have used 60% 40%
Used to use, but no longer do 7% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 855.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-13

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

2.4 Seeking Assistance

in Using Library Resources
Most respondents do not seek assistance
when using library electronic resources.

Most respondents indicated they have not sought help (64 percent) when using
library resources. Respondents from the U.K. are least likely to seek help at
25 percent, and respondents from the Australia/Singapore/India regions are the
most likely to seek help at 44 percent.

Assistance in Using the Library—by Region of Respondent To have the

Did you ever seek help whenin Using
Assistance using the your library’s
Library—By electronic resources or when
Region of Respondent resources made
searching for information at your library? easier for people to
Base: Respondents who have used the library, either walk-in or online. use. I find that it is
Australia extremely
Total Singapore United United

Yes, have sought help when using library’s electronic

Respondents India Canada Kingdom States hard to find
resources or searching at library
36% 44% 39% 25% 35% what you are
No 64% 56% 61% 75% 65% looking for

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1035. without
the assistance of the
Responses indicate little variability across age groups when seeking help with using
library resources. Forty-one percent of U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds have sought help and
librarian.
41 percent of U.S. respondents 65 and older have sought help. U.S. 25- to 64-year- 28-year-old from Canada
olds are the least likely to seek assistance at 33 percent.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Assistance in Using the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice to your library,
Did you ever seek help when
Assistance using
in Using the your library’s
Library—By electronic
Age of U.S. resources or when
Respondents what would it be?”

searching for information at your library?

Base: Respondents who have used the library, either walk-in or online.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Yes, have sought help when using
library’s electronic resources 35% 41% 40% 33% 41%
or searching at library
No 65% 59% 60% 67% 59%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1035.

2-14 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

College students are more likely than any other segment surveyed to seek help when
using library resources. Even among this group, more than half responded they do
not seek help.

Assistance in Using the Library—

by College Students across all Regions
Did youAssistance
ever seek in Using
helpthewhen
Library—By College
using yourStudents across
library’s all Regions resources
electronic
or when searching for information at your library?
Base: Respondents who have used the library, either walk-in or online.

Total College
Respondents Students
Yes, have sought help when using
library’s electronic resources 36% 46%
First Source of or searching at library

Help at the Library— No 64% 54%

by Total Respondents Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1035.

Sources of Help at the Library

76%
When respondents seek help at the library,
1%
16% librarians are the clear choice.
6%
The librarian Thirty-six percent of total respondents indicated they have sought help using library
(person, not online) resources. Overwhelmingly, respondents from all geographic regions and across
The computer at U.S. age groups indicate the librarian is the first choice when seeking assistance at
the library
the library.
The appropriate section
of the library’s collection
Online librarian
question service
First Source of Help at the Library—by Region of Respondent
Another person in What is the first source you typically go to for help with your problem?
the library: 0% Base: Respondents who sought help at the library.

100%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, Total Respondents
90%
question 1040.
80% 76% Australia/Singapore/India
Canada
70% United Kingdom
United States
60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
16%
6%
10%
0% 1%
0%
The librarian (a The computer The appropriate Another person Online librarian
person, not online) in the library section of the in the library question service
library’s collection

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1040.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-15

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

2.5 Familiarity with the Library Web Site

Overall, not knowing the Web site exists is the main reason respondents To bring out a
do not use the library Web site. U.S. youth and young adults library website
ages 14–24 indicate that they do not use the library Web site
because other sites have better information. with a
As library Web sites are the main point of access to libraries’ catalogs and resources,
whole lot of
survey respondents were asked specifically about their familiarity with library Web information…
sites. In Section 1.2 we reported that 46 percent of all respondents are extremely
27-year-old from India
familiar or very familiar with the library and 17 percent of all respondents are
extremely familiar or very familiar with the online library. In Part 2.3, we reported
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
that 18 percent of respondents never have used a library Web site. Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice to your library,
For respondents who reported they have never visited an online library Web site, “I what would it be?”
did not know the Web site existed/does not exist” is the primary reason cited for lack
of use. Fifty-five percent report they did not know the library Web site exists or say it
does not exist. Lack of awareness is highest among respondents from the U.K. and
lowest among Canadian respondents.

Reasons for Never Using the Online Library Web Site—

by Region of Respondent
Why haven’t you ever used the online library Web site?
Base: Respondents who indicated they do not visit the library online.

I did not know the Web site

Total existed/does not exist
Other Web sites have
Australia/ better information
Singapore/India I can’t find the Web site

Canada

U.K.

U.S.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1090.

2-16 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Of U.S. respondents who do not use the library Web site, younger respondents age
14 to 24 are more likely to respond that other Web sites have better information,
despite data that show people in this age segment use library resources more than
any other age segment (see Part 2.1).

Accessing the Library

Reasons for Never Using the Online Library Web Site—
from the Web— by Age of U.S. Respondent
by College Students Why haven’t you ever used the online library Web site?
across all Regions Base: Respondents who indicated they do not visit the library online, question 815.

Have you ever started your

search for information using
Total U.S.
I did not know the Web site
a search engine and ended existed/does not exist
up at a library Web site?
Other Web sites have
U.S. 14-17 better information
I can’t find the Web site
YES: NO:
48% 52% U.S. 18-24

If yes... did you use the

U.S. 25-64
library Web site?

U.S. 65+
YES:
41%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1090.
NO: 7%

If yes, did the library Most college students know the library Web site exists. Those who do not use the
Web site fulfill your library Web site respond that other Web sites have better information (44 percent).
information needs?

10% Reasons for Never Using the Online Library Web Site—
27%
by College Students across all Regions
Why haven’t you ever used the online library Web site?
4% Base: Respondents who indicated they do not visit the library online, question 815.

27%: YES I did not know the Web site

but I also had to use existed/does not exist
other resources Other Web sites have
better information

10%: YES I can’t find the Web site

the only resource College Students

I needed to use across all Regions
4%: NO
not enough
information available 0% 20% 40% 60%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1090.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
questions 1005, 1010, 1015.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-17

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

2.6 The Internet Search Engine,

the Library and the Librarian
Libraries are seen as more trustworthy/credible and as providing more That librarians were
accurate information than search engines. Search engines are seen as more
reliable, cost-effective, easy to use, convenient and fast. among
Earlier in this report, we reviewed data that show search engines are the preferred the first
starting place for survey respondents when searching for information. Respondents to move information
were asked to compare search engines and libraries against a set of seven
electronically and to
performance attributes.
use computers
Libraries are rated higher than search engines along two of the seven performance effectively and
attributes: trustworthy/credible sources of information and accurate. Sixty percent efficiently to serve
of all respondents indicate libraries are best described using the attribute their customers.
trustworthy/credible information, and 56 percent indicate that libraries are best
73-year-old from the
described using the attribute accurate (quality information). United States

Search engines are rated higher than libraries by respondents in five of the seven
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
performance attributes: reliability, cost effectiveness, ease of use, convenience and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
speed. Eighty-five percent of respondents indicate search engines are best question 807, “What is the first thing
you think of when you think of a
described by the attribute ease of use, 89 percent indicate search engines are best library?”
described by the attribute convenient, and 92 percent indicate search engines are
best described by the attribute fast.

Attributes of the Library and the Search Engine—

by Total Respondents
Comparing an online or physical library to a search engine, please indicate which
source is best described by the following.

90%
Search engine is best for 89% 92%
80% Online or physical library is best for 85%

70% 75%
72%
60%
60%
56%
50%

40% 44%
40%
30%
28%
20% 25%

10% 15%
11%
8%
0
Trustworthy/ Accurate Reliable Cost- Easy Convenient Fast
credible (quality (always effective to use
source information) available)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1355.

2-18 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Librarians and the Search Process

Respondents who have used a librarian for assistance agree that
librarians add value to the search process.

In Part 2.4 we reviewed data reporting the percent of respondents who have sought
help from a librarian when looking for information or using electronic information
resources. Those survey respondents who have used the assistance of a librarian
were also asked to rate the degree to which they agree or disagree that the librarian
adds value to the search process.

Seventy-seven percent of all respondents completely agree or agree that the librarian
adds value to the search process. Respondents from the U.K. are more likely to
completely agree or agree the librarian adds value to the search process (at 95 percent).

Librarians Add Value to the Search Process—

by Region of Respondent
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that the librarian
adds value to the information search process.
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.

Librarian Adds Value to 65%

the Search Process— 60% Total Respondents

by Total Respondents 55% Australia/Singapore/India

Canada
50%
United Kingdom
45% United States
37% 40%
40%
37%
40% 35%
19%
30%
3% 25%
Completely agree 19%
20%

Agree 15%

Neither agree 10%

nor disagree 3%
5%
Disagree 0%
0%
Completely Completely Agree Neither Agree Disagree Completely
Agree Nor Disagree Disagree
disagree: 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1070.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1070. U.S. respondents show variation according to age segment in how they rate the value
the librarian adds to the search process. Overall, 76 percent of all U.S. respondents
completely agree or agree that the librarian adds value. U.S. respondents 65 and
older are much more likely to completely agree that the librarian adds value to the
search process (70 percent) and U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds are the least likely to
completely agree (22 percent).

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-19

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Librarians Add Value to the Search Process—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that the librarian adds value
to the information search process.
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.

70%
65%
60%
Total U.S. Respondents
U.S. 14-17
They have
55%
50%
U.S. 18-24
U.S. 25-64
U.S. 65+
what
45%
40%
37% 39% I need,
35% or can get it.
30%
25%
20%
20% Wonderfully
15%
10%
helpful
4%
5%
0%
0%
librarians
Completely Agree Neither Agree Disagree Completely 60-year-old from the
Agree Nor Disagree Disagree
United States
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1070.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Librarians Add Value to the Search Process— Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 812a, “Please list two posi-
by College Students across all Regions tive associations with the library.”

Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that the librarian adds
value to the information search process.
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.

40%
35%

21%
Completely Disagree
Completely Agree

Disagree
Neither Agree
Nor Disagree

4%
Agree

0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1070.

2-20 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Comparing Assistance—Search Engines and Librarians

Respondents who indicated they have used a search engine to assist in searching for
information and who also indicated they have sought assistance from a librarian in
the process of using library electronic resources or in searching for information were
then asked to compare that assistance. Forty-three percent of all respondents
indicate the assistance they received from a librarian was the same as the assistance
provided by a search engine. U.S. respondents are the most likely to indicate
assistance from a librarian was better than that of a search engine, with respondents
from the Australia/Singapore/India regions being the least likely.

43% Assistance from Search Engines and Librarians—

by Region of Respondent
indicate that Please compare the assistance you received from a librarian to that
assistance of the assistance from a search engine on a 5-point scale.
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian and a search engine.
received from a
librarian was the
50% Total Respondents
same as the 45%
43% Australia/Singapore/India
Canada
assistance 40% United Kingdom
United States
received from 35%

search engines. 30%

24%
25%
20%
20%

15%
9%
10%

5% 3%
0%
5 4 3 2 1
Assistance from Assistance from
librarian was better librarian was worse

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1065.

Satisfaction with Search Engines and Librarians

Quality and quantity of information are top determinants
of a satisfactory information search.

Survey respondents who indicated they have used the assistance of a librarian and a
search engine were asked to indicate their levels of satisfaction with the information
provided, the quantity of information received, the speed with which the search was
conducted, and their overall search experience.

Satisfaction with the overall experience of searching has a strong correlation to the
quality and quantity of information returned in the search process. There is also a

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-21

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

moderate correlation between the overall experience of using a search engine and
the speed of conducting the search. These correlations indicate that the attributes
of quality, quantity and speed are contributing factors to respondents’ overall
experience rating.

The overall experience of using the assistance of a librarian also has strong
correlations with the responses for quality and quantity of information provided and
moderate correlation between overall experience and speed of conducting the search.

Tables detailing data for responses by region, U.S. age, college students and library
card holders across all regions are included in Appendix A.

Satisfaction with the Librarian and the Search Engine—

by Total Respondents
Based on the most recent search you conducted through [search engine used most
recently], how satisfied were you in each of the following areas?
Base: Respondents who have used a search engine.

Based on your most recent experience seeking assistance from a librarian

for help with a search or locating information, how satisfied were you in
each of the following areas?
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.

80%

70%
Librarian

60%
Librarian

Librarian

50%
Librarian

40%

30%

20%

10% Very Satisfied

Satisfied
0% Neither Satisfied
Information nor Dissatisfied
Provided Quantity of Dissatisfied
Information Speed of
Very Dissatisfied
Conducting Overall
Research Experience

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 665 and 1050.

2-22 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Satisfaction with the Information Provided

Librarians and search engines both provide quality information.

Eighty-eight percent of survey respondents indicated they were very satisfied or

satisfied with the information provided from their most recent search conducted with
the assistance of a librarian. Eighty-nine percent indicated they were very satisfied or
satisfied with the information provided from their most recent search using a search
engine. Very few (less than 8 percent) respondents were dissatisfied with the
information received during their most recent information search.

very Satisfaction with the Information Provided—

by Total Respondents

helpful, Based on the most recent search you conducted through [search engine used most
recently], how satisfied were you with the information provided?
Base: Respondents who have used a search engine.

friendly, Based on your most recent experience seeking assistance from a librarian
knowledgeable, for help with a search or locating information, how satisfied were you
with the information provided?
resourceful,easy to Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.
use, always
available, free
37-year-old from Canada
54%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
53%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, “What is the first thing
you think of when you think of a 35% 35%
library?”

9%
5% 3% 4% 0% 2%
Very Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very
Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied
nor Dissatisfied

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 665 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-23

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information Provided

Respondents are slightly more satisfied with the quantity
of information provided by search engines than by librarians.

Eighty-four percent of respondents indicated they were very satisfied or satisfied

with the quantity of information provided from their most recent search using the
assistance of a librarian. Eighty-nine percent of respondents indicated they were
very satisfied or satisfied with the amount of information provided in their most
recent search using a search engine.

Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information Provided—

by Total Respondents
Based on the most recent search you conducted through [search engine used most
recently], how satisfied were you with the quantity of information provided?
Base: Respondents who have used a search engine.
Based on your most recent experience seeking assistance from a librarian
for help with a search or locating information, how satisfied were you
with the quantity of information provided?
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.

there is no toilet in
my library so
58% getting information
50% must be
34% 31%
quick
there needs to be
more seats for the
13%
6% disabled
3% 3% 0% 2% 57-year-old from England
Very Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very
Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
nor Dissatisfied
question 812b, “Please list two nega-
tive associations with the library.”

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 665 and 1050.

2-24 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Satisfaction with the Speed of Conducting the Search

Respondents are significantly more satisfied
with the speed of conducting the search using search engines.

Satisfaction with the speed of conducting the search is the attribute for which there
is the largest difference between a search engine and a librarian. Seventy-two
percent of respondents were very satisfied with the speed of conducting research
using a search engine, while 41 percent of respondents were very satisfied with the
speed of conducting research with a librarian.

Satisfaction with the Speed of Conducting the Search—

by Total Respondents
Based on the most recent search you conducted through [search engine used most
recently], how satisfied were you with the speed of conducting the search?
Base: Respondents who have used a search engine.

Based on your most recent experience seeking assistance from a librarian

for help with a search or locating information, how satisfied were you
with the speed of conducting the search?
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian.

72%

41% 40%

20%
15%
5% 4% 2%
0%
Very Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very
Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied
nor Dissatisfied

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 665 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-25

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Satisfaction with the Overall Experience

Overall, more respondents are very satisfied with searches using If it just provides
search engines than they are with librarian-assisted searches. internet services,
I can get that at home.
Ninety percent of respondents were satisfied (very satisfied or satisfied) with the
overall experience of using a search engine. Sixty percent of respondents were
very satisfied with the overall experience of using a search engine compared to
Needs to
48 percent of respondents who were very satisfied with the overall experience of
using the assistance of a librarian.
advertise/
inform
that it has access to all
Satisfaction with the Overall Experience— of the most up-to-date
reliable research
by Total Respondents
sources or can get
Based on the most recent search you conducted through [search engine used most them easily.
recently], how satisfied were you with the overall experience?
Base: Respondents who have used a search engine. 40-year-old from Canada

Based on your most recent experience seeking assistance from a librarian

for help with a search or locating information, how satisfied were you Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
with the overall experience? question 1240, “If you could provide
Base: Respondents who have used a librarian. one piece of advice to your library, what
would it be?”

60%
48%
36%
30%

11% 7%
4% 1%
1% 2%
Very Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very
Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied
nor Dissatisfied

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 665 and 1050.

2-26 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

2.7 Keeping Up-to-Date with

Library Resources
Almost half of all respondents keep up with resources available
at the library by calling or coming into the library. One-third do not
keep up with library resources.

Forty-eight percent of all respondents indicate they call or walk in the library to keep
current with the resources of the library. Responses across geographic regions are
relatively consistent. Twenty-five percent of all respondents keep current by using a
library Web site, and 33 percent indicate they do not keep up with resources
available at the library.

Keeping Up-to-Date with Library Resources—

by Region of Respondent
How do you typically keep abreast of the resources

advertise available to you at your library?

(Select all that apply.)

more Total
Australia
Singapore United United
to the public in Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Call or walk in the library 48% 53% 53% 47% 46%
the local papers I don’t keep up with resources available 33% 26% 28% 39% 35%
Library Web site 25% 32% 33% 12% 24%
46-year-old from England
Point of use materials
22% 23% 28% 20% 21%
(signs/fliers/posters at the library)
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Community/local paper 20% 24% 23% 18% 19%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, Friends/neighbors/relatives 18% 19% 22% 10% 18%
question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice to your library, E-mail lists 10% 18% 12% 7% 8%
what would it be?” School bulletin boards 6% 6% 9% 4% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1215.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-27

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

U.S. respondents keep up-to-date with library resources differently across age
groups. Those 65 and older are more likely than other U.S. age segments to call or
walk in the library (48 percent) or reference a community or local paper (37 percent).
Only 19 percent indicate they keep current by using the library Web site. Thirty-nine
percent of U.S. 18- to 24-year-olds indicate they call or walk in the library. Only 9
percent indicate they reference a community or local paper to keep up-to-date with
library resources compared to 32 percent of this age segment who use the library
Web site to keep up-to-date.
College students use both the library Web site and library visits to keep up-to-date
with library resources.

Keeping Up-to-Date on Library Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
How do you typically keep abreast of the resources available
Keeping Up-to-Date on Library Resources—by Age of U.S. Respondent
I would suggest
to you at your library? (Select all that apply.) the library
Total U.S.
Respondents
U.S.
14-17
U.S.
18-24
U.S.
25-64
U.S.
65+
reach out
Call or walk in the library
I don’t keep up with resources available
Library Web site
46%
35%
24%
40%
36%
19%
39%
36%
32%
47%
35%
24%
48%
32%
19%
to teens
Point of use materials
21% 15% 24% 21% 20%
and 20 somethings.
(signs/fliers/posters at the library)
Community/local paper 19% 5% 9% 18% 37% They are the group
Friends/neighbors/relatives 18% 18% 20% 18% 18% that uses the
E-mail lists 8% 7% 11% 8% 6%
School bulletin boards 6% 15% 15% 5% 0% library least.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1215.
24-year-old from the
United States

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Keeping Up-to-Date on Library Resources— Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
by College Students across all Regions one piece of advice to your library,
what would it be?”

How do you typically keep abreast of the resources available

Keeping Up-to-Date on Library Resources—by College Students across all Regions
to you at your library? (Select all that apply.)

Total College
Respondents Students
Call or walk in the library 48% 48%
I don’t keep up with resources available 33% 26%
Library Web site 25% 49%
Point of use materials
22% 25%
(signs/fliers/posters at the library)
Community/local paper 20% 9%
Friends/neighbors/relatives 18% 18%
E-mail lists 10% 19%
School bulletin boards 6% 21%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1215.

2-28 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

Across all geographic regions, 58 percent of library card holders call or walk in the
library as their primary means of keeping abreast of available library resources as
compared to 21 percent of non-card holders. Fifty-eight percent of non-card holders
indicate that they do not keep up with resources available, compared to 23 percent
of library card holders.

Keeping Up-to-Date on Library Resources—

by Library Card Holder Status across all Regions
Keeping Up-to-Date on Library Resources—by Library Card Holders and Non-Card Holders
How do you typically acrosskeep all
abreast
Regions
of the resources available
to you at your library? (Select all that apply.)

58% Call or walk in the library

I don’t keep up with resources available
Total
Respondents
48%
33%
Library Card
Holders
58%
23%
Non-Card
Holders
21%
58%
of non-card Library Web site 25% 31% 7%
Point of use materials
22% 27% 10%
holders don’t (signs/fliers/posters at the library)
Community/local paper 20% 22% 14%
Friends/neighbors/relatives 18% 18% 16%
keep abreast of E-mail lists 10% 11% 8%
School bulletin boards 6% 7% 4%
library resources.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1215.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 2-29

Part 2: Using the Library—In Person and Online

2-30 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand
“Books” In Parts 1 and 2 of this report, we reviewed data related to respondents’ use of
libraries and their familiarity with and favorability toward a variety of information
sources, including libraries and their resources. We reviewed the frequency of use
is the library brand. of library services, how respondents keep up-to-date with library services and
respondents’ satisfaction levels with those services.

In Part 3, we move from reviewing usage and familiarity of information sources to

reporting responses related to perceptions and trust. Ubiquitous access to content
is in its infancy and there is much to learn about how information consumers make
choices and form preferences about electronic resources and services. How do
information consumers assess and value electronic information? What, and who, do
Information they trust? What mindshare does the “Library” hold compared to other information
consumers are resources and services available to those with access to the Internet? The survey
data provide some insight.
looking for
Respondents were asked to rate the specific criteria they used to evaluate and verify
“worthwhile” electronic resources. The top three evaluation criteria used by respondents are that
information. the source provides worthwhile information, that it provides free information and
that it provides credible/trustworthy information.

Respondents rely on themselves to judge if an electronic source is trustworthy.

Common sense and personal knowledge are the top verification criteria.
Respondents also verify information trustworthiness based on reputation of the
company and by finding the information on multiple sites/cross-referencing.
Respondents believe free information is trustworthy and overwhelmingly do not
Information trust information more if they have to pay for it. Few have paid for information.
consumers
We explored the question of product “fit” by asking respondents to tell us how well
trust they felt different information sources fit with their lifestyle. Ease of product use
and consumption or “fit” is often a key driver of both current and future use.
information Respondents feel search engines are a perfect fit with their lifestyle. Libraries fit
from both but are not a perfect fit.

libraries We examined respondents’ perceptions of the library and library information

resources by asking an open-ended question about top-of-mind associations with
and libraries and positive and negative associations. Across all regions surveyed,
respondents associate libraries first and foremost with “books.” There is no
search runner-up. Respondents provided thousands of positive and negative associations
about libraries. Overall, respondents provided more positive than negative
engines. associations. Top positive associations are related to library products—books,

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-1

Part 3: The Library Brand

materials, computers, etc. The majority of negative associations were also related to
products and offerings, followed by facilities.

Respondents were asked what they felt was the “main purpose of the library.” While
about a third of respondents indicated they felt the main purpose of the library is
“books,” the majority of respondents (53 percent) feel that the library’s main
purpose is “information.”

3.1 The Value of Electronic

Information Resources
“Provides worthwhile information” is the top criterion
respondents use when selecting electronic information.
“Free” is also an important factor.

Respondents use multiple criteria to determine the value of electronic information to provide a
sources. Contrary to what is often attributed as the primary benefit of digital
information access, speed of information delivery is not the most critical factor
respondents use to evaluate electronic information resources. Three criteria were
free
selected more frequently than speed. Seventy-seven percent of total respondents community
typically select an information source based on whether the source provides
worthwhile information. Respondents also base their decision on if the source
resource
provides free information (72 percent) and ease of use (65 percent). centre
Recommendations are used by just 28 percent of respondents as a criterion for 40-year-old from Australia
selecting an electronic information source.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Evaluating Information Sources—by Total Respondents question 810, “What do you feel is
the main purpose of the library?”
How do you decide which electronic information source to use?
(Select all that apply.)

Provides worthwhile
information 77%

Provides free information 72%

Based on the ease of use 65%

Provides credible/ 63%

trustworthy information

Provides fast information

63%

Based on a recommendation 28%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 715.

3-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Provides worthwhile information is the top criterion to evaluate an information

source for all regions surveyed except the U.K., where provides free information is
the most frequently selected criteri0n (70 percent).

Evaluating Information Sources—by Region of Respondent

How do you decide which electronic information source to use?
(Select all that apply.)
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Provides worthwhile information 77% 82% 84% 67% 76%
Provides free information 72% 73% 69% 70% 73%
Based on the ease of use 65% 68% 62% 62% 66%
Provides credible/trustworthy information 63% 66% 67% 51% 65%
Provides fast information 63% 69% 62% 64% 61%
Based on a recommendation 28% 34% 30% 26% 26%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 715.

Provides worthwhile information is also the highest-rated factor in determining the value
of electronic resources across U.S. age groups. The relative importance of ease of use as
a decision factor increases with age and was cited as a selection criterion slightly more
often than credible/trustworthy information for respondents age 25 and over.

Evaluating Information Sources—by Age of U.S. Respondent

How do you decide which electronic information source to use?
(Select all that apply.)
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 U.S. 65+
Provides worthwhile information 76% 71% 77% 77% 74%
Provides free information 73% 67% 74% 73% 73%
Based on the ease of use 66% 58% 62% 68% 68%
Provides credible/trustworthy information 65% 56% 66% 65% 67%
Provides fast information 61% 61% 60% 61% 58%
Based on a recommendation 26% 22% 30% 27% 22%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 715.

Evaluating Information Sources—

by College Students across all Regions
How do you decide which electronic information source to use?
(Select all that apply.)

Total College
Respondents Students
Provides worthwhile information 77% 82%
Provides free information 72% 73%
Based on the ease of use 65% 64%
Provides credible/trustworthy information 63% 73%
Provides fast information 63% 62%
Based on a recommendation 28% 36%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 715.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-3

Part 3: The Library Brand

3.2 Judging the Trustworthiness

of Information
Respondents rely on themselves to judge
if electronic information is trustworthy.

Respondents indicate they use a variety of criteria to select an electronic resource.

As noted in Part 3.1, 63 percent of all respondents indicate that provide credible,
trustworthy information is a key evaluation criterion.

To understand more about the criteria respondents use to judge the trustworthiness
of electronic information, respondents who selected this criterion were asked to
endless
indicate how they judge trustworthiness. Eighty-six percent of all respondents
indicate they use personal knowledge/common sense to determine trustworthiness.
references
Three other criteria were selected by over half of respondents. These include the
assistance in finding
reputation of the company/organization, the ability to find the information on accurate information
multiple sites/cross-reference and recommendation from a trusted source. Only 25-year-old from Australia
1 percent of respondents indicate that electronic information is trustworthy because
it costs money. Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 812a, “Please list two posi-
U.S. respondents age 14–24 use the professional appearance of the site to judge tive associations with the library.”
trustworthiness more than other U.S. age group, roughly twice as much as U.S.
respondents age 25 and over.

College students rely on personal knowledge/common sense and the ability to find
the information on multiple sites/cross-reference as their top methods of evaluating
trustworthiness.

Factors in Determining Trustworthiness of Information—

by Region of Respondent
How do you judge if electronic information is trustworthy?
Base: Respondents selecting “provides credible/trustworthy information” in question 715.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Based on personal knowledge/common sense 86% 89% 86% 86% 85%
Based on the reputation of the
75% 72% 86% 73% 73%
company/organization
Find the information on multiple sites/cross-
65% 62% 64% 57% 67%
referencing
Recommendation from a trusted source 59% 61% 72% 56% 55%
Based on the professional appearance
28% 30% 28% 21% 28%
of the site
Based on the author 26% 26% 35% 15% 26%
The fact that it costs money 1% 1% 2% 1% 1%
Other 3% 4% 4% 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 725.

3-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Factors in Determining Trustworthiness of Information—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
How do you judge if electronic information is trustworthy?
Base: Respondents selecting “provides credible/trustworthy information” in question 715.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Based on personal knowledge/common sense 85% 83% 78% 88% 82%
Based on the reputation of the
73% 79% 64% 75% 72%
company/organization
Find the information on multiple sites/cross-
67% 72% 69% 69% 57%
referencing
Recommendation from a trusted source 55% 59% 60% 55% 51%
Based on the professional appearance
28% 46% 45% 26% 16%
of the site
Based on the author 26% 29% 34% 25% 20%
The fact that it costs money 1% 3% 1% 0% 0%
Other 2% 3% 4% 2% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 725.

Factors in Determining Trustworthiness of Information—

by College Students across all Regions
How do you judge if electronic information is trustworthy?
Base: Respondents selecting “provides credible/trustworthy information” in question 715.

Total College
Respondents Students
Based on personal knowledge/common sense 86% 83%
Based on the reputation of the company/organization 75% 69%
Find the information on multiple sites/cross-referencing 65% 71%
Recommendation from a trusted source 59% 68%
Based on the professional appearance of the site 28% 42%
Based on the author 26% 46%
The fact that it costs money 1% 2%
Other 3% 3%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 725.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-5

Part 3: The Library Brand

3.3 Trust in Library Resources

and Search Engines
Libraries and search engines both provide trustworthy information.

Sixty-nine percent of respondents feel that information from a search engine is at the
same level of trustworthiness as a library information source. Twenty-two percent
believe that information received from a library is more trustworthy than information
received from a search engine and 9 percent indicated they believe it is less
trustworthy than search engines.

Ask Jeeves, Google and Yahoo! all have approximately the same relative level of
trustworthiness compared to a library’s information sources. Note that even though
use varies considerably among brands of search engines (see Part 1.2), the level of
trustworthiness of the three most used brands is nearly equal.

Respondents from the U.K. and the U.S. are the most likely to view the trustworthiness
of libraries and search engines similarly. Canadian respondents indicated the highest
level of trust in libraries.

Trustworthiness of Library Sources vs. Search Engines—

by Total Respondents 69%
Thinking about your usage of your library and the things you like and dislike feel libraries and
about it, is the information you get from the library sources more or less
trustworthy compared to the information you can get from search engines?
search engines
Library sources more trustworthy About the same Library sources less trustworthy
provide the
70% same level of
69% 69%
60%
68% 68% trustworthiness.
50%

40%

30%
27%
20% 26%
22% 23%

10%
9% 9% 5% 5%
0%
Search engines Google Yahoo!
Ask Jeeves
in general

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1205.

3-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Trustworthiness of Library Sources vs. Search Engines—

by Region of Respondent
Thinking about your usage of your library and the things you like and dislike
about it, is the information you get from the library sources more or less
trustworthy compared to the information you can get from search engines?

Library sources more trustworthy About the same Library sources less trustworthy

80%

70% 75%
70%
69% 66%
60%
60%
50%

40%

30%
28%
20% 22% 24%
21%
18%
10% 12%
9% 10% 9%
7%
0%
Total Australia Canada United United
Respondents Singapore Kingdom States
India

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1205.

Results indicate that younger U.S. respondents (14- to 24-year-olds) were

significantly more likely to respond that the library resources are less trustworthy
than search engines among all U.S. age groups. The U.S. 25- to 64-year-olds
and U.S. respondents 65 and older who rate the library sources more trustworthy
than search engines do so at a margin of about three to one over those who rate
it less trustworthy.

Although search engines have been in general use for a relatively short period of
time, over 70 percent of all U.S. respondents over the age of 25, including those
over 65, believe they provide the same level of trustworthiness as information
providers that libraries do.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-7

Part 3: The Library Brand

Trustworthiness of Library Sources vs. Search Engines—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Thinking about your usage of your library and the things you like and dislike about
it, is the information you get from the library sources more or less trustworthy
compared to the information you can get from search engines?
Library sources more trustworthy About the same Library sources less trustworthy

80%
A library
70%
70%
73% 72% is vital
60% in order to get
58%
50% 54% information. I trust
40% and love libraries.
30% The web cannot
20%
21%
25% 26%
21% take over because
17% 20% 22%
10%

0%
9% 7% 6%
the library
Total U.S.
Respondents
U.S. 14-17 U.S. 18-24 U.S. 25-64 U.S. 65+
is sacred.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1205. 18-year-old from the
United States
Almost a third of college students indicate a higher level of trust in library resources
than in search engines. Fifty-three percent rate search engines’ information to be Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
about the same level of trustworthiness as the libraries’ sources. There is no question 810, “What do you feel is
significant difference in the attitudes toward trustworthiness of library card holders the main purpose of the library?”

as compared to non-card holders.

Trustworthiness of Library Sources vs. Search Engines—

by College Students, Library Card Holders and Non-Card Holders
Thinking about your usage of your library and the things you like and dislike
about it, is the information you get from the library sources more or less
trustworthy compared to the information you can get from search engines?
Library sources more trustworthy About the same Library sources less trustworthy

80%

70%
72%
60% 67%

50% 53%
40%

30%
31%
20% 23%
20%
10% 16%
10% 8%
0%
College Library Card Non-Card
Students Holders Holders

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1205.
3-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources
 Part 3: The Library Brand

3.4 Free vs. For-Fee Information

Respondents do not trust information they have to purchase
more than free information.

The survey examined another aspect of trust by examining if respondents trust an

electronic information source more if they have to pay for the information. Ninety-
three percent of the total U.S. respondents said No, they do not trust the information
more if they pay for it. This attitude was consistent across all geographic regions
surveyed and library card holder status.

U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds are more likely than other U.S. age segments to trust an
information source more if they have to pay for the information. Almost 20 percent
of U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds indicate a higher trust level in an information source when
there is a cost for the information.
Free vs. For-Fee
Information— Free vs. For-Fee Information—by Region of Respondent
by Total Respondents Would you trust an electronic information source more if you have to pay
Would you trust an for the information compared to a free source?
electronic information source more Australia
if you have to pay for the informa- Total Singapore United United
tion compared to a free source? Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
No 92% 88% 94% 88% 93%
Yes 8% 12% 6% 12% 7%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 755.
92%
8%
Free vs. For-Fee Information—
by Age of U.S. Respondent
No Yes Would you trust an electronic information source more if you have to pay
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and for the information compared to a free source?
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 755. Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
No 93% 81% 87% 95% 92%
Yes 7% 19% 13% 5% 8%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 755.

Free vs. For-Fee Information—

by College Students across all Regions
Would you trust an electronic information source more if you have to pay
for the information compared to a free source?

Total College
Respondents Students
No 92% 90%
Yes 8% 10%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 755.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-9

Part 3: The Library Brand

Free vs. For-Fee Information—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Free
Would you trust an electronic information source more if you have to pay information
for the information compared to a free source?
from a
Total Library Card Non-Card

No
Respondents
92%
Holders
92%
Holders
90%
trusted
Yes 8% 8% 10%
source.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 755.
A large quantity of
books to be read
for enjoyment.
Paying for Information via 19-year-old from the
an Electronic Information Source United States

The majority of respondents have never paid for information. Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
The survey asked respondents to indicate if they have ever paid for information from question 812a, “Please list two posi-
tive associations with the library.”
an electronic information source. Eighty-seven percent indicated they have not.

While few respondents have paid for information from an electronic information
source, of those who have, nearly a third or more have purchased a registration
to a Web site, a subscription or an article (51 percent, 38 percent and 26 percent,
respectively).

Free vs. For-Fee Information—

by Total Respondents
Have you ever paid for information from an electronic information source?
What did you buy?

YES: 13% NO: 87%

What did Registration

you buy? to Web site 51%
Subscription 38%
Articles 26%
Electronic books 19%
Answer to question/
consulting time 18%
Audiobooks 13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 625 and 630.

3-10 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

The survey also asked respondents who have purchased information from an
electronic information source if the future frequency of purchasing would be more,
less or about the same. Fifty-nine percent of the respondents report frequency will
remain the same, 25 percent say frequency will be less and 16 percent say frequency
will be more. Anticipated increased use of free information was generally consistent
across all geographic regions and all U.S. age groups surveyed.

Information Purchases in the Future—

by Region of Respondent
Do you anticipate you will be paying more frequently, less frequently, or about the
same frequency for electronic information in the future?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
More frequently 16% 17% 16% 15% 11%
About the same 59% 56% 57% 67% 54%
Less frequently 25% 27% 27% 19% 34%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 635.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-11

Part 3: The Library Brand

Free vs. For-Fee Verbatim Comments

Would you trust an electronic information source more
if you have to pay for the information compared to a free source?

Respondents provided 1,873 comments to an open-ended question asking why

they would or would not trust an electronic source more if they had to pay for
the information. Responses indicate a wide range of perceptions and
expectations with regard to for-fee information, from an expectation that for-fee
information is more likely to be trustworthy because it is likely more scrutinized
prior to release, to opinions that because so much free information is readily
available it is hard to justify any payment.

The traditional notion that higher price equals higher quality appears to not
hold true for information as a commodity. There is a clear theme expressed
through the comments that information should be free and available to all.

Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors. Something paid for
results in value.
If I knew that the source was reputable (e.g., New York Times)
it would probably be worth it.
Often free
17-year-old from the United States gets what
If you trust information from a free source why wouldn’t you trust information from one pays for.
a source where you had to pay? Because I cross reference, I would only pay for
48-year-old from Canada
information if I needed the extra data.
68-year-old from Australia Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 760, “Would you trust an elec-
I also exercise my own judgement and cross referencing with friends and teachers. Having tronic information source more if you
have to pay for the information com-
to pay for the information does not make the information more or less trust worthy. pared to a free source? Why is that?”
33-year-old from Singapore

Because information should be free for everyone to know, I can very easily get in my
car and drive to the library to see find the information without having to pay for it.
Because you can get info from the library for free.
16-year-old from the United States

I would think it would be safe to assume that if you have to pay for something it
would be trustworthy and true. The information being provided probably needs to
meet certain criteria and costs them money; therefore they need to charge to
release the information. Opposed to free information, anyone can provide informa-
tion whether it’s trustworthy or not without having to meet certain criteria.
24-year-old from the United States

3-12 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

All my life before I do not think that I should have to pay for information that I can get freely from
electronic info I was other sources on the internet or at the local library for free.
able to get info 40-year-old from the United Kingdom

I needed without are you saying if information is free, it’s not to be trusted!!!!!!!!
paying for it…. 52-year-old from the United Kingdom

why Too many free sources from free websites to libraries to radio to broadcast
to get information, I think it would be almost impossible to justify paying
start for what so many sources offer for free both online and offline.
35-year-old from the United States

now? Would you trust my survey responses more if you had to pay me for it? :)
Having to pay, while it psychologically leverages you to commit to the
78-year-old from the experience more, doesn’t validate the veracity of the information gained
United States
through the transaction experience. The two things are independent.
38-year-old from Australia
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 760, “Would you trust an elec-
tronic information source more if you
have to pay for the information com-
pared to a free source? Why is that?”

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-13

Part 3: The Library Brand

3.5 Validating Information

Respondents most often cross-reference other Web sites
to validate electronic information.

Sixty-five percent of respondents judge the trustworthiness of electronic information Looking and reading
sources by cross-referencing to other sources (see Part 3.2). an entire book
The survey explored cross-referencing as a method of information validation. Survey
respondents were given a list of possible cross-referencing sources and asked to takes
select all that they use.

Over 80 percent of total respondents use other Web sites with similar information as
too long
a validation tool. Print material is selected as a cross-reference source by 68 percent when the specific
of all respondents. information can be
gained online in a
Librarians are rated as the least-used cross-referencing source for validation, at matter of minutes.
16 percent of all respondents. Use of the librarian to validate electronic information
was considerably higher for college students and U.S. youth. Twenty-six percent of Cross referencing
U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds use librarians to validate information and 36 percent of takes a lot of time
college students use the librarian. and effort.
38-year-old from the
Cross-referencing Sources to Validate Information— United States

by Total Respondents
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
What other source(s) do you use to validate the information? question 812b, “Please list two nega-
Base: Respondents selecting “find the information tive associations with the library.”
on multiple sites/cross-referencing” in question 725.

Other Web sites with

similar information 82%
Print material 68%
Expert in the field
of interest 51%

Library materials 42%

Friend 37%
Coworker/
professional colleague 36%
Relative 26%
Teacher/professor 25%
Librarian 16%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 735.

3-14 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Regional differences were observed, although using other Web sites with similar
information to validate information was the top choice across all geographic regions
surveyed. Nine percent of respondents from the U.K. use a teacher or professor to
validate information compared to 32 percent of Canadians and 25 percent of total
respondents. U.S. respondents are least likely to use a librarian (14 percent).

The use of library materials as cross-referencing sources to validate information is

relatively consistent across regions, ranging from roughly 40 to 50 percent. Again,
the use of library materials as sources to validate information is higher among
college students at 64 percent.

Cross-referencing Sources to Validate Information—

by Region of Respondent
I need to go get a What other source(s) do you use to validate the information?
Base: Respondents selecting “find the information on multiple sites/cross-referencing”
card! As it is a in question 725.

good place to Total

Australia
Singapore United United
cross reference Other Web sites with similar information
Respondents
82%
India
86%
Canada
78%
Kingdom
82%
States
82%
Print material 68% 68% 76% 53% 68%
items. I do enjoy Expert in the field of interest 51% 63% 54% 46% 48%
Library materials 42% 45% 48% 39% 40%
reading book’s! Friend 37% 46% 48% 39% 32%
Coworker/professional colleague 36% 38% 47% 39% 33%
70-year-old from the Relative 26% 30% 35% 20% 24%
United States Teacher/professor 25% 28% 32% 9% 26%
Librarian 16% 19% 22% 15% 14%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 735.
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, “What is the first thing
you think of when you think of a
library?”
Cross-referencing Sources to Validate Information—
by Age of U.S. Respondent
What other source(s) do you use to validate the information?
Base: Respondents selecting “find the information on multiple sites/cross-referencing”
in question 725.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Other Web sites with similar information 82% 79% 78% 85% 75%
Print material 68% 63% 65% 70% 61%
Expert in the field of interest 48% 40% 51% 51% 36%
Library materials 40% 47% 58% 37% 36%
Friend 32% 54% 35% 29% 34%
Coworker/professional colleague 33% 10% 21% 41% 15%
Relative 24% 34% 33% 20% 29%
Teacher/professor 26% 70% 60% 16% 19%
Librarian 14% 26% 32% 10% 10%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 735.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-15

Part 3: The Library Brand

Cross-referencing Sources to Validate Information—

by College Students across all Regions
What other source(s) do you use to validate the information?
Base: Respondents selecting “find the information on multiple sites/cross-referencing”
in question 725.

Total College
Respondents Students
Other Web sites with similar information 82% 80%
Print material 68% 76%
Expert in the field of interest 51% 59%
Library materials 42% 64%
Friend 37% 35%
Coworker/professional colleague 36% 37%
Relative 26% 29%
Teacher/professor 25% 78%
Librarian 16% 36%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 735.

Cross-referencing Sources to Validate Information—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
What other source(s) do you use to validate the information?
Base: Respondents selecting “find the information on multiple sites/cross-referencing”
in question 725.

Total Library Card Non- Card

Respondents Holders Holders
Other Web sites with similar information 82% 84% 76%
Print material 68% 72% 53%
Expert in the field of interest 51% 53% 43%
Library materials 42% 50% 13%
Friend 37% 37% 37%
Coworker/professional colleague 36% 37% 35%
Relative 26% 26% 27%
Teacher/professor 25% 30% 10%
Librarian 16% 19% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 735.

3-16 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Trusted Sources for Recommendations

Experts, other Web sites and print materials are the top trusted sources
for validating information. Two percent of respondents
consult librarians when seeking help from a trusted source.

While 65 percent of respondents judge the trustworthiness of electronic resources by

finding information on multiple sites/cross-referencing, 59 percent of respondents
indicate they use recommendations from a trusted source. We asked this subset of
respondents to identify who or what is their most trusted source they typically use.
Nine options were provided and respondents were asked to select one. Nineteen
percent of respondents use an expert in the field of interest as the trusted source
they typically use to help judge if electronic information is trustworthy. Other Web
sites with similar information are used by 17 percent of respondents. Librarians were
selected as a trusted source for validating information by 2 percent of respondents.

College students rely on their teachers and professors as trusted sources to validate
information, more than any other source. Library card holders tend to show the
smallest amount of variation among sources they trust to validate information.

Respondents use a wide range of trusted sources to validate electronic information

and show regional differences. Twenty-three percent of respondents from the U.K.
trust coworkers, which is double that of the 11 percent of total respondents.
Conversely, only 9 percent of U.S. respondents use coworkers as sources of
validation.

U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds name teachers and professors as their trusted sources to
validate electronic information. Two percent of college students across all regions
use librarians as their trusted source for validation. U.S. respondents age 65 and
older use experts, print materials and relatives as their top trusted sources of
validation for electronic information.

Trusted Sources for Validating Information— by Total Respondents

Who or what is that trusted source you most typically use?
Base: Respondents selecting “recommendation from a trusted source” in question 725.

Expert in the field

of interest 19%
Other Web sites with
similar information 17%
Print material 14%
Coworker/
professional colleague 11%
Friend 11%
Teacher/professor 10%

Relative 9%
Library materials 5%
Librarian 2%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 745.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-17

Part 3: The Library Brand

Trusted Sources for Validating Information—

by Region of Respondent
Who or what is that trusted source you most typically use?
Base: Respondents selecting “recommendation from a trusted source” in question 725.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Expert in the field of interest 19% 23% 19% 15% 19%
Other Web sites with similar information 17% 18% 16% 14% 17%
Print material 14% 15% 8% 9% 16%
Friend 11% 13% 16% 10% 9%
Coworker/professional colleague 11% 11% 12% 23% 9%
Teacher/professor 10% 6% 11% 8% 11%
Relative 9% 6% 8% 10% 10%
Library materials 5% 5% 6% 5% 5%
Librarian 2% 2% 1% 4% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 745.

Trusted Sources for Validating Information—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Who or what is that trusted source you most typically use?
Base: Respondents selecting “recommendation from a trusted source” in question 725.

Expert in the field of interest

Total U.S.
Respondents
19%
U.S.
14-17
9%
U.S.
18-24
4%
U.S.
25-64
23%
U.S.
65+
20%
Unlimited
Other Web sites with similar information
Print material
Friend
17%
16%
9%
10%
14%
17%
13%
7%
8%
19%
17%
8%
12%
21%
10%
resources
Coworker/professional colleague
Teacher/professor
Relative
9%
11%
10%
0%
33%
9%
4%
40%
10%
12%
4%
7%
4%
6%
21%
and cross-
Library materials
Librarian
5%
1%
2%
4%
10%
2%
5%
1%
1%
1% reference
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 745.
abilities.
Trusted Sources for Validating Information—
by College Students across all Regions 17-year-old from the
United States
Who or what is that trusted source you most typically use?
Base: Respondents selecting “recommendation from a trusted source” in question 725. Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
Total College question 812a, “Please list two
Respondents Students positive associations with the library.”
Expert in the field of interest 19% 9%
Other Web sites with similar information 17% 15%
Print material 14% 13%
Friend 11% 3%
Coworker/professional colleague 11% 2%
Teacher/professor 10% 45%
Relative 9% 4%
Library materials 5% 6%
Librarian 2% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 745.

3-18 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

The trusted source most typically used to validate electronic information resources
varied depending on whether the respondents are library card holders or not. Non-
card holders select coworkers as their trusted source more often than library card
holders do (21 percent compared to 9 percent.) Non-card holders typically do not
select library materials or librarians as their trusted sources.

Trusted Sources for Validating Information—

by Total Respondents, Library Card Holders and
Non-Card Holders across all Regions
Who or what is that trusted source you most typically use?
Base: Respondents selecting “recommendation from a trusted source” in question 725.

Total Library Card Non-Card

Respondents Holders Holders
Expert in the field of interest 19% 18% 25%
Other Web sites with similar information 17% 16% 18%
Print material 14% 16% 6%
Friend 11% 10% 14%
Coworker/professional colleague 11% 9% 21%
Teacher/professor 10% 12% 3%
Relative 9% 8% 10%
Library materials 5% 6% 0%
Librarian 2% 2% 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 745.

3.6 Libraries—Positive
and Negative Associations
“Books” and “information” are the highest positive associations
with libraries. “Customer/User services” yielded the highest number
of negative associations.

Survey respondents were asked to provide—in their own words—two positive and
two negative associations about libraries. 3,034 respondents provided 5,271
positive comments (an average of 1.74 comments per respondent) and 2,985
respondents provided 4,793 negative comments (an average of 1.61 comments
per respondent).

Verbatim responses were grouped into four categories: Products and Offerings,
Customer/User Service, Staff and Facility/Environment. These primary categories
were used to group both positive and negative associations. As the following graph
indicates, respondents’ positive and negative comments are matched across the
four categories. Respondents had strong positive associations with books;
respondents also had strong negative associations with books.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-19

Part 3: The Library Brand

Overall, the positive associations of libraries for survey respondents are ones
libraries have long been valued for: providing freely available materials and facilities when they don’t
that support individual inquiry. Many of the negative associations relate to the have the book
availability and conditions of the materials and facilities. you need\
Over 3,100 positive associations with products and offerings were provided by
respondents. This category yielded the most positive associations. Comments
that darn
relating to products and offerings also were the most frequently cited negative dewey thing
associations, at 35 percent. The negative associations include unavailable or out-
15-year-old from the
of-date items/information, unavailable or out-of-date computers and limited variety
United States
in the collection.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Other frequently cited negative associations relate to facilities and environment, at Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
26 percent. Most frequently cited were noise levels (too loud or too quiet), being too question 812b, “Please list two
negative associations with the library.”
crowded, limited parking and the need to travel to the library.

Negative customer/user service associations outnumber positive customer/user

service associations. Limited library hours were the most cited negative association.
Fees, inflexible return policies and other policy concerns were cited frequently.

U.S. respondents over age 65 had the strongest positive associations with library
staff among U.S. respondents, while young people in the U.S. age 14–17 had the
strongest negative associations with library staff.

For the full data tables, please see Appendix A.

Positive and Negative Associations of Libraries—

by Total Respondents
Please list two positive and two negative associations with the library.
Positive associations (n=3,034) Negative associations (n=2,985)
60%
60%
50%

40%

30% 35%
26%
20% 23%

10%
5% 10% 4% 10%
0%
Products and Offerings Customer/User Service Staff Facility/Environment

Number of Positive: 3,143 Positive: 238 Positive: 539 Positive: 529

Comments: Negative: 1,660 Negative: 1,106 Negative: 214 Negative: 1,242

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812.

3-20 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

The data show relative consistency across regions, with strong consistency for the
positive associations. Negative associations are slightly more varied. For example,
Canadian respondents registered more negative comments about customer/user
service than other regions, and respondents for the U.K. registered more negative
comments about the facilities and the environment.

Positive associations with regard to library staff and customer/user service were
offered more often by U.S. respondents age 65 and over than by U.S. respondents in
any other age group. U.S. respondents 14 to 17 years old had the highest positive
association with books than any other U.S. age group at 22 percent, while 13 percent
reported books as a negative association.

Positive Associations of Libraries—by Region of Respondent

Please list two positive associations with the library.
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Products and Offerings
Books 18% 16% 17% 21% 18%
Information 14% 16% 14% 14% 14%
Materials 9% 9% 10% 12% 9%
Free 8% 8% 7% 11% 8%
Computers 3% 2% 3% 3% 4%
Resources 3% 3% 4% 2% 4%
Easy 3% 4% 4% 4% 3%
Staff
Staff 10% 9% 10% 10% 11%
Facility/Environment
Environment 10% 11% 9% 7% 11%
Customer/User Service
Service 5% 5% 6% 4% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812a.

Positive Associations of Libraries—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please list two positive associations with the library.
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Products and Offerings
Books 18% 22% 16% 18% 13%
Information 14% 14% 18% 13% 13%
Materials 9% 7% 7% 12% 13%
Free 8% 8% 8% 9% 4%
Computers 4% 4% 5% 4% 3%
Resources 4% 3% 5% 5% 2%
Easy 3% 2% 3% 3% 3%
Staff
Staff 11% 8% 9% 11% 17%
Facility/Environment
Environment 11% 12% 11% 9% 8%
Customer/User Service
Service 4% 4% 2% 4% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812a.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-21

Part 3: The Library Brand

Positive Associations
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Products and Offerings

Books: 18 percent of respondents provided positive associations related to books. These
comments included free books, many or a variety of books, borrowing books, good books,
available or accessible books, browsing books and current books.
Information: 14 percent of respondents included positive thoughts related to information,
including free information, accurate/trustworthy information, reliable information, access to
information, current information and comprehensive information.
Materials: 9 percent of respondents offered comments associated with library materials, such as
a variety or many materials available, free materials and borrowing materials.
Free: 8 percent of the respondents have positive associations related to the concept of “free”
or “free access.”
Computers: 3 percent of the positive comments related to computer or Internet access.
Resources: 3 percent of the positive associations were associated with access to free or a
variety of resources.
Easy to access/find: 3 percent of the respondents provided positive statements about the ease
of accessing or finding information or resources.

Libraries are embracing computer technology most of the information and reseach
and now offer library users the best of both available are trustworthy
worlds when they visit. They can borrow 29-year-old from Singapore
conventional books, magazines and newspapers
and they can also log on to the computer system Generally Free (Inter)National cooperation
and find lots of information there. Teachers and 27-year-old from Canada
school administrators still advocate the use of
libraries and encourage their students to visit, so books. classics, in depth research. facility,
I think libraries will be here for a while yet. the way to obtain hard to get information.
41-year-old from Canada 73-year-old from the United Kingdom

Facility/Environment
10 percent of the respondents have positive associations of the library related to the:
• Quiet environment
• Friendly and comfortable surroundings
• Work environment

Can access info in tangible form - ie can pick it source of learning

up and look at it. can go there for peace and they have become more child friendly
quiet if you need to study without distractions 33-year-old from the United Kingdom
26-year-old from the United Kingdom

3-22 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Positive Associations (cont.)

Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Staff
10 percent of respondents provided positive comments related to the library staff, including:
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Knowledgeable
• Available

lots of information helpful staff There are many sources of information

14-year-old from the United States available through the library, and the people
there are always very friendly. It is also a
learn always & almost all references needed. very community oriented thing.
71-year-old from India 16-year-old from the United States

Customer/User Service
5 percent of the respondents have positive associations of the service provided by libraries.
Some of the positive associations are:
• The online catalog
• The practice of being open to the public
• Interlibrary loan and library “linking”
• The ability to self-service and search
• The option to browse and borrow materials
• The way libraries are organized
• The hours libraries are open

Recreation for 75 years of my life A form of entertainment. A knowledgable place.

Resource for education purposes 44-year-old from Singapore
82-year-old from the United States
1.Any one can get infromation about all
The possible ability to aquire information subject in library generally. 2. Its the cheapist
that may not be available from other souces. means to get knowledge.
the option of alternative medium types, ie cd, 35-year-old from India
dvd, video, etc
71-year-old from Australia

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-23

Part 3: The Library Brand

Negative Associations of Libraries—

by Region of Respondent
Please list two negative associations with the library.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Products and Offerings
Books 13% 16% 14% 14% 11%
Materials 10% 10% 12% 8% 10%
Information 7% 9% 8% 6% 6%
Time-consuming 3% 4% 3% 1% 3%
Computers 2% 2% 2% 2% 3%
Facility/Environment
Environment 11% 11% 8% 15% 11%
Travel there 7% 8% 7% 6% 7%
Not convenient 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%
Dull 2% 1% 1% 4% 2%
Customer/User Service
Service 23% 19% 28% 20% 23%
Staff
Staff 4% 3% 2% 4% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812b.

Negative Associations of Libraries—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please list two negative associations with the library.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Products and Offerings
Books 11% 13% 12% 10% 10%
Materials 10% 9% 10% 8% 8%
Information 6% 4% 9% 6% 5%
Time-consuming 3% 4% 4% 2% 2%
Computers 3% 3% 3% 1% 4%
Facility/Environment
Environment 11% 12% 14% 9% 11%
Travel there 7% 5% 5% 10% 11%
Not convenient 5% 4% 3% 7% 5%
Dull 2% 5% 3% 9% 0%
Customer/User Service
Service 23% 23% 23% 26% 21%
Staff
Staff 5% 9% 5% 3% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812b.

3-24 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Negative Associations
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Products and Offerings

Books: 13 percent of the respondents had negative associations with the library books,
including that they are:
• Not available • Not current
• Difficult to access • Not taken care of or are dirty
• Heavy to carry • Of limited variety
• Not what is needed
Other comments suggested that there are too many books and that the respondents have to
return the books to the library.

Materials: 10 percent of the negative comments related to library materials, including:

• The limited variety • Not available
• Are hard to access/find/use • Are not current
• Are not what’s needed • Are not taken care of/dirty
• Are not circulated
Information: 7 percent of the respondents made negative comments regarding information, including:
• Hard to access/find/use • Not current
• Not available • Not what is needed
• Too much • Limited variety
Computers: 2 percent of the respondents have negative associations regarding:
• Outdated computers • Computers that are not available
• Use of the Internet filters
Time-consuming: 3 percent of respondents made negative comments indicating
that use of the library is time-consuming.

old people, old books, fines, outdated we get to pay charges to renew the same
information, archaic research tool book. Many books have the pages torn out,
17-year-old from the United States esp. the good recipes.
48-year-old from Singapore
Sometimes it is very hard to find the books.
Sometimes it is difficult to find someone to help. really old old books.
21-year-old from the United States 24-year-old from Singapore

I always have to ask information about where Nothing negative about a library. It just
to look for the information I need. It is too can’t compete with individuals using com-
difficult to find it by myself, because there is puters to get information. The trip to the
so much information.... I could waste too computer is a few seconds, where the trip
much time looking for it. to the library is measured in minutes.
80-year-old from the United States 43-year-old from the United States

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-25

Part 3: The Library Brand

Negative Associations (cont.)

Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Facility/Environment
11 percent offered negative comments about the library environment, including:
• Too quiet • Too noisy • Too crowded
• Limited parking • Too small • Confusing layout
• Dirty • Homeless people • Not safe
Travel there: 7 percent of respondents have negative associations with travel to the library.
Dull: 2 percent of the respondents indicated that libraries are dull.
Not convenient: 5 percent of the respondents commented that the library is not convenient.

Perceived as a hidebound and stuffy entity homeless people / bad bathrooms

where silence is golden. Large institution 43-year-old from the United States
which can be somewhat intimidating for
poeple who are not confidant with learning HAVE TO LEAVE THE HOME TO GET THIS
or exploring. INFORMATION
43-year-old from Australia 60-year-old from the United Kingdom

Customer/User Service
23 percent of the respondents provided negative associations related to:
• Limited or poor hours of operation
• Fees and policies associated with using the library
• Stringent return dates and other limits on circulation
• Use of the online catalog
• Poor service

Fines Poor selection of books

Hassle of keeping card Inconvenient opening hours
21-year-old from the United States 34-year-old from the United Kingdom

Staff
4 percent of the respondents indicated negative associations related to the library staff, including:
• Unfriendly • Unavailable
• Not knowledgeable • Not helpful

Unfriendly staff, having to wait a long time for not to much help, you feel like you should
a book or do not have it in any library and know how it all works and if you don’t they
have to wait for them to get a loan from out- sometimes don’t seem to want to help you.
side the area. To quiet, sometimes you have to work in
40-year-old from the United Kingdom groups and you always feel like you can’t talk
30-year-old from Canada
Moody librarians! Insufficient books on
certain topics
40-year-old from Australia

3-26 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

3.7 Lifestyle Fit

Respondents are reading less and using the library less
since they started using the Internet.

Watching television, using the library, reading books and reading the newspaper are
the top four activities respondents report doing less frequently since they began
using the Internet. Fourteen percent of respondents say they visit with family and
friends less often.

Tables detailing decreased activities due to Internet use by region, U.S. age, college

33% students and library card holders are included in Appendix A.

use the library Decreased Activities Due to Internet Use—by Total Respondents
What activities do you engage in less often since you began using the Internet?
less often since
they started using Watch television 39%

Use the library 33%

the Internet.
Read books 26%

Read the newspaper 26%

Read magazines 25%

Go to the mall/physical store 23%

I don’t use any sources less often 23%
than before I began using the Internet
Listen to the radio 21%

Purchase music 21%

Fax documents 20%

Visit with friends/family in person 14%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 415.

Information Sources and Lifestyle Fit

Over half of respondents say search engines fit perfectly with their lifestyle.

Understanding how compatible a product or service is to a consumer’s lifestyle and

consumption habits can provide interesting insights into how a consumer may use
that product or a competing product or service in the future.

Respondents rated search engines, libraries, online libraries, bookstores and online
bookstores as information sources that did, or did not, fit with their lifestyle.

Fifty-five percent of all respondents feel search engines fit perfectly with their lifestyles,
and 90 percent of respondents feel search engines are a good to perfect fit. Forty-nine
percent feel the library is a good to perfect fit. U.S. respondents 65 and older rate
search engines’ lifestyle fit substantially lower than younger age groups.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-27

Part 3: The Library Brand

Library card holders expressed a higher level of perfect lifestyle fit for all information
sources than non-card holders. Library card holders were four times more likely than
non-card holders to see libraries as a perfect lifestyle fit.

Layout of the library

Information Sources by Lifestyle Fit— should be more
by Total Respondents
Thinking of each information source and your information needs
lifestyle based
and lifestyles, would you say it...? and user
60%
Fits perfectly with your lifestyle
Is a good fit for your lifestyle
friendly.
50% Somewhat fits your lifestyle It should offer its patrons
Does not fit your lifestyle the wow factor from the
40%
instance you walk in the
door that this is the place
30%
you want to be in and
20% have the comfort and
ease to locate what you
10% are after and feel at
home and want to spend
0%
Search engines Library Online library Bookstore Online bookstore
time there, quality and
quantity.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345. 40-year-old from Australia

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

Information Sources with Perfect Lifestyle Fit— Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, ques-
tion 1240, “If you could provide one piece
by Region of Respondent of advice to your library, what would it be?”

Thinking of each information source and your information needs

and lifestyles, would you say it fits perfectly with your lifestyle?
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engines 55% 62% 55% 53% 54%
Library 17% 17% 18% 12% 18%
Online library 15% 16% 18% 11% 15%
Bookstore 14% 13% 16% 9% 15%
Online bookstore 16% 15% 17% 16% 16%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345.

3-28 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Information Sources with Perfect Lifestyle Fit—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Thinking of each information source and your information needs
and lifestyles, would you say it fits perfectly with your lifestyle?
My schedule Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+

rarely fits Search engines

Library
54%
18%
52%
17%
54%
17%
58%
17%
38%
22%

their Online library

Bookstore
Online bookstore
15%
15%
16%
10%
16%
10%
14%
17%
19%
16%
15%
18%
10%
11%
10%

schedule. Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345.

21-year-old from the

United States
Information Sources with Perfect Lifestyle Fit—
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and by College Students across all Regions
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, ques-
tion 812b, “Please list two negative associa- Thinking of each information source and your information needs
tions with the library.”
and lifestyles, would you say it fits perfectly with your lifestyle?
Total College
Respondents Students
Search engines 55% 64%
Library 17% 24%
Online library 15% 30%
Bookstore 14% 21%
Online bookstore 16% 24%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345.

Information Sources with Perfect Lifestyle Fit—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Thinking of each information source and your information needs
and lifestyles, would you say it fits perfectly with your lifestyle?
Library Card Non-Card
Holders Holders
Search engines 57% 52%
Library 22% 5%
Online library 18% 7%
Bookstore 15% 10%
Online bookstore 18% 11%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-29

Part 3: The Library Brand

Online Libraries and Lifestyle Fit

Ninety percent of respondents see search engines as a good lifestyle fit.
Nearly half see online libraries as a good lifestyle fit.

Although both information sources are Internet-based, substantially more respondents

rate search engines as a perfect fit than online libraries. Fifteen percent of total
respondents say the online library fits perfectly with their lifestyle. Fifty-five percent rate
search engines as a perfect fit. College students indicate the best fit with the online
library, with 30 percent of them stating that it fits perfectly with their lifestyles.

Online Libraries and the

Online Libraries Compared to Search Engines— Lifestyle Fit—
by Total Respondents by College Students
Thinking of each information source and your information needs across all Regions
and lifestyles, would you say it...?

60% 33%
Online library
30%
55% Search engine 27%
50% 10%

40%
Fits perfectly with
your lifestyle
30% 35%
32% 34% Is a good fit with
your lifestyle
20%
Somewhat fits
19% your lifestyle
10% 15% Does not fit with
2% your lifestyle
8%
0%
Fits perfectly with Is a good fit with Somewhat fits Does not fit your
your lifestyle your lifestyle your lifestyle lifestyle
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345. Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1345.

3-30 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

3.8 Books—the Library Brand

The library brand is “books.”

Books, books, books, rows and rows of books, stacks of books, tables filled
with books, people holding books, people checking out books. Libraries are
all about books. That is what I think and that is what I will always think.
41-year-old from Canada

Plenty of books, movies, cds and other media that I have

access to free of charge. It’s great!
16-year-old from the United States

In the introduction to this report, we noted that one of the most important goals of the
project is to begin to provide a clearer understanding of the “Library” brand.

What do information consumers think about libraries? How do information

consumers identify libraries in the growing universe of alternatives? What is the
“Library” brand image from the viewpoint of the online information consumer?

“Brand” is derived from the Old Norse word “brandr,” which means “to burn,” as
brands were the means by which owners of livestock marked their animals to identify
them.1 The American Marketing Association defines “brand image” as “the
perception of a brand in the minds of persons. The brand image is a mirror reflection
(though perhaps inaccurate) of the brand personality or product being. It is what
people believe about a brand—their thoughts, feelings, expectations.”2

We asked a variety of questions in this survey to help us collect information about

the library’s brand image, and about the information consumer’s thoughts, feelings
and expectations.

We asked the open-ended question: “What is the first thing you think of when you think
of a library?” 3,785 verbatim comments from 3,163 respondents were grouped by
main theme. Roughly 70 percent of respondents, across all geographic regions and
U.S. age groups, associate library first and foremost with books. There was no
runner-up.

Tables detailing data on top-of-mind associations with libraries by region, U.S. age,
college students and library card holders are in Appendix A.

1. Kevin Lane Keller, Strategic Brand Management: Building, Measuring and Managing Brand Equity,
(Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc., 1998), 2.
2. http://www.marketingpower.com/mg-dictionary.php?Searched=1&SearchFor=brand%20image
(accessed October 15, 2005 ).

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-31

Part 3: The Library Brand

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by Total Respondents Books,
in fact it’s the
What is the first thing you think of when you think of a library?
80%
only thing
70%
69%
I think of
60%
when thinking about
50%
a library.
40%
69-year-old from England
30%

20% Source: Perceptions of Libraries and

12% Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, ques-
10%
9% tion 807, “What is the first thing you think
5% 5%
3% of when you think of a library?”
2%
0%
Books Information Building Research Materials Reference Entertainment
(Environment)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.
Note: The percentage is based on the number of comments received divided by the number of respondents.
Some respondents chose to provide more than one response, and all responses were included.

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by Region of Respondent
What is the first thing you think of when you think of a library?
80%
Total Respondents
70%
Australia/Singapore/India
60% Canada
United Kingdom
50%
United States
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
Books Information Building Research Materials Reference Entertainment
(Environment)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.
Note: The percentage is based on the number of comments received divided by the number of respondents.
Some respondents chose to provide more than one response, and all responses were included.

3-32 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
What is the first thing you think of when you think of a library?

Great 80%
Total U.S.
70%
U.S. 14-17
access to a 60% U.S. 18-24
U.S. 25-64

multitude of 50%

40%
U.S. 65+

books— 30%

I buy favorites but 20%

have a much broader 10%

range of book 0%
Books Information Building Research Materials Reference Entertainment
availability, including (Environment)

some I wish to only Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.
Note: The percentage is based on the number of comments received divided by the number of respondents.
read once or those Some respondents chose to provide more than one response, and all responses were included.

I need specific
information Brand Associations
from,through the “Free,” “access” and “information” were occasionally mentioned.
library.
The responses from the 3,163 respondents were also analyzed for secondary themes or
51-year-old from the
United States
descriptors that could lend understanding of library brand image. The words “book” or
“books” were mentioned 2,152 times. The word “information” was the top-of-mind recall
291 times. “Free” was mentioned 70 times. Other descriptors mentioned infrequently
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, included access, the physical building, the librarian and library as “a place for
question 807, “What is the first thing you information,” but the overwhelming response is that the “library brand equals books.”
think of when you think of a library?”

Words often used by librarians to describe libraries and library services include
“trust,” “privacy,” “authoritative information,” “quality information,” “education,”
“learning,” “community” and “access.” We reviewed the over 3,500 verbatim
responses from 3,163 respondents to the question “What is the first thing you
think of when you think of a library?” to see how many times “trust,” “quality,”
“authoritative,” “education” and “privacy” and other often used library attributes
were mentioned as the top-of-mind library image.

The words trust, authoritative and privacy were never mentioned. Community was
mentioned in one response. Quality was mentioned twice. Education was
mentioned four times; learning was mentioned nine times. Free was mentioned
70 times. Books were mentioned 2,152 times.

We also analyzed brand associations by looking at the respondents’ open-ended

positive and negative associations. This set of questions was asked in the library
section of the survey. (See Part 3.6: “List two positive and two negative
associations with the library.”)

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-33

Part 3: The Library Brand

We reviewed word count to identify potential brand image associations against the
same list of traditional library attributes. Total mentions were as follows:

Positive Library Associations

Word Count

• Authoritative – 0
• Quality – 1
• Privacy – 2
• Trust – 14
• Community – 21
• Education – 25
• Entertainment – 36
• Learning – 89
• Internet/Web – 91
• Knowledge – 92
• Research – 155
• Access – 264
• Free – 652
• Information – 727
• Books – 1,106

Again, books surfaced as the leading positive association. It was mentioned by

37 percent of respondents who provided positive association comments. Information
and free were mentioned in approximately 24 percent and 21 percent of responses,
respectively.

So why the overwhelming brand image of library as books? Books,

As mentioned in the introduction, Environmental Scan discussions with librarians though I know they
over the past two years have often surfaced a view that a potential reason for the have other media
disconnect between the user’s perception of libraries as books and the librarian’s available
association with a much broader set of products and services is a lack of user
education. Many have expressed a feeling that today’s information consumer is just 55-year-old from Canada
not aware of what is currently available at libraries. The survey data would support
the assertion that library users are not aware of many electronic library resources. Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
As reported in Part 2, online information consumers are unaware or unfamiliar with question 807, “What is the first thing you
many of the products and services currently available at the library. Fifty-eight think of when you think of a library?”

percent of total respondents do not know that libraries offered electronic journals.
Fifty-eight percent are not aware that libraries provide online databases. Thirty-three
percent did not know their libraries have Web sites.

Why are information consumers so uninformed? Seventy-two percent hold a library

card. Is the lack of awareness of the libraries’ online electronic resources a cause or
an effect of the view of the library brand as a book provider? Are respondents (all of
whom took the survey online) not aware that the library has a Web site or electronic
databases because they do not expect or look for the libraries to be more than books?

3-34 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

We analyzed the top-of-mind brand association of the library for the subset of
respondents who indicated that they are extremely familiar or very familiar with
the physical library (see Part 2). 1,557 respondents or 46 percent of total survey
respondents indicated that they were very familiar or extremely familiar with the
library. Top-of-mind brand image of the library for this subset of respondents yielded
the following word associations:

Old book Top-of Mind Library Association:

Respondents who are Extremely Familiar or
smell. Very Familiar with the Physical Library
Word Count
Not a bad thing
though, it’s comforting! • Trust – 0
23-year-old from the • Authoritative – 0
United States • Privacy – 0
• Community – 0
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and • Education – 1
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question
807, “What is the first thing you think of
• Learning – 1
when you think of a library?” • Internet/Web – 4
• Entertainment – 7
• Access – 16
• Knowledge – 23
• Free – 30
• Research – 54
• Information – 135
• Books – 1,013

For this same subset of respondents (those who are extremely familiar or very
familiar with the physical library), we also analyzed their usage patterns of library
electronic resources.

The survey results suggest that the respondents who indicate they are very familiar
or extremely familiar with libraries use library electronic resources more frequently
than total respondents.

We reviewed the top-of-mind library image for this group of respondents who
indicate they are extremely familiar or very familiar with and use library resources.
Their brand image of libraries is “books.” Over 60 percent of responses included
the word “book” or “books.”

Based on the results of the survey, the library brand—across geographic regions,
across U.S. ages, across those who use the library often—is books.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-35

Part 3: The Library Brand

A Sample of Respondents’ Verbatim Comments:

What is the first thing you think of
when you think of a library?
Tables detailing a larger sample of verbatim responses are included in Appendix B.
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

The first thing that I think of when I think of ‘library’ is the broad
range of resources it offers, such as internet access, periodicals,
and of course, books.
47-year-old from the United States

Equality. Libraries more than any other institution make the

access of information available to anyone who wants it.
Libraries run literacy programs, have volunteers teach ESL
courses, Give open access joyfully to all the literatue, art,
periodicals and plain old ‘how to’ instructions. Give access
to Natural History, Music. Libraries are the treasure of our
Civilization. AND They are the great equalizers. The first time
I used a computer was in a library. THe first thing I think of
when I think of a library is MAGIC!
61-year-old from Canada

Boring.
33-year-old from the United Kingdom

The wealth of knowledge that resides in books.

17-year-old from the United States

Peace and quiet.

41-year-old from the United Kingdom

It’s in the centre of the town where I live and it’s difficult to get
to, i.e., no nearby free parking. I think it’s an old fashioned way
of getting information.
60-year-old from the United Kingdom

Quiet.
32-year-old from Australia

The librarian hushing everyone .

17-year-old from the United States

3-36 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

A Sample of Respondents’ Verbatim Comments (continued):

What is the first thing you think of
when you think of a library?
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Provide information,
knowledge, resources Great place to get a book I am interested in.
and relaxation to 45-year-old from Australia

everyone last place I want to go for info

68-year-old from the United States
and anyone
who needs it. It also Quiet, books, boring, helpful.
helps a person to 17-year-old from the United States
upgrade oneself.
difficult to find what you really need without spending
31-year-old from Singapore hours looking.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
32-year-old from the United Kingdom
question 807, “What is the first thing you
think of when you think of a library?”
Pleasure.
46-year-old from the United Kingdom

An study place for students.

18-year-old from the United States

Good collection of fiction and non-fiction books.

23-year-old from the United States

A large building with books on all subjects.

65-year-old from the United States

Need to be quiet, need to hunt around for what you want,

lots of leg work.
39-year-old from Canada

Enjoyment.
72-year-old from the United States

Great access to a multitude of books-I buy favorites but have

a much broader range of book availability, including some I
wish to only read once or those I need specific information,
from the library.
51-year-old from the United States

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-37

Part 3: The Library Brand

3.9 Brand Potential—Libraries, Books and Information

The majority of respondents indicated that the main purpose of libraries
was broader than books.

To be an ‘information station’.
57-year-old from the United States

Getting book, studying material for school or college,

using a computer if you don’t own one.
69-year-old from the United States

Books and lending.

38-year-old from Canada

As important as it is to know what your brand image is today, it is equally important

to understand brand potential. What are the possibilities? Can brand image be
changed or expanded? Can brand image be “refreshed?” What potential exists for
53%
expanding the “Library” brand beyond books?
feel the main
purpose of the
To explore “Library” brand potential, we asked respondents to look beyond first
impression and indicate what they felt is the purpose (mission) of the library. library is
Slightly over half of respondents (53 percent) indicated that they feel the main information.
purpose of the library is information. Thirty-one percent of respondents indicated
that the main purpose of the library is books.

Responses were generally consistent across both region and age. Respondents from
the United Kingdom were more likely to link the main purpose of the library to books
(42 percent) than respondents from other geographic regions. Australia/Singapore/
India residents indicated books as the main purpose of the library less than
respondents from all other regions, at 22 percent.

U.S. respondents 65 and over indicated information as the main purpose of

the library more than any other age group, at 62 percent. At 45 percent, U.S.
respondents age 14–17 selected information less than other age groups. They
indicated books as the main purpose of the library more than any other age group
(at 40 percent).

Tables detailing the library’s main purpose by region, U.S. age, college students and
library card holders are included in Appendix A.

3-38 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

Main Purpose of the Library—

by Total Respondents
What do you feel is the main purpose of the library?

A place to 60%

seek 50%

knowledge. 40%

21-year-old from the

30%
United States
20%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question
810, “What do you feel is the main purpose
of the library?” 10%

0%
53% 31% 14% 11% 10% 6% 4%
Information Books Research Materials Entertainment Reading Building
(Environment)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

Books for fun Main Purpose of the Library—by Region of Respondent

What do you feel is the main purpose of the library?
and research 70%
57-year-old from the Total Respondents
United States 60%
Australia/Singapore/India
50% Canada
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and United Kingdom
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, 40%
United States
question 810, “What do you feel is the
main purpose of the library?” 30%

20%

10%

0%
Information Books Research Entertainment Materials Reading Building
(Environment)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-39

Part 3: The Library Brand

Main Purpose of the Library—

An information
by Age of U.S. Respondent
and
What do you feel is the main purpose of the library? entertainment
70% Total U.S. resource center.
U.S. 14-17
60% 48-year-old from Canada
U.S. 18-24
50% U.S. 25-64
U.S. 65+
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
40%
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 810, “What do you feel is the
30% main purpose of the library?”

20%

10%

0
Information Books Research Entertainment Materials Reading Building
(Environment)
Q810 Age

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

Responses to the question “What do you feel is the main purpose of the library?”
varied in both content and length. Some responses were one- or two-word replies;
others were lengthy answers indicating more than one main purpose of the library.

Responses such as “provide resources for learning and research and to provide
books for one’s enjoyment” (16-year-old from the U.S.) indicate a multidimensional
view of the purpose of the library. Learning, research, books and enjoyment are
all mentioned. The majority of respondents indicated that their view of the main
purpose of the library was broader than just books. When books were mentioned,
other activities or services were also frequently mentioned.

3-40 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 3: The Library Brand

to allow Again, when we reviewed the 3,161 responses by word count against the list of
traditional brand attributes, we see similar attributes mentioned but with higher
everyone frequency for many attributes. Information—1,290 mentions related to the main
purpose compared to 727 mentions for top-of-mind, education—87 mentions
the opportunity and compared to 25 mentions and research—420 mentions compared to 155 mentions.
access to Community was mentioned 98 times in response to the library’s main purpose.
This represents less than 1 percent of the responses, but four times more than
resource either top-of-mind or positive library associations.
information
Main Purpose of the Library
and reading Word Count
46-year-old from Canada
• Authoritative – 0
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and • Privacy – 0
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, ques- • Trust – 5
tion 810, “What do you feel is the main
purpose of the library?” • Internet/Web – 45
• Education – 87
• Learning – 91
• Community – 98
• Entertainment – 146
• Knowledge – 161
• Free – 253
• Access – 275
• Research – 420
• Books – 1,019
• Information – 1,290

Attributes that were not frequently mentioned in any set of brand association
responses (the top-of-mind, positive associations or main purpose responses) are
privacy, Internet or Web and trust.

The data suggest that, when prompted, many online information consumers can see
a role for libraries beyond books. Information is seen as that expanded role for
libraries by the largest number of respondents.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 3-41

Part 3: The Library Brand

A Sample of Respondents’ Verbatim Comments:

What is the main purpose of the library?

Tables detailing a larger sample of verbatim responses are included in Appendix B.
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

To provide and give people access to information.

28-year-old from Canada

A central source for the general public to be able to access many things,
including the borrowing of books, reference material, computer access
and daily/weekly newspapers/magazines. Also a great learning
environment for children.
50-year-old from Australia

Books and information for free.

17-year-old from the United States

For people who cannot afford things like computers and books
to have free access to information. That is something that is
necessary in a free and open society.
22-year-old from the United States

Provide resources for learning and research and to provide books for
one’s enjoyment.
16-year-old from the United States

Serve as a centralized information repository.

21-year-old from the United States

To provide access to materials needed for personal and research

purposes. A public library has a bit different of a function within the
community, to enhance intergroup understandings and encourage or
facilitate growth etc. Academic libraries need to have print materials
and electronic resources, as well as professional librarians to assist
researchers.
29-year-old from Canada

Provide both electronic and hard copy information on topics both factual
and fictional. A local point in which to store the information.
45-year-old from Australia

3-42 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 4: Respondents’ Advice
to Libraries

85% Keep keeping up! You are an invaluable resource/facility in the community.
Without you, many people’s opportunity/desire to learn & develop would be
greatly diminished (think Billy Connelly & Michael Caine’s love of libraries)
agree the library
26-year-old from Australia
is a place to learn.
A smile goes a long way. The environment, including the
friendliness of the staff, makes a difference for me.
18-year-old from Canada

A search engine of their own.

36-year-old from Canada

52%
agree their Advertise.
library’s content/ 17-year-old from the United States

collection meets
their needs. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with a set of phrases
and characteristics to determine how information consumers see the libraries’ role in
today’s society. When prompted, respondents agree (completely agree or agree)
that libraries serve many community roles, including a place to learn, a place to read
and support literacy, a place for free computer/Internet access and a place to
promote childhood learning and development.

Respondents were also asked to rate their library service across six service
dimensions ranging from librarian assistance to technology. Less than 25 percent
of respondents completely agree that libraries meet their needs on any single
dimension.

As the wrap-up to the survey, respondents were offered the opportunity to provide—
in their own words—one piece of advice to libraries. We received over 3,000
responses. Part 4.3 includes a summary of the verbatim comments. We have
included a broader sample of verbatim comments in Appendix B.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 4-1

Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

4.1 The Library’s Role in the Community

When prompted, respondents agree
that libraries serve many community roles.

Respondents were asked to rate the library on 14 attributes that describe potential
community roles that a library could provide. Over 50 percent of respondents
More
agree or completely agree that their library provides 12 of the 14 community computer
services surveyed.
stations,
Eighty-five percent of all respondents agree (completely agree or agree) that the able to bring in
library is perceived to be a place to learn.
your own computer
Eighty percent or more of all respondents also agree that the library is a place to read and hook up to
and make needed information freely available. internet
17-year-old from the
Respondents were least likely to recognize their library as supporting nonnative
United States
speakers or as a place to meet and socialize with friends.
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Library’s Role in the Community— Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
by Total Respondents one piece of advice to your library,
what would it be?”

Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following
statements about your library’s role in the community.
Note: This graph shows the completely agree and agree responses.

Is a place to learn 85%

Is a place to read 81%
Makes needed information freely available 80%
Supports literacy 78%
Provides research support 77%
Provides free computer/Internet access 73%
Promotes childhood learning and development 73%
Provides free information support to less fortunate 71%
Is a place to get books/videos/music 70%
Provides homework support 61%
Provides access to electronic information remotely 52%
Is a place for meetings/community events 51%
Supports nonnative speakers 34%
Is a place to meet and socialize with friends 28%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1210.

4-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

In the U.S., 14- to 17-year-olds and 18- to 24-year-olds are significantly more likely to
be neutral in their agreement that their library:

• makes needed information freely available

• supports literacy
• provides free information to support those less fortunate
• promotes childhood learning and development

Eighty-three percent of U.S. respondents perceive the library as a place to learn. This
perception varies considerably by age. Sixty-nine percent of U.S. 14- to-17-year olds
hold this perception as compared to an overwhelming 94 percent of U.S.
respondents age 65 and over.

Agreement that the “Library is a Place to Learn”—

Free access by Age of U.S. Respondent
for all people Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the statement,
“The library is a place to learn.”
Programs Note: This graph shows the completely agree and agree responses.

for children. Total U.S.

Respondents
32% 51%
41-year-old from Australia
U.S. 14-17 19% 50%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 812a, “Please list two posi- U.S. 18-24 28% 46%
tive associations with the library.”

U.S. 25-64 34% 50%

U.S. 65+ 35% 59%

Completely Agree Agree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1210.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 4-3

Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

Respondents indicate that they are aware of the availability of free computer and
Internet access at the library across all geographic regions surveyed. Seventy-three
percent of respondents completely agree or agree that their library provides free
computer/Internet access.

Libraries and Free Computer/Internet Access—

by Region of Respondent
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the statement,
“The library provides free computer/Internet Access.”
Note: This graph shows the completely agree and agree responses.

Total 29% 44%

Respondents

Australia/ 26% 43%

Singapore/India

Canada 29 % 47 %

United Kingdom 26% 38%

United States 30% 45%

Completely Agree Agree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1210.

4.2 Rating Library Services

Sixty-five percent of respondents agree
that assistance from a librarian is available when needed.

Fifty-four percent agree that library technology meets their needs.

The survey asked respondents to rate their library’s performance across six service
dimensions ranging from librarian support to content to resource availability. While
less than 25 percent of respondents completely agree their library provides these
services, the majority at least agree (completely agree or agree) that most services
meet their needs.

Sixty-five percent of respondents agree (completely agree or agree) that the

assistance of a librarian is available when needed. This level of agreement is
consistent among all geographic regions and U.S. age groups.

Roughly half (48 percent) of respondents are neutral or disagree that their content
and collection needs are met.

4-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

Librarian and Library Services—

by Total Respondents
Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree
with the following statements about your library.
Note: This graph shows the completely agree and agree responses.

Books improve your

Assistance from librarian
life, by inspiring, available when needed 23% 42%
teaching, keeping The physical environment
18% 45%
meets my needs
you involved and
Information is in the format
interested, and that meets my needs 13% 43%

FREE TO Resources are available

when I need

Technology
13% 41%

THINK. meets my needs

Content/collection
10%
13% 41%

42%
LITERACY and being meets my needs

informed raise the Completely agree Agree

standard of living of 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

individuals and Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1207.
societies.
41-year-old from the
United States Librarian and Library Services—
by U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and
Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree
question 812a, “Please list two with the following statements about your library.
positive associations with the
library.” Note: This graph shows the completely agree and agree responses.

Assistance from librarian

available when needed 18% 43%

The physical environment

meets my needs 14% 42%

Information is in the format

that meets my needs 9% 42%

Resources are available

when I need 11% 44%

Technology
meets my needs 13% 39%

Content/collection
meets my needs 9% 39%

Completely agree Agree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1207.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 4-5

Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

4.3 Advice to Libraries

Respondents had opinions on all aspects of
library staff, products and services, and facilities.

Respondents were invited to offer one piece of advice to libraries as a wrap-up to

the survey. Some respondents offered more than one piece of advice and others
declined to comment. 3,026 comments were received from 2,968 respondents.
We categorized the advice into the following five themes: products and offerings,
customer/user service, facility/environment, staff and satisfaction.

Tables detailing advice for libraries by region and U.S. age are included in
Appendix A.

Advice for the Library—by Region of Respondent

If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?
Note: This graph shows the percentage of respondents who offered advice related to the
following themes: products and offerings, customer/user service,
facility/environment, staff and satisfaction.

35% Total Respondents

Australia/Singapore/India
30% Canada
26% United Kingdom
25%
25% United States
19%
20%

15%

10%
6% 6%
5%

0%
Products and Customer/user Facility/ Staff Satisfaction
offerings service environment

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

4-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

The advice received covered a wide range of topics across a wide range of library services. We have
summarized the advice received under each broad theme from products and offerings to staffing.
A sample of the verbatim advice concludes this section. A larger sample of verbatim responses is
included in Appendix B.

Respondents’ Advice
If you could give one piece of advice for your library,
what would it be?
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Products and Offerings

Add to collection: 13 percent of total respondents advised libraries to add materials to their
collections.
• Add more copies of books and other materials so that best-sellers and other popular
materials would circulate faster.
• Add additional titles and other materials to the collection.
• Add new resources to the collection, such as audiobooks.
• Add new information, such as genealogy materials.

Update collection: 7 percent of total respondents suggested that libraries update their
collection with new books, materials, information and other resources.
Computers: 5 percent of total respondents advised that libraries should add or update
their computers.
Online catalogs: 1 percent suggested making local library catalogs more user-friendly and
improving search capabilities.

Get more copies of current and classic A more flexible lending programme,
bestsellers, then sell off the books to particularly allowing longer lending
reduce inventory when they are periods if the resource/book isn’t being
no longer in as high demand. asked for by someone else…
29-year-old from Singapore 54-year-old from the United Kingdom

Needs a broad range of things, such as e-mail reminders

Audio Books and Comic books. Also needs warning when books are due
more up to date books, new releases. 19-year-old from the United States
17-year-old from Australia
Hold events which attract people back into
Please have more genealogy the libraries such as book club evenings
research materials available. 43-year-old from the United Kingdom
72-year-old from the United States
Maintenance and upkeep of
Have more internet terminals books to be improved.
28-year-old from Singapore 62-year-old from India

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 4-7

Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

Respondents’ Advice
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Customer/User Service:
Service: 16 percent of total respondents provided advice related to the service.
• Extend the hours of operation.
• Reexamine the “rules” and fines/fees associated with using library materials.
• Offer the ability to reserve materials online.
• Make renewals easier.
• Offer longer lending periods for materials.
• Eliminate the fees for photocopies.

Promote: 6 percent of total respondents advised libraries to increase their promotion and advertising.

Access: 4 percent of total respondents suggested that libraries increase access to the
collections, both physically for the disabled and virtually to allow easier remote access.

Run the library like a bookstore. Review the current search catalog system
55-year-old from the United States as it is hard to find material relevant to the
topic you search for.
Provide a guide—I have no idea how to 18-year-old from Australia
find books that I need in the library
without feeling really stupid. Have a No Late Fee policy like Blockbuster.
18-year-old from the United States 49-year-old from the United States

Open 24 hours all days Have a beginners class for using the library
54-year-old from Singapore and computer systems. Better prepared at
the beginning ensures better usage.
I think this survey is right on track. The 51-year-old from the United States
libraries should look at community spaces
like Starbucks and Borders, and should To bring out a library website with a
also look at the value of online material whole lot of information. free access
like Google, and they should try to be to the internet. Bring about new
more relevant in the current age. Technologies. Weekly career related
51-year-old from the United States programmes. Latest books,
magazines and various journals…
Have hours like booksellers 27-year-old from India
49-year-old from the United States

4-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

Respondents’ Advice
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Facility/Environment
Environment: 19 percent of respondents provided advice related to the physical library
environment or facility.
• Increase the amount of seating and make it more comfortable.
• Expand the facility.
• Make the environment more inviting and up-to-date.
• Add café or snack shop.
• Decrease the noise level.

Increase the organization and reshelve materials more quickly.

Improve the lighting.
Improve the parking.
Add or update restroom facilities.

Place catalog computers on the second Please install toilets

and third floors, so I will not have to run 57-year-old from the United Kingdom
up and down the staircases everytime a
call number does not bring a book up. Acquire better parking.
17-year-old from the United States 38-year-old from Canada

Brighter lights Stop making it feel like church.

15-year-old from the United States 47-year-old from the United Kingdom

Keep the areas warm Do something about the bums

57-year-old from the United Kingdom and transients
24-year-old from the United States
Our library needs music!!
14-year-old from the United States

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 4-9

Part 4: Respondents’ Advice to Libraries

Respondents’ Advice
Note: All verbatim comments presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.

Staff
6 percent of total respondents provided advice regarding the library staff.
• Have friendlier staff.
• Increase the number of staff to help library users.
• Hire more helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Turf out the present city council. Train the staff to be friendlier
Political support is imperative. and have better customer service.
45-year-old from Canada 35-year-old from the United States

Our library staff is very busy and help is Have friendly staff who explain how the
difficult to get while there. I always have library works/is laid out to anyone who
felt that I am an imposition if I ask a seems unfamiliar with libraries.
question. This needs to change to a 58-year-old from Australia
more friendly environment to encourage
more visits. Don’t be so uptight about kids
61-year-old from the United States hanging out in the library.
17-year-old from the United States

Respondents’ Advice

Satisfaction
6 percent of total respondents indicated that they were satisfied with the library and the
services offered.

Keep up the good work I really think our library is well done.
Mentioned 61 times by respondents ranging in No complaints.
age from 15 to 82 from Australia, Canada, United 17-year-old from the United States
Kingdom and the United States
Keep up the great work. I have no
Keep it up, I appreciate everything you do. complaints, Would like to see more
16-year-old from the United States people try using the libray website.
80-year-old from the United States
I cannot think of one thing I have wanted
or needed that the library has not supplied I don’t have any advice. Our public
80-year-old from the United States libary is great.
38-year-old from Australia

4-10 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 5: Libraries—A “Universal” Brand?
Patterns of Perceptions, usage rates and advice shared by respondents were generally
consistent across all regions surveyed.
familiarity, One of the noteworthy findings of the survey is the general consistency and
usage and uniformity of responses across geographic regions. While statistical differences
certainly exist in survey responses, responses indicated a “universal” view of the
awareness library across regions surveyed. Responses about awareness, familiarity and usage of
electronic resources showed consistent views across all geographic regions surveyed.
of library resources Respondents indicate similar levels of favorability and trust of both libraries and search
engines while “library” brand image and brand potential show common themes and
were generally
similarities across the regions surveyed.
consistent across
A series of the graphs used in other parts of this report have been duplicated on
regions surveyed. the next two pages to illustrate this observation. A quick scan of these charts
highlights this pattern of uniform response.

Common Views across Geographic Regions

Top-of-Mind Thoughts about Libraries
What is the first thing you think of when you think of a library?

80%
Total Respondents
70%
Australia/Singapore/India
60% Canada
United Kingdom
50%
United States
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
Books Information Building Research Materials Reference Entertainment
(Environment)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 5-1

Part 5: Libraries—A “Universal” Brand?

Common View Across Geographic Regions

Positive Associations with the Library
Please list two positive associations with the library.
65%
60% 60% Total Respondents
55% Australia/Singapore/India
50% Canada
United Kingdom
45% United States
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10% 10%
10%
5%
5%
0%
Product and Customer/user Staff Facility/
Offerings Service Environment

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812a.

Negative Associations with the Library

Please list two negative associations with the library.
45%
Total Respondents
40% Australia/Singapore/India
Canada
35% United Kingdom
35%
United States
30%
26%
23%
25%

20%

15%

10%

5%
4%

0%
Product and Customer/user Staff Facility/
Offerings Service Environment

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812b.

Main Purpose of the Library

What do you feel is the main purpose of the library?

70%
Total Respondents
60%
Australia/Singapore/India
50% Canada
United Kingdom
40%
United States
30%

20%

10%

0%
Information Books Research Entertainment Materials Reading Building
(Environment)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

5-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Part 5: Libraries—A “Universal” Brand?

Common View Across Geographic Regions

Trustworthiness of the Library’s Sources vs. Search Engines
Thinking about your usage of your primary library and the things you like and
dislike about it, is the information you get from library sources more or less
trustworthy compared to information you can get from search engines?

Library sources more trustworthy About the same Library sources less trustworthy

80%

70% 75%
70%
69% 66%
60%
60%
50%

40%

30%
28%
20% 22% 24%
21%
18%
10% 12%
9% 10% 9%
7%
0%
Total Australia Canada United United
Respondents Singapore Kingdom States
India

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1205.

Reasons for Never Using the Online Library Web Site

Why haven’t you used the online library Web site?

70% Total Respondents

65%
Australia/Singapore/India
60% Canada
55% United Kingdom
55%
50% United States

45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
25% 19%
20%
15%
10%
5%
4%
0%
I did not know the Web site Other Web sites have I can’t find the Web site
existed/does not exist better information

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1090.

Lifestyle Fits Perfectly with the Online Library

The chart below indicates the percentage of respondents by geographic region who agreed that
the online library is a perfect fit with their information needs and lifestyles.

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
16% 18%
15% 15%
11%
10%

0%
Total Australia Canada U.K. United
Respondents Singapore States
India

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1345.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 5-3

Part 5: Libraries—A “Universal” Brand?

5-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Conclusion
Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources: A Report to the OCLC
Membership is intended to provide OCLC staff, the OCLC membership and the
information community-at-large data on the perceptions and practices of the
information consumer and how libraries are positioned in the infosphere they use.

This report is the result of a need to better understand the interests, habits and
behaviors of people using libraries in a time of
information abundance. We concluded The 2003
OCLC Environmental Scan by suggesting—based
on the patterns and trends we identified and
My library of the future, highlighted—that the place libraries hold today is
will use technology, no longer as distinct as it once was.
to allow great books that are locked away
Libraries, many of their resources and services,
to be seen by you and me. and the information experts who work in libraries
appeared to be increasingly less visible to today’s
The great libraries of Alexandria, information consumer. But we could not say with
and the monasteries of Rome, any certainty how extensive or how permanent
this apparent shift had become, for, as we noted
will reveal hidden treasures
in the introduction to this report, there are no
in the comfort of your home. recent, large-scale use studies to draw on.

For each book will be scanned, We have compiled a database of over 270,000
electronically of course, information consumer views, habits and
recommendations from over 3,300 people in six
and a hologram created, countries. The database contains over 20,000
it’s the new modern force! verbatim views about the library, Internet
resources, library services and the “Library”
From My Vision,
brand. We have not identified and analyzed all
a poem by “Kirstie,” aspects of the data for this report—this research
a Weatherhead (U.K.) High School student data will be a source for ongoing exploration—
[2003] but we have discovered much more about the
practices and perceptions of these information
The full poem is reproduced in consumers. A summary of the findings and a few
The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan, p.97. conclusions and observations follow.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 6-1

Conclusion

Report Findings
…on Information Consumers’ Perceptions and Habits

• Respondents use search engines to begin an information search (84 percent). One percent begin
an information search on a library Web site. (Part 1.2)

• Quality and quantity of information are top determinants of a satisfactory information search.
Search engines are rated higher than librarians. (Part 2.6)

• The criterion selected by most information consumers to evaluate electronic resources is that the
information is worthwhile. Free is a close second. Speed has less impact. (Parts 3.1 and 3.4)

• Respondents do not trust purchased information more than free information. The verbatim
comments suggest a high expectation of free information. (Part 3.4)

• Library users like to self-serve. Most respondents do not seek assistance when using library
resources. (Part 2.4)

• Library card holders use information resources more than non-card holders, and they are more
favorably disposed to libraries than non-card holders. (Parts 1.1, 1.4 and 3.7)

• Age matters sometimes. Sometimes it doesn’t. Responses are sometimes consistent across
U.S. age groups, suggesting age-independent preferences and practices. Familiarity with e-mail
is an example. In other areas, responses vary considerably by the age of the respondents. For
example, young U.S. respondents are much less likely than those over 65 to agree librarians add
value to the information search process. (Part 2.6 and all Parts)

• The survey results are generally consistent across the geographic regions surveyed. Responses
from the United Kingdom showed the largest range of variations from other regions surveyed.
(Part 5 and all Parts)

6-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Conclusion

Report Findings
…on Libraries

• Information consumers use the library. They use the library less and read less since they
began using the Internet. The majority of respondents anticipate their usage of libraries will
be flat in the future. (Parts 1.1 and 3.7)

• Borrowing print books is the library service used most. (Part 2.1)

• “Books” is the library brand. There is no runner-up. (Part 3.8)

• Most information consumers are not aware of, nor do they use, most libraries’
electronic information resources. (Parts 1 and 2)

• College students have the highest rate of library use and broadest use of library resources, both
physical and electronic. (Parts 1 and Part 2)

• Only 10 percent of college students indicated that their library’s collection fulfilled their
information needs after accessing the library Web site from a search engine.

• The majority of information consumers are aware of many library community services and of
the role the library plays in the larger community. Most respondents agree the library is
a place to learn. (Part 4.1)

• Comments from respondents provide clear directions for physical libraries: be clean, bright,
comfortable, warm and well-lit; be staffed by friendly people; have hours that fit their lifestyles;
and advertise services. Find ways to get material to people, rather than making them come to
the library. (Appendix B)

…on Alternatives to Libraries

• Information consumers like to self-serve. They use personal knowledge and common sense
to judge if electronic information is trustworthy. They cross-reference other sites to validate
their findings. (Parts 3.2 and 3.5)

• Ninety percent of respondents are satisfied with their most recent search for information using a
search engine. Satisfaction with the overall search experience has a strong correlation to the
quality and quantity of information returned in the search process. (Part 2.6)

• People trust what they find using search engines. They also trust information from libraries.
They trust them about the same. (Part 3.3)

• Search engines fit the information consumer’s lifestyle better than physical or online libraries.
The majority of U.S. respondents, age 14 to 64, see search engines as a perfect fit. (Part 3.7)

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 6-3

Conclusion

Conclusions and Observations

What was confirmed

As discussed briefly in the introduction of the report, many findings of the survey do To gather as much
not surprise as much as they confirm the trends we highlighted in The 2003 OCLC literature and
Environmental Scan.
information as
The survey results confirm that libraries are used by information seekers. The possible in one
number of people holding library cards is compelling and most information seekers place, and to
use library services at least annually. Libraries are used for borrowing books, access
to reference books and research assistance. Respondents shared many positive share that
associations with these traditional resources as well as with the library space itself.
When asked to give advice, many respondents suggested increasing the library’s wealth of
quantity and variety of traditional information resources—“more books” was often
cited—as well as the number of hours libraries are open. Respondents clearly want to resources
be able to visit the library, but they want the services to be more convenient.
with that
The results confirm, too, that the majority of information seekers are not making
much use of the array of electronic resources (online magazines, databases and
community.
reference assistance, for example) libraries make available to their communities. It is important to
Very few respondents use such resources regularly and the majority of respondents have a place where
are not aware that their libraries have these electronic resources. Most do not use
the library Web site where access to electronic resources is made available. College
anyone can go to
students are the exception. College students use electronic resources at significantly learn (be it news,
higher rates and are the most familiar with what libraries have to offer. research, films and
music, fiction, or
Results confirm that respondents are aware that libraries are “wired” and many use the
non-fiction
computers in libraries to access the Internet and to use Internet resources. The majority
of high school and college students use library computers regularly. 23-year-old from the
United States
The survey confirms the findings of many other studies: that there is widespread use
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
of Internet information resources. Respondents regularly use search engines, e-mail and Information Resources, OCLC,
and instant messaging to obtain and share information. Many use these tools daily; 2005, question 810, “What do you
feel is the main purpose of a library?”
most use them weekly or monthly. Subject-based Web sites, online news services,
blogs and RSS feeds are all used, even if only minimally. The library is not the first or
only stop for many information seekers. Search engines are the favorite place to
begin a search and respondents indicate that Google is the search engine most
recently used to begin their searches.

The information resource market—tools, content and access—is growing, not

shrinking, providing more options and more choices to people using the Web to
search for information and content. Information consumers are willing to experiment
with new resources and incorporate them into their expanding repertoire of
information tools. People continue to read, but they do it less as they add other

6-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Conclusion

ways of consuming information and content to their lives. Libraries are seen as a
place for traditional resources (books, reference materials and research assistance)
and to get access to the Internet. The results of this survey confirm that libraries are
not seen as the top choice for access to electronic resources.

Awareness, usage and preference trends held fairly consistently across the geographic
regions surveyed and across U.S. age groups. While differences in age group or
geographic preferences are observed, general trends hold constant. Online
information consumers surveyed are “universally” using the Internet, rather than
the library, to access electronic information resources.

What was revealed

The survey revealed how information consumers make choices about electronic
information resources; and how they evaluate those resources and make decisions
about the quality, trustworthiness and monetary worth of resources available from
libraries and generally on the open Web.

While it is easy to assume that search engines are the top choice of information
consumers because of the speed with which information can be delivered, the study
revealed that speed is not the only, and not the primary, reason search engines are
the preferred starting point for today’s information consumer. Quality and quantity
of information delivered are the highest determinants of overall information search
satisfaction. Respondents indicated that search engines deliver better quality and
quantity of information than librarian-assisted searching—and at greater speed. As
more and more content becomes digital and directly accessible via search engines,
quantity will increase. The amount of quality information, overall, is also likely to
increase.

Information consumers trust information they get from libraries, and they trust the
information they get from search engines. The survey revealed that they trust them
almost equally. While all U.S. age groups surveyed indicated trust across both
sources, young people in the United States ages 14 to 24 show the greatest level of
trust for information received via search engines. How much of this trust could be
attributed to greater familiarity and frequent use of Web-based electronic resources?
Most U.S. youth are not familiar with library electronic resources, but are very familiar
with search engines, e-mail and chat. As more content becomes directly accessible
via search engines, familiarity with more and different types of digital content is
likely to increase. Will trust continue to increase too?

The survey highlighted that not only are information consumers happy to self-serve,
they are confident that they can serve themselves well. When asked how they judge
the trustworthiness of information, “common sense/ personal knowledge” was the
top method used. Eighty-six percent of respondents feel confident they have the
personal knowledge to evaluate information resources. When they want to validate
information, they self-serve again, by searching another Web site that contains

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 6-5

Conclusion

similar information (82 percent). This self-reliance was also reflected in respondents’
use of the library. Most library users say they have not asked for help using any keep it
library resources, either at the physical or the virtual library. As more and more
content becomes digital and accessible via the Internet, the number of information current
sources available for both information discovery and validation is likely to increase,
fueling increased confidence and self-reliance. and keep
Information consumers feel that information should be free. Most respondents will
not pay for information and some who do (25 percent) expect that they will pay for
it free
information less frequently in the future. It is also clear that information seekers do
not believe that higher priced information equals higher quality information. That
the library provides access to “free” material is well-known. But the majority of users 44-year-old from Canada
are not aware that free electronic information is available via their library. As many
Source: Perceptions of Libraries
respondents are not familiar with, or infrequently use, the library Web site, the free and Information Resources, OCLC,
library information is not accessed. The verbatim comments in Appendix B provide 2005, question 1240, “If you could
provide one piece of advice for your
evidence of respondents’ appreciation of free material as well as their frustrations library, what would it be?”
with trying to access them and having to come to the library to use them.
Information consumers want, and expect to use, more and more “free” and
unfettered information in the future.

Survey respondents are generally satisfied with libraries and librarians, but most
do not plan to increase their use of libraries. Many of them, particularly teenagers,
use the library less since they began using the Internet. Verbatim comments reveal
strong attachments to libraries as places, but many of these positive associations
are nostalgic in nature and focused on books. As one respondent from the United
States commented “…as a child I loved to go downstairs to the children’s section
and read books there and take them out. I loved the smell of old books.” This
attachment to the traditional nature and purpose of libraries is an asset all libraries
share. It is not clear that this attachment extends, or will extend, to electronic
resources or that it will have a significant impact on an information consumer’s
choice of information sources in the future.

Respondents do indeed have strong attachments to the idea of the “Library” but
clearly expressed dissatisfaction with the service experience of the libraries they
use. Poor signage, inhospitable surroundings, unfriendly staff, lack of parking, dirt,
cold, hard-to-use systems and inconvenient hours were mentioned many, many
times by respondents. The overall message is clear: improve the physical experience
of using libraries.

We learned that respondents have much to say, when asked, about their libraries,
the people who staff them and the services. This suggests that libraries have
an opportunity to learn much more than was revealed in this report about the
perceptions of the people in their communities by conducting local polls and
open-ended surveys.

6-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Conclusion

The Library Brand

One of the most important goals of the project was to obtain a clearer understanding
of the “Library” brand in 2005. How do information consumers think about libraries
today? How do information consumers identify libraries in the growing universe of
alternatives? What is the “Library” brand image?

What is the library’s identity in the minds of information seekers? By a huge margin
respondents feel that “library” is synonymous with “books.” When asked about
their first spontaneous impression of libraries, information consumers reply,
“Books.”

Familiarity, trust and quality—these are intangible traits often summed up by the
word “brand.” All brands from search engines to cars to libraries are either familiar
or not, trusted or not, provide top quality or not. We tested these brand concepts in
the survey.

We asked about familiarity. Libraries are very familiar as book providers. Search
engines are very familiar as electronic information providers. We reviewed the
concept of trust. The lines are fuzzy. Libraries and search engines are trusted almost
equally. We asked about quality. Respondents see both libraries/librarians and
search engines as providers of quality information. Again, the lines are blurred.
In a tie, the data suggests the nod would go to search engines.
a building The “Library” brand is dominant in one category—books. It would be delightful to
with assume that when respondents say “books,” what they really mean to say is that
books, in essence, stand for those intangible qualities of information familiarity,
books information trust and information quality. The data did not reveal it. We looked
hard. We reviewed thousands of responses to the open-ended questions that
35-year-old from Wales inquired about positive library associations and library purpose. We searched for
words and phrases that included mentions of “quality,” “trust,” “knowledge,”
Source: Perceptions of Libraries “learning,” “education,” etc. We found mentions of each, but they were relatively
and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 807, “What is the first thing
few in number. “Books” dominated—across all regions surveyed and across all
you think of when you think of a library?” age groups.

In addition to being familiar, trusted and high-quality, strong brands must be

relevant. Relevance is the degree to which people believe a brand meets their
needs. In the survey we tested for relevancy and lifestyle fit. Over half of
respondents said that search engines perfectly fit their lifestyle. Seventeen percent
said libraries are a perfect fit. Over 20 percent said libraries do not fit their lifestyle.
Of the activities that respondents are doing less since they began using the Internet,
watching television was number one (39 percent) and using the library was number
two (33 percent). Reading books, the dominant brand domain of the library, was
third at 26 percent. That library resources and librarians add value to information
search was not disputed by respondents, but the data suggest that the relevancy and
lifestyle fit of that value are in question.

In a world where the sources of information and the tools of discovery continue to
proliferate and increase in relevance to online information consumers, the brand

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources 6-7

Conclusion

differentiation of the library is still books. The library has not been successful in
leveraging its brand to incorporate growing investments in electronic resources and
Subscribe to
library Web-based services. Rhapsody or
Can the brand be expanded or updated to be more relevant, to be more than books? iTunes
While this is a very difficult question to explore in a single survey, we briefly tested or other music
the concept. We asked respondents to identify what they felt was the “main download services
purpose” of the library. What could/should the “Library” brand be? While a third
of respondents still indicated “books” as the main purpose, over 50 percent of 45-year-old from the
respondents feel “information” is the main purpose of the library. These views held United States
fairly constant across all regions surveyed. U.S. youth were more inclined to view
books as the library’s main purpose; those 25 and older had a stronger feeling that Source: Perceptions of Libraries
the main purpose of the library is information. and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005,
question 1240, “If you could provide
one piece of advice for your library, what
The study suggests that the potential exists to stretch the “Library” brand beyond would it be?”
books. More study is required.

The similarity of perceptions about libraries and their resources across respondents
from six countries is striking. It suggests that libraries are seen by information
consumers as a common solution, a single organization—one entity with many
outlets—constant, consistent, expected. The “Library” is, in essence, a global brand:
a brand dominated by nostalgia and reinforced by common experience.
To provide
This global, nostalgic perception should give the library community reason to be
concerned, but it also provides a solid base from which to leverage value, and create information
change, on a large scale. When change is needed, scale can be incredibly useful. In
a world where information is rapidly becoming virtual, a “universal” brand can be on global
effective and powerful. Libraries must take this advantage and work collectively to
“rejuvenate” the brand. It is not simply about educating the information consumer issues
about the current library. Trying to educate consumers whose habits and lifestyles from both past
are changing and have changed seldom works. It doesn’t work for companies and it
probably won’t work for libraries. Rejuvenating the “Library” brand depends on the and present and
abilities of the members of the broad library community to redesign library services offer usable
so that the rich resources—print and digital—they steward on behalf of their
communities are available, accessible and used. Rejuvenating the brand depends information/
on reconstructing the experience of using the library. While the need for localized observations
points of distribution for content that is no longer available in just physical form is
likely to become less relevant, the need for libraries to be gathering places within
as to the
the community or university has not decreased. The data is clear. When prompted, possible
information consumers see libraries’ role in the community as a place to learn, as a
place to read, as a place to make information freely available, as a place to support future of
literacy, as a place to provide research support, as a place to provide free computer/
Internet access and more. These library services are relevant and differentiated.
all things.
56-year-old from England
Libraries will continue to share an expanding infosphere with an increasing number
of content producers, providers and consumers. Information consumers will Source: Perceptions of Libraries
and Information Resources, OCLC,
continue to self-serve from a growing information smorgasbord. The challenge for 2005, question 810, “What do you
feel is the main purpose of a library?”
libraries is to clearly define and market their relevant place in that infosphere—their
services and collections both physical and virtual.

It is time to rejuvenate the “Library” brand.

6-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables
All of the supporting data tables from the Perceptions of Libraries and Information
Sources report are included in this Appendix A. The appendix is divided into Parts
corresponding to the parts in the report.

Part 1.2
Usage Ratings for Information Sources A-5
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
Familiarity of Electronic Resources A-6
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
Where Electronic Information Searches Begin A-13
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 1.3
Learning about Electronic Information Sources A-16
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 1.4
Information Sources Considered and First Choice A-18
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Information Brands with Worthwhile Information A-21
By Region of Respondent
Familiarity and Usage of Information Brands A-24
By Region of Respondent

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-1

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 2.1
Activities at the Library A-28
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore for Specific Activities A-40
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 2.6
Satisfaction with the Information Provided
by Librarian and Search Engine A-44
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information Provided
by the Librarian and Search Engine A-47
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Satisfaction with Speed of Conducting the Search
by the Librarian and Search Engine A-50
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Satisfaction with the Overall Experience of the Search
by the Librarian and Search Engine A-53
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 3.6
Positive and Negative Associations of Libraries A-56
By Total Respondents
Positive Associations with the Library A-58
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions

A-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Negative Associations with the Library A-59

By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 3.7
Decreased Activities Due to Internet Use A-60
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 3.8
First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library A-62
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 3.9
Main Purpose of the Library A-64
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent
By College Students across all Regions
By Library Card Holders across all Regions
Part 4.3
Advice for the Library A-66
By Region of Respondent
By Age of U.S. Respondent

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-3

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

A-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 1.2

Usage Ratings for Information Sources—

by Region of Respondent
Please indicate if you have used any of the following sources/places
where you can obtain information, even if you have only used it once.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engines 68% 71% 67% 67% 68%
Physical library 63% 65% 63% 56% 65%
Physical bookstore 61% 62% 64% 56% 62%
Online library 26% 32% 29% 11% 28%
Online bookstore 44% 38% 42% 41% 47%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

Usage Ratings for Information Sources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please indicate if you have used any of the following sources/places
where you can obtain information, even if you have only used it once.
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 U.S. 65+
Search engines 68% 78% 75% 70% 54%
Physical library 65% 73% 71% 65% 54%
Physical bookstore 62% 68% 68% 63% 51%
Online library 28% 31% 34% 29% 19%
Online bookstore 47% 37% 52% 51% 33%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

Usage Ratings for Information Sources—

by College Students across all Regions
Please indicate if you have used any of the following sources/places
where you can obtain information, even if you have only used it once.
Total College
Respondents Students
Search engines 68% 75%
Physical library 63% 73%
Physical bookstore 61% 70%
Online library 26% 47%
Online bookstore 44% 55%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1305.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-5

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
E-mail
Extremely familiar 48% 51% 53% 45% 47%
Very familiar 10% 8% 9% 12% 10%
Somewhat familiar 3% 1% 2% 3% 3%
Not very familiar 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Just know the name 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%
Never heard of 0% 0% 1% 1% 0%
Search engine
Extremely familiar 42% 46% 46% 41% 40%
Very familiar 13% 10% 12% 12% 14%
Somewhat familiar 6% 4% 5% 7% 7%
Not very familiar 1% 0% 1% 1% 2%
Just know the name 1% 0% 1% 1% 1%
Never heard of 1% 0% 1% 1% 1%
Instant messaging/online chat
Extremely familiar 26% 26% 33% 21% 25%
Very familiar 13% 13% 15% 11% 13%
Somewhat familiar 15% 16% 11% 16% 15%
Not very familiar 10% 9% 7% 12% 10%
Just know the name 9% 6% 9% 14% 8%
Never heard of 2% 3% 1% 5% 2%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 21% 17% 20% 22% 23%
Very familiar 19% 19% 19% 15% 20%
Somewhat familiar 17% 25% 21% 15% 14%
Not very familiar 8% 8% 10% 8% 7%
Just know the name 9% 8% 10% 11% 8%
Never heard of 3% 5% 6% 4% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

A-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent (continued)
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Online news
Extremely familiar 21% 20% 27% 15% 21%
Very familiar 16% 16% 16% 10% 18%
Somewhat familiar 21% 22% 21% 23% 21%
Not very familiar 8% 10% 4% 13% 8%
Just know the name 7% 6% 8% 10% 7%
Never heard of 3% 2% 4% 10% 2%
E-mail information subscriptions
Extremely familiar 19% 19% 21% 14% 19%
Very familiar 16% 19% 17% 13% 15%
Somewhat familiar 21% 20% 22% 21% 21%
Not very familiar 9% 8% 5% 13% 10%
Just know the name 7% 7% 7% 10% 6%
Never heard of 6% 3% 7% 10% 6%
Topic-specific Web sites
Extremely familiar 14% 10% 13% 5% 17%
Very familiar 12% 13% 13% 5% 13%
Somewhat familiar 18% 15% 20% 12% 20%
Not very familiar 12% 16% 12% 17% 10%
Just know the name 9% 13% 12% 12% 7%
Never heard of 15% 17% 15% 40% 8%
Electronic magazines/journals
Extremely familiar 10% 13% 12% 7% 10%
Very familiar 11% 13% 16% 9% 10%
Somewhat familiar 22% 24% 19% 21% 22%
Not very familiar 19% 15% 18% 20% 21%
Just know the name 10% 6% 10% 12% 10%
Never heard of 15% 9% 10% 19% 17%
Library Web site
Extremely familiar 10% 11% 13% 6% 10%
Very familiar 10% 14% 11% 5% 10%
Somewhat familiar 18% 19% 20% 12% 18%
Not very familiar 17% 14% 19% 18% 17%
Just know the name 10% 11% 9% 12% 9%
Never heard of 22% 16% 16% 37% 22%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-7

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent (continued)
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Blogs
Extremely familiar 7% 7% 8% 2% 8%
Very familiar 7% 8% 8% 2% 7%
Somewhat familiar 16% 17% 15% 9% 17%
Not very familiar 14% 15% 13% 9% 16%
Just know the name 18% 18% 16% 17% 18%
Never heard of 31% 29% 34% 55% 25%
Online databases
Extremely familiar 7% 8% 6% 4% 7%
Very familiar 6% 7% 6% 4% 6%
Somewhat familiar 17% 17% 17% 10% 18%
Not very familiar 19% 21% 18% 21% 19%
Just know the name 14% 9% 17% 16% 15%
Never heard of 30% 26% 30% 41% 28%
Ask an expert
Extremely familiar 5% 5% 5% 4% 6%
Very familiar 8% 7% 11% 8% 7%
Somewhat familiar 18% 16% 17% 14% 19%
Not very familiar 19% 21% 18% 18% 19%
Just know the name 16% 15% 16% 18% 15%
Never heard of 28% 28% 27% 31% 27%
Audiobooks
(downloadable/digital)
Extremely familiar 4% 6% 5% 2% 4%
Very familiar 8% 12% 8% 4% 8%
Somewhat familiar 18% 19% 18% 14% 19%
Not very familiar 24% 19% 23% 26% 26%
Just know the name 20% 18% 25% 20% 19%
Never heard of 20% 17% 18% 27% 20%
Electronic books (digital)
Extremely familiar 4% 9% 5% 4% 3%
Very familiar 8% 10% 11% 4% 7%
Somewhat familiar 20% 23% 21% 13% 21%
Not very familiar 22% 18% 23% 24% 22%
Just know the name 18% 14% 17% 20% 18%
Never heard of 21% 14% 17% 27% 22%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

A-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Region of Respondent (continued)
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Online librarian question service
Extremely familiar 3% 3% 2% 2% 4%
Very familiar 4% 5% 3% 3% 4%
Somewhat familiar 12% 11% 13% 8% 13%
Not very familiar 19% 22% 22% 17% 17%
Just know the name 12% 11% 16% 10% 12%
Never heard of 47% 42% 40% 57% 48%
RSS feeds
Extremely familiar 2% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Very familiar 2% 3% 3% 1% 2%
Somewhat familiar 5% 6% 3% 6% 5%
Not very familiar 8% 11% 6% 7% 7%
Just know the name 6% 9% 9% 6% 5%
Never heard of 75% 67% 75% 77% 77%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-9

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
E-mail
Extremely familiar 47% 41% 49% 49% 42%
Very familiar 10% 5% 6% 10% 16%
Somewhat familiar 3% 4% 2% 3% 2%
Not very familiar 1% 0% 1% 1% 0%
Just know the name 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Never heard of 0% 4% 0% 0% 0%
Search engines
Extremely familiar 40% 37% 51% 41% 27%
Very familiar 14% 6% 7% 14% 20%
Somewhat familiar 7% 3% 3% 7% 14%
Not very familiar 2% 1% 1% 2% 4%
Just know the name 1% 1% 1% 0% 2%
Never heard of 1% 5% 0% 0% 2%
Instant messaging/online chat
Extremely familiar 25% 34% 40% 24% 13%
Very familiar 13% 7% 14% 14% 10%
Somewhat familiar 15% 7% 8% 16% 23%
Not very familiar 10% 1% 3% 12% 13%
Just know the name 8% 2% 0% 7% 21%
Never heard of 2% 6% 2% 1% 3%
Online bookstore
Extremely familiar 23% 22% 33% 23% 15%
Very familiar 20% 17% 18% 22% 18%
Somewhat familiar 14% 18% 13% 13% 17%
Not very familiar 7% 7% 3% 8% 8%
Just know the name 8% 7% 7% 6% 17%
Never heard of 2% 9% 2% 1% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

A-10 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 U.S. 65+
Online news
Extremely familiar 21% 21% 27% 21% 12%
Very familiar 18% 15% 15% 18% 21%
Somewhat familiar 21% 20% 17% 21% 21%
Not very familiar 8% 6% 6% 8% 10%
Just know the name 7% 5% 3% 6% 10%
Never heard of 2% 7% 5% 1% 4%
E-mail information subscriptions
Extremely familiar 19% 15% 23% 20% 13%
Very familiar 15% 16% 17% 15% 15%
Somewhat familiar 21% 20% 16% 22% 20%
Not very familiar 10% 6% 9% 9% 13%
Just know the name 6% 5% 7% 5% 8%
Never heard of 6% 9% 4% 5% 11%
Topic-specific Web sites
Extremely familiar 17% 11% 18% 18% 14%
Very familiar 13% 10% 15% 13% 14%
Somewhat familiar 20% 18% 24% 21% 17%
Not very familiar 10% 8% 7% 10% 16%
Just know the name 7% 10% 10% 6% 8%
Never heard of 8% 24% 8% 6% 11%
Electronic magazines/journals
Extremely familiar 10% 13% 13% 10% 3%
Very familiar 10% 9% 15% 10% 5%
Somewhat familiar 22% 19% 25% 23% 16%
Not very familiar 21% 18% 16% 22% 24%
Just know the name 10% 9% 9% 10% 13%
Never heard of 17% 15% 11% 15% 28%
Library Web site
Extremely familiar 10% 10% 18% 10% 5%
Very familiar 10% 12% 17% 8% 10%
Somewhat familiar 18% 19% 19% 19% 12%
Not very familiar 17% 11% 6% 19% 20%
Just know the name 9% 11% 10% 9% 12%
Never heard of 22% 17% 13% 22% 32%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-11

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 U.S. 65+
Blogs
Extremely familiar 8% 15% 16% 6% 2%
Very familiar 7% 8% 12% 6% 4%
Somewhat familiar 17% 16% 16% 19% 12%
Not very familiar 16% 9% 12% 15% 24%
Just know the name 18% 9% 14% 18% 27%
Never heard of 25% 22% 21% 26% 27%
Online databases
Extremely familiar 7% 7% 11% 8% 2%
Very familiar 6% 4% 11% 6% 3%
Somewhat familiar 18% 15% 14% 20% 12%
Not very familiar 19% 15% 10% 21% 22%
Just know the name 15% 15% 16% 14% 22%
Never heard of 28% 34% 28% 26% 33%
Ask an expert
Extremely familiar 6% 6% 7% 6% 3%
Very familiar 7% 8% 10% 7% 5%
Somewhat familiar 19% 21% 20% 20% 12%
Not very familiar 19% 15% 18% 21% 14%
Just know the name 15% 12% 20% 12% 23%
Never heard of 27% 25% 19% 25% 39%
Audiobooks (downloadable/digital)
Extremely familiar 4% 4% 7% 4% 1%
Very familiar 8% 7% 11% 8% 7%
Somewhat familiar 19% 18% 24% 20% 9%
Not very familiar 26% 16% 21% 27% 26%
Just know the name 19% 22% 17% 17% 24%
Never heard of 20% 25% 19% 17% 30%
Online librarian question service
Extremely familiar 4% 3% 9% 4% 2%
Very familiar 4% 7% 7% 3% 4%
Somewhat familiar 13% 12% 10% 14% 10%
Not very familiar 17% 15% 14% 17% 15%
Just know the name 12% 10% 14% 11% 14%
Never heard of 48% 46% 42% 48% 52%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

A-12 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity of Electronic Resources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)
Please indicate how familiar you are with each of the following electronic information sources.

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 U.S. 65+
Electronic books (digital)
Extremely familiar 3% 7% 7% 3% 2%
Very familiar 7% 5% 9% 8% 2%
Somewhat familiar 21% 18% 20% 24% 11%
Not very familiar 22% 17% 24% 20% 27%
Just know the name 18% 18% 18% 17% 27%
Never heard of 22% 24% 15% 21% 26%
RSS feeds
Extremely familiar 2% 1% 4% 1% 0%
Very familiar 2% 2% 5% 2% 0%
Somewhat familiar 5% 5% 7% 5% 1%
Not very familiar 7% 6% 8% 8% 6%
Just know the name 5% 5% 5% 5% 7%
Never heard of 77% 77% 71% 76% 84%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 505.

Where Electronic Information Searches Begin—by Region of Respondent

Where do you typically begin your search for information on a particular topic?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engine 84% 86% 86% 87% 82%
E-mail 6% 5% 2% 6% 7%
Topic-specific Web sites 2% 3% 1% 0% 3%
E-mail information subscriptions 2% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Online news 2% 0% 2% 1% 2%
Instant messaging/online chat 1% 1% 2% 1% 1%
Online bookstore 1% 1% 1% 2% 1%
Online database 1% 2% 1% 0% 1%
Library Web site 1% 0% 2% 1% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 520.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-13

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Where Electronic Information Searches Begin—by Age of U.S. Respondent

Where do you typically begin your search for information on a particular topic?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Search engine 82% 88% 84% 84% 67%
E-mail 7% 2% 6% 5% 16%
Topic-specific Web sites 3% 2% 3% 3% 7%
E-mail information subscriptions 2% 1% 1% 2% 2%
Online news 2% 1% 2% 1% 3%
Instant messaging/online chat 1% 1% 0% 1% 0%
Online bookstore 1% 0% 1% 1% 4%
Online database 1% 2% 1% 1% 0%
Library Web site 1% 1% 0% 1% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 520.

Where Electronic Information Searches Begin—

by College Students across all Regions
Where do you typically begin your search for information on a particular topic?

College
Total Respondents Students
Search engine 84% 89%
E-mail 6% 1%
Topic-specific Web sites 2% 1%
E-mail information subscriptions 2% 1%
Online news 2% 1%
Instant messaging/online chat 1% 0%
Online bookstore 1% 1%
Online database 1% 2%
Library Web site 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 520.

A-14 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Where Electronic Information Searches Begin—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Where do you typically begin your search for information on a particular topic?

Total Library Non-Card

Respondents Card Holders Holders
Search engine 84% 85% 81%
E-mail 6% 4% 4%
Topic-specific Web sites 2% 3% 2%
E-mail information subscriptions 2% 1% 4%
Online news 2% 1% 2%
Instant messaging/online chat 1% 1% 0%
Online bookstore 1% 1% 1%
Online database 1% 1% 0%
Library Web site 1% 1% 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 520.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-15

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 1.3
Learning about Electronic Information Sources—
by Region of Respondent
Other than search engines, how do you learn about electronic information sources?
(Select all that apply.)

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Friend 61% 68% 67% 59% 58%
Links from electronic information
59% 73% 66% 54% 55%
sources or Web sites
News media 52% 62% 53% 48% 50%

Promotions/advertising 39% 49% 43% 40% 34%

Online news 38% 40% 45% 23% 40%

Relative 37% 34% 41% 32% 38%

Coworker/professional colleague 35% 44% 46% 31% 30%

Instant messaging/online chat 22% 29% 33% 20% 18%

Reference from a library Web site 15% 19% 19% 11% 14%

Teacher 11% 11% 14% 5% 12%

Blogs 9% 8% 9% 2% 11%

Librarian 8% 9% 8% 5% 8%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 605.

Learning about Electronic Information Sources—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Other than search engines, how do you learn about electronic information sources?
(Select all that apply.)

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Friend 58% 64% 69% 56% 57%
Links from electronic information sources or
55% 36% 43% 60% 51%
Web sites
News media 50% 41% 38% 51% 59%
Promotions/advertising 34% 24% 21% 37% 35%
Online news 40% 31% 37% 43% 36%
Relative 38% 34% 33% 38% 46%
Coworker/professional colleague 30% 9% 28% 38% 11%
Instant messaging/online chat 18% 37% 27% 15% 14%
Reference from a library Web site 14% 17% 20% 12% 13%
Teacher 12% 46% 35% 6% 5%
Blogs 11% 12% 13% 12% 3%
Librarian 8% 17% 26% 5% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 605.

A-16 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Learning about Electronic Information Sources—

by College Students across all Regions
Other than search engines, how do you learn about electronic information sources?
(Select all that apply.)

Total College
Respondents Students
Friend 61% 67%
Links from electronic information sources or
59% 61%
Web sites
News media 52% 44%
Promotions/advertising 39% 26%
Online news 38% 42%
Relative 37% 26%
Coworker/professional colleague 35% 37%
Instant messaging/online chat 22% 26%
Reference from a library Web site 15% 36%
Teacher 11% 50%
Blogs 9% 13%
Librarian 8% 33%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 605.

Learning about Electronic Information Sources—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Other than search engines, how do you learn about electronic information sources?
(Select all that apply.)

Library Card Non-Card

Total Respondents Holders Holders
Friend 61% 62% 58%
Links from electronic information
sources or Web sites 59% 61% 54%
News media 52% 55% 45%
Promotions/advertising 39% 37% 35%
Online news 38% 42% 41%
Relative 37% 38% 30%
Coworker/professional colleague 35% 36% 33%
Instant messaging/Online chat 22% 23% 21%
Reference from a library Web site 15% 20% 3%
Teacher 11% 13% 6%
Blogs 9% 10% 7%
Librarian 8% 11% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 605.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-17

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 1.4
Information Sources Considered—by Region of Respondent
Next time you need a source/place for information, which source or sources would you consider?
(Select all that apply.)

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engines 91% 95% 91% 93% 89%
Library (physical) 55% 63% 61% 42% 55%
Online library 42% 48% 49% 34% 41%
Bookstore (physical) 37% 41% 44% 27% 37%
Online bookstore 30% 33% 31% 29% 30%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1325.

Information Sources Considered—by Age of U.S. Respondent

Next time you need a source/place for information, which source or sources would you consider?
(Select all that apply.)
Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.
Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Search engines 89% 86% 85% 90% 91%
Library (physical) 55% 62% 57% 53% 57%
Online library 41% 23% 37% 46% 35%
Bookstore (physical) 37% 32% 31% 40% 30%
Online bookstore 30% 13% 29% 32% 28%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1325.

Information Sources Considered—

by College Students across all Regions
Next time you need a source/place for information, which source or sources would you consider?
(Select all that apply.)
Total College
Respondents Students
Search engines 91% 90%
Library (physical) 55% 66%
Online library 42% 50%
Bookstore (physical) 37% 38%
Online bookstore 30% 34%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1325.

A-18 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Information Sources Considered—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Next time you need a source/place for information, which source or sources would you consider?
(Select all that apply.)

Total Library Non-Card

Respondents Card Holders Holders
Search engines 91% 92% 89%
Library (physical) 55% 64% 33%
Online library 42% 45% 36%
Bookstore (physical) 37% 40% 30%
Online bookstore 30% 31% 27%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1325.

First Choice for Information—by Region of Respondent

Which source/place would be your first choice?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Search engines 80% 85% 76% 85% 78%
Library (physical) 11% 6% 14% 7% 12%
Online library 6% 6% 6% 4% 6%
Bookstore (physical) 2% 2% 3% 1% 2%
Online bookstore 2% 1% 1% 3% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1335.

First Choice for Information—by Age of U.S. Respondent

Which source/place would be your first choice?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Search engines 78% 77% 69% 81% 76%
Library (physical) 12% 14% 17% 10% 15%
Online library 6% 4% 8% 6% 8%
Bookstore (physical) 2% 4% 1% 2% 1%
Online bookstore 2% 2% 4% 1% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1335.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-19

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

First Choice for Information—by College Students across all Regions

Which source/place would be your first choice?

Total College
Respondents Students
Search engines 80% 72%
Library (physical) 11% 14%
Online library 6% 10%
Bookstore (physical) 2% 2%
Online bookstore 2% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1335.

First Choice for Information—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Which source/place would be your first choice?

Library
Total Card Non-Card
Respondents Holders Holders
Search engines 80% 78% 84%
Library (physical) 11% 12% 6%
Online library 6% 6% 6%
Bookstore (physical) 2% 2% 2%
Online bookstore 2% 2% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1335.

A-20 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Information Brands with Worthwhile Information—by Region of Respondent

Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic information source provides
worthwhile information. Base: Respondents who indicated usage of any of the list of 21 information brands

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Google.com
Completely agree 55% 59% 56% 51% 54%
Agree 38% 35% 38% 44% 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 6% 6% 5% 4% 6%
Disagree 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%
Completely disagree 1% 0% 0% 0% 2%
Yahoo.com
Completely agree 34% 36% 34% 29% 35%
Agree 51% 52% 53% 55% 50%
Neither agree nor disagree 12% 11% 8% 14% 12%
Disagree 1% 1% 3% 1% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 0% 1% 0% 2%
MSN Search
Completely agree 29% 29% 35% 27% 27%
Agree 52% 49% 51% 54% 53%
Neither agree nor disagree 15% 18% 10% 15% 16%
Disagree 3% 4% 3% 2% 3%
Completely disagree 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
Ask Jeeves.com
Completely agree 25% 27% 20% 30% 25%
Agree 53% 53% 51% 51% 54%
Neither agree nor disagree 16% 17% 21% 12% 16%
Disagree 3% 1% 6% 5% 3%
Completely disagree 1% 2% 2% 2% 1%
Library Web site
Completely agree 33% 33% 29% 29% 34%
Agree 45% 48% 38% 52% 45%
Neither agree nor disagree 19% 15% 32% 19% 17%
Disagree 3% 3% 1% 0% 4%
Completely disagree 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Netscape Search
Completely agree 20% 13% 18% 6% 24%
Agree 52% 54% 55% 56% 50%
Neither agree nor disagree 25% 32% 19% 33% 24%
Disagree 2% 1% 7% 1% 1%
Completely disagree 1% 1% 1% 4% 1%
Online librarian question service
Completely agree 23% 36% 9% 6% 24%
Agree 48% 48% 62% 39% 45%
Neither agree nor disagree 23% 15% 29% 56% 20%
Disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Completely disagree 7% 0% 0% 0% 11%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-21

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Information Brands with Worthwhile Information— by Region of Respondent (continued)

Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic information source provides
worthwhile information. Base: Respondents who indicated usage of any of the list of 21 information brands

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
About.com
Completely agree 29% 23% 15% 25% 32%
Agree 42% 53% 50% 43% 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 23% 23% 23% 9% 24%
Disagree 3% 0% 10% 22% 2%
Completely disagree 3% 1% 2% 0% 3%
AltaVista.com
Completely agree 20% 23% 22% 12% 20%
Agree 51% 50% 44% 57% 53%
Neither agree nor disagree 26% 25% 32% 31% 24%
Disagree 2% 2% 2% 1% 3%
Completely disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Lycos.com
Completely agree 15% 9% 15% 13% 17%
Agree 51% 40% 51% 56% 52%
Neither agree nor disagree 32% 49% 29% 29% 29%
Disagree 3% 1% 5% 1% 3%
Completely disagree 0% 1% 0% 1% 0%
AOL Search
Completely agree 19% 14% 12% 20% 21%
Agree 46% 48% 49% 57% 44%
Neither agree nor disagree 27% 34% 21% 20% 28%
Disagree 3% 1% 13% 0% 3%
Completely disagree 4% 2% 4% 3% 4%
Excite.com
Completely agree 11% 12% 7% 7% 13%
Agree 51% 45% 53% 61% 51%
Neither agree nor disagree 35% 42% 39% 26% 33%
Disagree 2% 1% 1% 5% 3%
Completely disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
LookSmart.com
Completely agree 12% 14% 16% 13% 8%
Agree 49% 53% 41% 42% 48%
Neither agree nor disagree 38% 32% 43% 37% 42%
Disagree 1% 1% 0% 7% 1%
Completely disagree 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Dogpile.com
Completely agree 26% 29% 33% 25% 24%
Agree 37% 50% 33% 31% 37%
Neither agree nor disagree 33% 18% 32% 41% 34%
Disagree 2% 3% 2% 0% 2%
Completely disagree 2% 0% 0% 2% 3%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670.

A-22 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Information Brands with Worthwhile Information— by Region of Respondent (continued)

Please rate the degree to which you agree or disagree that each electronic information source provides
worthwhile information. Base: Respondents who indicated usage of any of the list of 21 information brands
Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Ask an Expert
Completely agree 17% 17% 16% 18% 17%
Agree 38% 41% 43% 38% 47%
Neither agree nor disagree 30% 42% 38% 41% 33%
Disagree 2% 0% 3% 4% 3%
Completely disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
HotBot.com
Completely agree 10% 10% 11% 2% 12%
Agree 39% 39% 57% 29% 36%
Neither agree nor disagree 46% 45% 30% 62% 49%
Disagree 4% 5% 2% 7% 3%
Completely disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Teoma.com
Completely agree 12% 12% 0% 0% 16%
Agree 32% 66% 0% 0% 32%
Neither agree nor disagree 33% 9% 0% 0% 52%
Disagree 2% 12% 0% 0% 0%
Completely disagree 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
iWon.com
Completely agree 14% 6% 11% 0% 16%
Agree 27% 19% 50% 0% 23%
Neither agree nor disagree 38% 66% 26% 0% 39%
Disagree 13% 9% 10% 0% 15%
Completely disagree 6% 0% 4% 0% 7%
AllTheWeb.com
Completely agree 16% 27% 22% 7% 8%
Agree 28% 42% 27% 52% 20%
Neither agree nor disagree 32% 28% 51% 41% 42%
Disagree 3% 3% 0% 0% 4%
Completely disagree 11% 0% 0% 0% 26%
Gigablast.com
Completely agree 3% 0% 0% 0% 5%
Agree 8% 0% 0% 0% 12%
Neither agree nor disagree 25% 0% 0% 0% 39%
Disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Completely disagree 28% 0% 0% 0% 44%
Clusty.com
Completely agree 0% 0% 0% 0% 3%
Agree 5% 0% 0% 0% 60%
Neither agree nor disagree 3% 0% 0% 0% 37%
Disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Completely disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 670.
Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-23
Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity and Usage of Information Brands—by Region of Respondent

Please indicate how familiar you are with the following information sources
and if you have used each source, even if you have only used it once.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Google.com - Have used 71% 76% 72% 70% 70%
Extremely familiar 40% 47% 46% 43% 35%
Very familiar 12% 10% 13% 8% 14%
Somewhat familiar 9% 6% 9% 11% 9%
Not very familiar 4% 2% 2% 2% 5%
Just know the name 3% 2% 2% 2% 3%
Never heard of 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Yahoo.com - Have used 64% 70% 65% 51% 66%
Extremely familiar 26% 29% 24% 20% 28%
Very familiar 17% 17% 21% 14% 16%
Somewhat familiar 17% 16% 22% 23% 15%
Not very familiar 5% 3% 4% 9% 4%
Just know the name 4% 2% 3% 8% 3%
Never heard of 1% 0% 1% 0% 1%
MSN Search - Have used 48% 58% 53% 45% 45%
Extremely familiar 16% 17% 20% 16% 14%
Very familiar 15% 14% 15% 14% 15%
Somewhat familiar 20% 22% 22% 18% 20%
Not very familiar 10% 10% 10% 12% 10%
Just know the name 12% 7% 10% 14% 14%
Never heard of 4% 2% 2% 4% 6%
Ask Jeeves.com - Have used 46% 34% 45% 59% 46%
Extremely familiar 11% 7% 11% 15% 11%
Very familiar 12% 10% 10% 14% 13%
Somewhat familiar 22% 20% 24% 25% 22%
Not very familiar 10% 10% 11% 8% 11%
Just know the name 14% 15% 16% 8% 15%
Never heard of 10% 24% 13% 1% 7%
AOL Search - Have used 26% 17% 18% 20% 33%
Extremely familiar 9% 6% 7% 10% 10%
Very familiar 9% 7% 7% 6% 11%
Somewhat familiar 20% 18% 22% 21% 19%
Not very familiar 14% 17% 11% 13% 14%
Just know the name 28% 34% 35% 29% 24%
Never heard of 7% 9% 10% 10% 5%
Netscape Search - Have used 26% 24% 38% 10% 27%
Extremely familiar 7% 7% 9% 3% 7%
Very familiar 10% 8% 12% 3% 12%
Somewhat familiar 18% 23% 23% 13% 17%
Not very familiar 14% 15% 14% 14% 14%
Just know the name 25% 24% 15% 31% 26%
Never heard of 14% 13% 13% 30% 11%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 665.

A-24 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity and Usage of Information Brands—by Region of Respondent (continued)

Please indicate how familiar you are with the following information sources
and if you have used each source, even if you have only used it once.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Lycos.com - Have used 28% 30% 27% 32% 27%
Extremely familiar 5% 6% 4% 7% 5%
Very familiar 8% 9% 8% 10% 7%
Somewhat familiar 19% 19% 23% 19% 18%
Not very familiar 14% 15% 13% 12% 14%
Just know the name 22% 17% 24% 20% 24%
Never heard of 18% 24% 19% 17% 17%
AltaVista.com - Have used 28% 42% 29% 20% 26%
Extremely familiar 6% 10% 6% 4% 5%
Very familiar 7% 11% 7% 4% 6%
Somewhat familiar 17% 23% 21% 18% 14%
Not very familiar 12% 14% 12% 9% 12%
Just know the name 21% 15% 26% 23% 20%
Never heard of 27% 13% 18% 35% 31%
Library Web site - Have used 21% 22% 28% 8% 22%
Extremely familiar 7% 7% 9% 2% 7%
Very familiar 6% 6% 4% 2% 8%
Somewhat familiar 12% 11% 18% 9% 12%
Not very familiar 11% 14% 11% 7% 11%
Just know the name 12% 12% 11% 10% 12%
Never heard of 45% 42% 39% 66% 42%
Excite.com - Have used 21% 24% 26% 12% 21%
Extremely familiar 4% 7% 4% 2% 4%
Very familiar 6% 5% 9% 5% 6%
Somewhat familiar 15% 20% 17% 9% 14%
Not very familiar 12% 14% 12% 8% 12%
Just know the name 22% 16% 18% 24% 24%
Never heard of 32% 28% 31% 46% 29%
iWon.com - Have used 13% 4% 9% 1% 20%
Extremely familiar 4% 1% 2% 1% 7%
Very familiar 4% 2% 4% 0% 6%
Somewhat familiar 8% 5% 7% 2% 11%
Not very familiar 7% 7% 6% 3% 9%
Just know the name 14% 15% 11% 6% 16%
Never heard of 57% 68% 66% 89% 44%
About.com - Have used 15% 11% 15% 5% 19%
Extremely familiar 3% 2% 4% 1% 4%
Very familiar 5% 3% 5% 1% 6%
Somewhat familiar 10% 11% 13% 5% 11%
Not very familiar 7% 10% 10% 6% 6%
Just know the name 13% 17% 12% 10% 12%
Never heard of 55% 53% 52% 74% 51%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 665.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-25

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity and Usage of Information Brands—by Region of Respondent (continued)

Please indicate how familiar you are with the following information sources
and if you have used each source, even if you have only used it once.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Dogpile.com - Have used 14% 10% 16% 9% 16%
Extremely familiar 3% 4% 4% 2% 2%
Very familiar 3% 3% 4% 1% 4%
Somewhat familiar 7% 6% 9% 5% 7%
Not very familiar 7% 7% 9% 4% 8%
Just know the name 13% 11% 12% 8% 16%
Never heard of 58% 65% 55% 76% 53%
HotBot.com - Have used 10% 13% 12% 7% 10%
Extremely familiar 2% 3% 2% 0% 2%
Very familiar 3% 3% 5% 2% 3%
Somewhat familiar 9% 9% 13% 5% 9%
Not very familiar 10% 13% 10% 7% 9%
Just know the name 19% 21% 20% 17% 18%
Never heard of 54% 45% 46% 66% 55%
Ask an expert - Have used 8% 9% 8% 4% 8%
Extremely familiar 2% 3% 1% 1% 2%
Very familiar 3% 2% 2% 1% 4%
Somewhat familiar 10% 10% 8% 8% 11%
Not very familiar 13% 14% 16% 8% 13%
Just know the name 19% 18% 22% 20% 18%
Never heard of 49% 49% 45% 60% 48%
LookSmart.com - Have used 7% 15% 7% 3% 5%
Extremely familiar 2% 3% 1% 1% 2%
Very familiar 3% 6% 3% 1% 2%
Somewhat familiar 7% 14% 5% 5% 6%
Not very familiar 6% 11% 7% 4% 5%
Just know the name 14% 17% 17% 9% 13%
Never heard of 67% 45% 64% 79% 71%
Online librarian question
5% 7% 7% 2% 4%
service - Have used
Extremely familiar 2% 3% 1% 2% 2%
Very familiar 2% 1% 2% 1% 3%
Somewhat familiar 9% 9% 11% 4% 9%
Not very familiar 11% 13% 13% 9% 11%
Just know the name 15% 17% 17% 12% 15%
Never heard of 58% 52% 55% 70% 57%
AllTheWeb.com - Have used 4% 7% 5% 4% 3%
Extremely familiar 1% 2% 2% 1% 1%
Very familiar 1% 2% 1% 0% 1%
Somewhat familiar 3% 6% 3% 4% 2%
Not very familiar 6% 9% 6% 3% 6%
Just know the name 8% 9% 8% 7% 8%
Never heard of 78% 68% 78% 81% 81%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 665.

A-26 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Familiarity and Usage of Information Brands—by Region of Respondent (continued)

Please indicate how familiar you are with the following information sources
and if you have used each source, even if you have only used it once.

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Teoma.com - Have used 2% 2% 1% 1% 2%
Extremely familiar 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Very familiar 1% 1% 0% 0% 1%
Somewhat familiar 2% 3% 1% 1% 2%
Not very familiar 3% 5% 4% 2% 3%
Just know the name 3% 5% 3% 2% 2%
Never heard of 90% 85% 91% 94% 91%
Gigablast.com - Have used 1% 1% 1% 0% 1%
Extremely familiar 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Very familiar 1% 0% 1% 1% 1%
Somewhat familiar 2% 4% 2% 2% 2%
Not very familiar 5% 8% 4% 1% 5%
Just know the name 6% 6% 5% 7% 6%
Never heard of 86% 81% 87% 89% 86%
Clusty.com - Have used 1% 0% 1% 0% 1%
Extremely familiar 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Very familiar 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Somewhat familiar 1% 3% 1% 1% 1%
Not very familiar 4% 6% 5% 2% 3%
Just know the name 2% 3% 2% 2% 2%
Never heard of 92% 87% 92% 95% 92%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 665.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-27

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 2.1
Activities at the Library—by Region of Respondent
How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Borrow print books - Daily 1% 1% 1% 0% 1%
Weekly 12% 15% 15% 9% 11%
Monthly 13% 19% 14% 14% 11%
Several times a year 20% 19% 23% 20% 20%
At least once a year 9% 7% 7% 8% 10%
Not even once a year 10% 7% 12% 7% 11%
Never have used 17% 13% 14% 19% 18%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 19% 14% 22% 19%
Leisure reading - Daily 2% 1% 1% 1% 2%
Weekly 9% 14% 9% 6% 9%
Monthly 10% 14% 14% 12% 8%
Several times a year 16% 16% 21% 17% 15%
At least once a year 10% 12% 9% 6% 10%
Not even once a year 10% 6% 12% 5% 11%
Never have used 23% 22% 14% 29% 25%
Used to use, but no longer do 20% 16% 19% 24% 20%
Read/borrow best-seller - Daily 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%
Weekly 6% 8% 7% 5% 6%
Monthly 10% 11% 9% 11% 10%
Several times a year 13% 16% 14% 12% 13%
At least once a year 10% 12% 11% 10% 10%
Not even once a year 11% 9% 12% 7% 12%
Never have used 31% 28% 30% 34% 32%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 16% 15% 21% 17%
Use online databases - Daily 2% 4% 3% 1% 2%
Weekly 7% 10% 9% 4% 6%
Monthly 6% 7% 7% 4% 6%
Several times a year 11% 10% 12% 6% 12%
At least once a year 7% 7% 8% 4% 7%
Not even once a year 9% 8% 7% 6% 10%
Never have used 46% 39% 42% 61% 45%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 15% 12% 14% 12%
Borrow DVDs/videos - Daily 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Weekly 4% 7% 4% 2% 4%
Monthly 7% 9% 6% 3% 8%
Several times a year 11% 10% 14% 8% 11%
At least once a year 8% 7% 9% 10% 7%
Not even once a year 9% 9% 11% 6% 9%
Never have used 48% 46% 45% 54% 48%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 12% 11% 17% 12%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

A-28 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by Region of Respondent (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Use the computer/Internet - Daily 3% 6% 3% 3% 3%
Weekly 5% 5% 6% 4% 5%
Monthly 5% 6% 5% 3% 5%
Several times a year 9% 11% 11% 4% 9%
At least once a year 7% 6% 8% 7% 7%
Not even once a year 9% 8% 12% 6% 10%
Never have used 42% 36% 33% 54% 44%
Used to use, but no longer do 18% 21% 22% 19% 16%
Research specific reference books - Daily 2% 3% 3% 1% 1%
Weekly 5% 9% 5% 4% 4%
Monthly 8% 10% 9% 9% 7%
Several times a year 21% 23% 23% 18% 20%
At least once a year 15% 16% 13% 13% 16%
Not even once a year 12% 8% 11% 10% 14%
Never have used 15% 9% 16% 15% 16%
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 22% 20% 29% 22%
Do homework/study - Daily 2% 3% 3% 2% 2%
Weekly 6% 9% 4% 4% 6%
Monthly 4% 4% 6% 3% 3%
Several times a year 10% 13% 10% 7% 9%
At least once a year 5% 6% 8% 4% 5%
Not even once a year 8% 7% 6% 6% 10%
Never have used 27% 23% 22% 34% 27%
Used to use, but no longer do 39% 35% 40% 40% 39%
Read magazines - Daily 1% 1% 0% 0% 1%
Weekly 5% 8% 7% 3% 4%
Monthly 6% 11% 7% 4% 5%
Several times a year 11% 12% 14% 7% 11%
At least once a year 7% 7% 7% 4% 8%
Not even once a year 10% 7% 10% 6% 12%
Never have used 42% 38% 39% 59% 40%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 16% 16% 17% 18%
Socialize with friends - Daily 2% 1% 1% 2% 2%
Weekly 3% 5% 3% 2% 3%
Monthly 4% 3% 5% 2% 4%
Several times a year 5% 7% 8% 1% 4%
At least once a year 4% 5% 2% 4% 4%
Not even once a year 8% 5% 8% 6% 9%
Never have used 60% 57% 57% 71% 59%
Used to use, but no longer do 16% 17% 16% 14% 16%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-29

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by Region of Respondent (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Get assistance with research - Daily 1% 2% 2% 1% 1%
Weekly 4% 7% 7% 4% 3%
Monthly 6% 8% 6% 5% 5%
Several times a year 15% 21% 15% 11% 14%
At least once a year 15% 13% 12% 14% 16%
Not even once a year 13% 9% 15% 9% 15%
Never have used 23% 20% 22% 30% 22%
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 21% 21% 25% 24%
Read daily newspapers - Daily 2% 5% 1% 2% 2%
Weekly 4% 7% 3% 3% 3%
Monthly 2% 3% 4% 2% 2%
Several times a year 6% 9% 10% 5% 5%
At least once a year 4% 4% 4% 3% 4%
Not even once a year 10% 9% 11% 5% 11%
Never have used 57% 50% 52% 63% 58%
Used to use, but no longer do 15% 13% 15% 17% 15%
Make photocopies - Daily 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
Weekly 3% 4% 5% 2% 3%
Monthly 4% 8% 4% 5% 3%
Several times a year 10% 14% 14% 9% 8%
At least once a year 11% 8% 8% 5% 14%
Not even once a year 11% 8% 13% 7% 13%
Never have used 34% 24% 32% 42% 36%
Used to use, but no longer do 25% 32% 23% 28% 22%
Get copies of articles/journals - Daily 1% 2% 0% 1% 1%
Weekly 4% 7% 7% 3% 3%
Monthly 4% 9% 5% 4% 3%
Several times a year 15% 19% 15% 11% 14%
At least once a year 10% 8% 10% 7% 11%
Not even once a year 12% 11% 13% 8% 13%
Never have used 33% 25% 34% 44% 33%
Used to use, but no longer do 21% 19% 16% 23% 22%
Borrow music - Daily 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Weekly 2% 4% 2% 2% 2%
Monthly 3% 7% 5% 3% 2%
Several times a year 9% 7% 11% 8% 10%
At least once a year 5% 7% 7% 5% 4%
Not even once a year 9% 10% 9% 7% 9%
Never have used 56% 50% 53% 56% 58%
Used to use, but no longer do 14% 15% 12% 20% 13%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

A-30 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by Region of Respondent (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Use audiobooks - Daily 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 1% 3% 1% 1%
Monthly 3% 2% 3% 1% 3%
Several times a year 5% 8% 5% 3% 5%
At least once a year 4% 3% 6% 4% 4%
Not even once a year 7% 8% 8% 4% 8%
Never have used 70% 66% 67% 77% 70%
Used to use, but no longer do 9% 10% 8% 11% 8%
Attend an event - Daily 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 2% 1% 1% 1%
Monthly 3% 3% 2% 2% 3%
Several times a year 7% 9% 9% 4% 6%
At least once a year 8% 7% 9% 7% 8%
Not even once a year 9% 8% 12% 5% 10%
Never have used 54% 54% 51% 62% 52%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 17% 15% 18% 20%
Use electronic books - Daily 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 2% 4% 2% 2% 2%
Monthly 2% 4% 5% 2% 1%
Several times a year 4% 6% 4% 3% 4%
At least once a year 4% 5% 6% 4% 3%
Not even once a year 7% 7% 6% 7% 8%
Never have used 73% 67% 72% 74% 74%
Used to use, but no longer do 7% 7% 5% 9% 7%
Voter registration - Daily 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 0% 1% 0% 1%
Monthly 0% 0% 1% 1% 0%
Several times a year 1% 1% 0% 1% 1%
At least once a year 3% 3% 3% 4% 3%
Not even once a year 6% 5% 4% 4% 7%
Never have used 79% 80% 86% 80% 77%
Used to use, but no longer do 10% 10% 4% 11% 11%
Get tax forms - Daily 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%
Monthly 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%
Several times a year 1% 2% 1% 1% 1%
At least once a year 13% 5% 4% 2% 20%
Not even once a year 6% 4% 3% 2% 9%
Never have used 67% 81% 86% 85% 54%
Used to use, but no longer do 12% 7% 5% 8% 17%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-31

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Borrow print books - Daily 1% 3% 6% 0% 1%
Weekly 11% 16% 10% 12% 7%
Monthly 11% 13% 12% 10% 11%
Several times a year 20% 22% 22% 19% 21%
At least once a year 10% 12% 5% 11% 9%
Not even once a year 11% 8% 6% 12% 10%
Never have used 18% 21% 25% 15% 24%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 5% 14% 21% 18%
Leisure reading - Daily 2% 5% 8% 1% 1%
Weekly 9% 12% 7% 9% 6%
Monthly 8% 10% 7% 7% 12%
Several times a year 15% 17% 15% 16% 11%
At least once a year 10% 13% 11% 9% 11%
Not even once a year 11% 8% 7% 12% 13%
Never have used 25% 24% 32% 23% 24%
Used to use, but no longer do 20% 10% 12% 22% 22%
Read/borrow best-seller - Daily 0% 3% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 6% 6% 6% 6% 5%
Monthly 10% 9% 9% 9% 12%
Several times a year 13% 15% 12% 13% 13%
At least once a year 10% 11% 6% 10% 11%
Not even once a year 12% 12% 13% 13% 11%
Never have used 32% 38% 45% 29% 30%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 6% 9% 20% 16%
Use online databases - Daily 2% 3% 7% 1% 2%
Weekly 6% 8% 11% 6% 2%
Monthly 6% 10% 12% 5% 3%
Several times a year 12% 20% 20% 11% 3%
At least once a year 7% 12% 5% 6% 9%
Not even once a year 10% 10% 7% 12% 6%
Never have used 45% 31% 27% 45% 66%
Used to use, but no longer do 12% 6% 11% 14% 9%
Borrow DVDs/videos - Daily 1% 3% 4% 0% 0%
Weekly 4% 6% 6% 4% 2%
Monthly 8% 8% 7% 9% 3%
Several times a year 11% 9% 8% 12% 12%
At least once a year 7% 7% 6% 7% 5%
Not even once a year 9% 10% 8% 9% 9%
Never have used 48% 49% 50% 45% 60%
Used to use, but no longer do 12% 8% 11% 14% 9%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

A-32 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library —by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Use the computer/Internet - Daily 3% 9% 10% 2% 2%
Weekly 5% 14% 14% 4% 1%
Monthly 5% 11% 11% 4% 2%
Several times a year 9% 17% 15% 8% 4%
At least once a year 7% 13% 9% 6% 8%
Not even once a year 10% 12% 4% 11% 8%
Never have used 44% 14% 19% 48% 62%
Used to use, but no longer do 16% 10% 18% 17% 13%
Research specific reference books - Daily 1% 4% 3% 1% 0%
Weekly 4% 7% 7% 4% 0%
Monthly 7% 16% 15% 5% 4%
Several times a year 20% 27% 25% 20% 15%
At least once a year 16% 14% 15% 16% 18%
Not even once a year 14% 11% 8% 14% 16%
Never have used 16% 16% 14% 15% 21%
Used to use, but no longer do 22% 6% 14% 25% 26%
Do homework/study - Daily 2% 9% 7% 0% 0%
Weekly 6% 11% 15% 5% 0%
Monthly 3% 13% 12% 1% 0%
Several times a year 9% 18% 19% 6% 9%
At least once a year 5% 14% 6% 4% 2%
Not even once a year 10% 11% 7% 11% 6%
Never have used 27% 16% 12% 28% 39%
Used to use, but no longer do 39% 7% 22% 44% 43%
Read magazines - Daily 1% 3% 2% 0% 0%
Weekly 4% 5% 7% 3% 3%
Monthly 5% 10% 7% 4% 4%
Several times a year 11% 14% 8% 12% 8%
At least once a year 8% 12% 12% 8% 7%
Not even once a year 12% 11% 11% 13% 10%
Never have used 40% 39% 42% 38% 48%
Used to use, but no longer do 18% 5% 11% 21% 19%
Socialize with friends - Daily 2% 8% 7% 1% 0%
Weekly 3% 8% 8% 2% 1%
Monthly 4% 7% 7% 3% 1%
Several times a year 4% 12% 8% 3% 2%
At least once a year 4% 7% 12% 2% 4%
Not even once a year 9% 9% 4% 9% 10%
Never have used 59% 41% 44% 61% 69%
Used to use, but no longer do 16% 8% 11% 18% 13%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-33

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Get assistance with research - Daily 1% 3% 2% 0% 0%
Weekly 3% 7% 9% 2% 0%
Monthly 5% 13% 9% 5% 2%
Several times a year 14% 22% 21% 11% 12%
At least once a year 16% 13% 16% 17% 15%
Not even once a year 15% 10% 10% 16% 15%
Never have used 22% 28% 18% 22% 27%
Used to use, but no longer do 24% 6% 16% 27% 29%
Read daily newspapers - Daily 2% 5% 6% 0% 2%
Weekly 3% 5% 7% 3% 1%
Monthly 2% 4% 4% 2% 1%
Several times a year 5% 8% 8% 4% 5%
At least once a year 4% 7% 1% 5% 3%
Not even once a year 11% 8% 11% 12% 7%
Never have used 58% 59% 53% 56% 69%
Used to use, but no longer do 15% 5% 9% 18% 12%
Make photocopies - Daily 1% 3% 1% 1% 0%
Weekly 3% 5% 8% 3% 1%
Monthly 3% 9% 9% 2% 2%
Several times a year 8% 13% 18% 6% 6%
At least once a year 14% 15% 13% 14% 11%
Not even once a year 13% 14% 8% 14% 8%
Never have used 36% 30% 26% 35% 53%
Used to use, but no longer do 22% 11% 17% 25% 21%
Get copies of articles/journals - Daily 1% 2% 2% 0% 0%
Weekly 3% 5% 5% 3% 0%
Monthly 3% 9% 6% 3% 1%
Several times a year 14% 15% 16% 15% 9%
At least once a year 11% 14% 15% 11% 11%
Not even once a year 13% 11% 8% 14% 14%
Never have used 33% 40% 32% 29% 47%
Used to use, but no longer do 22% 5% 15% 25% 18%
Borrow music - Daily 1% 3% 3% 0% 0%
Weekly 2% 6% 3% 2% 0%
Monthly 2% 7% 4% 2% 1%
Several times a year 10% 7% 10% 11% 6%
At least once a year 4% 5% 4% 4% 3%
Not even once a year 9% 7% 4% 11% 8%
Never have used 58% 60% 66% 54% 73%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 6% 6% 17% 9%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

A-34 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Use audiobooks - Daily 0% 2% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 3% 4% 1% 0%
Monthly 3% 3% 6% 2% 4%
Several times a year 5% 4% 4% 5% 7%
At least once a year 4% 5% 4% 4% 3%
Not even once a year 8% 9% 5% 9% 5%
Never have used 70% 68% 71% 70% 73%
Used to use, but no longer do 8% 7% 6% 9% 8%
Attend an event - Daily 0% 2% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
Monthly 3% 3% 5% 2% 4%
Several times a year 6% 5% 3% 7% 4%
At least once a year 8% 7% 8% 8% 9%
Not even once a year 10% 10% 5% 12% 7%
Never have used 52% 60% 63% 49% 52%
Used to use, but no longer do 20% 12% 15% 22% 23%
Use electronic books - Daily 0% 2% 0% 0% 1%
Weekly 2% 1% 5% 2% 0%
Monthly 1% 3% 4% 1% 1%
Several times a year 4% 5% 7% 3% 4%
At least once a year 3% 7% 5% 3% 1%
Not even once a year 8% 6% 4% 10% 7%
Never have used 74% 69% 67% 75% 80%
Used to use, but no longer do 7% 8% 7% 7% 7%
Voter registration - Daily 0% 2% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 2% 2% 0% 0%
Monthly 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%
Several times a year 1% 1% 5% 0% 0%
At least once a year 3% 3% 4% 4% 2%
Not even once a year 7% 2% 6% 8% 5%
Never have used 77% 84% 74% 75% 84%
Used to use, but no longer do 11% 5% 8% 12% 9%
Get tax forms - Daily 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Weekly 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%
Monthly 0% 1% 1% 0% 0%
Several times a year 1% 1% 3% 0% 1%
At least once a year 20% 5% 13% 22% 22%
Not even once a year 9% 5% 5% 10% 8%
Never have used 54% 81% 69% 47% 55%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 4% 9% 20% 14%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-35

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by College Students across all Regions

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total College
Respondents Students
Borrow print books - Daily 1% 3%
Weekly 12% 24%
Monthly 13% 12%
Several times a year 20% 24%
At least once a year 9% 6%
Not even once a year 10% 9%
Never have used 17% 19%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 2%
Leisure reading - Daily 2% 4%
Weekly 9% 17%
Monthly 10% 7%
Several times a year 16% 10%
At least once a year 10% 14%
Not even once a year 10% 5%
Never have used 23% 36%
Used to use, but no longer do 20% 7%
Read/borrow best-seller - Daily 0% 1%
Weekly 6% 6%
Monthly 10% 5%
Several times a year 13% 13%
At least once a year 10% 6%
Not even once a year 11% 8%
Never have used 31% 58%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 3%
Use online databases - Daily 2% 7%
Weekly 7% 22%
Monthly 6% 15%
Several times a year 11% 19%
At least once a year 7% 7%
Not even once a year 9% 5%
Never have used 46% 22%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 3%
Borrow DVDs/videos - Daily 1% 0%
Weekly 4% 9%
Monthly 7% 12%
Several times a year 11% 8%
At least once a year 8% 6%
Not even once a year 9% 6%
Never have used 48% 53%
Used to use, but no longer do 13% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

A-36 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by College Students across all Regions (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total College
Respondents Students
Use the computer/Internet - Daily 3% 15%
Weekly 5% 18%
Monthly 5% 12%
Several times a year 9% 16%
At least once a year 7% 8%
Not even once a year 9% 4%
Never have used 42% 20%
Used to use, but no longer do 18% 8%
Research specific reference books - Daily 2% 5%
Weekly 5% 20%
Monthly 8% 17%
Several times a year 21% 29%
At least once a year 15% 12%
Not even once a year 12% 5%
Never have used 15% 8%
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 4%
Do homework/study - Daily 2% 10%
Weekly 6% 24%
Monthly 4% 14%
Several times a year 10% 22%
At least once a year 5% 7%
Not even once a year 8% 6%
Never have used 27% 9%
Used to use, but no longer do 39% 7%
Read magazines - Daily 1% 1%
Weekly 5% 12%
Monthly 6% 15%
Several times a year 11% 11%
At least once a year 7% 9%
Not even once a year 10% 5%
Never have used 42% 43%
Used to use, but no longer do 17% 3%
Socialize with friends - Daily 2% 9%
Weekly 3% 10%
Monthly 4% 5%
Several times a year 5% 10%
At least once a year 4% 9%
Not even once a year 8% 5%
Never have used 60% 46%
Used to use, but no longer do 16% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-37

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by College Students across all Regions (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?

Total College
Respondents Students
Get assistance with research - Daily 1% 4%
Weekly 4% 13%
Monthly 6% 16%
Several times a year 15% 24%
At least once a year 15% 11%
Not even once a year 13% 9%
Never have used 23% 19%
Used to use, but no longer do 23% 4%
Read daily newspapers - Daily 2% 4%
Weekly 4% 8%
Monthly 2% 9%
Several times a year 6% 9%
At least once a year 4% 4%
Not even once a year 10% 11%
Never have used 57% 49%
Used to use, but no longer do 15% 6%
Make photocopies - Daily 1% 2%
Weekly 3% 17%
Monthly 4% 17%
Several times a year 10% 16%
At least once a year 11% 10%
Not even once a year 11% 4%
Never have used 34% 24%
Used to use, but no longer do 25% 8%
Get copies of articles/journals - Daily 1% 4%
Weekly 4% 16%
Monthly 4% 12%
Several times a year 15% 26%
At least once a year 10% 11%
Not even once a year 12% 6%
Never have used 33% 19%
Used to use, but no longer do 21% 7%
Borrow music - Daily 1% 0%
Weekly 2% 8%
Monthly 3% 6%
Several times a year 9% 8%
At least once a year 5% 6%
Not even once a year 9% 5%
Never have used 56% 62%
Used to use, but no longer do 14% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

A-38 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Activities at the Library—by College Students across all Regions (continued)

How frequently do you use your primary library for the following reasons?
Total College
Respondents Students
Use audiobooks - Daily 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 5%
Monthly 3% 5%
Several times a year 5% 11%
At least once a year 4% 3%
Not even once a year 7% 10%
Never have used 70% 64%
Used to use, but no longer do 9% 2%
Attend an event - Daily 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 1%
Monthly 3% 4%
Several times a year 7% 11%
At least once a year 8% 6%
Not even once a year 9% 10%
Never have used 54% 58%
Used to use, but no longer do 19% 11%
Use electronic books - Daily 0% 1%
Weekly 2% 8%
Monthly 2% 9%
Several times a year 4% 11%
At least once a year 4% 8%
Not even once a year 7% 5%
Never have used 73% 54%
Used to use, but no longer do 7% 3%
Voter registration - Daily 0% 0%
Weekly 1% 2%
Monthly 0% 1%
Several times a year 1% 3%
At least once a year 3% 3%
Not even once a year 6% 3%
Never have used 79% 82%
Used to use, but no longer do 10% 6%
Get tax forms - Daily 0% 0%
Weekly 0% 1%
Monthly 0% 1%
Several times a year 1% 2%
At least once a year 13% 10%
Not even once a year 6% 6%
Never have used 67% 75%
Used to use, but no longer do 12% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 840.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-39

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore for Specific Activities—

by Region of Respondent
Comparing the library to your local bookstore, which do you feel provides
a more suitable environment for activities/materials in regard to the following?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Library is more suitable for…
Free materials 95% 96% 96% 96% 94%
Free access to the Internet 95% 95% 97% 96% 95%
Special programs 89% 94% 91% 91% 87%
Access to free entertainment 86% 86% 90% 86% 85%
Book club/story hour 77% 82% 74% 84% 74%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 71% 86% 70% 78% 65%
Friendly environment 64% 72% 70% 69% 58%
Access to music 62% 67% 71% 75% 55%
It's where my friends are 43% 51% 47% 55% 37%
Find more current materials 40% 46% 33% 46% 39%
Coffee/snack shop 17% 28% 15% 35% 9%
Local bookstore is more suitable for…
Coffee/snack shop 83% 72% 85% 65% 91%
Find more current materials 60% 54% 67% 54% 61%
It's where my friends are 57% 49% 53% 45% 63%
Access to music 38% 33% 29% 25% 45%
Friendly environment 36% 28% 30% 31% 42%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 29% 14% 30% 22% 35%
Book club/story hour 23% 18% 26% 16% 26%
Access to free entertainment 14% 14% 10% 14% 15%
Special programs 11% 6% 9% 9% 13%
Free materials 5% 4% 4% 4% 6%
Free access to the Internet 5% 5% 3% 4% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1230.

A-40 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore for Specific Activities—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Comparing the library to your local bookstore, which do you feel provides
a more suitable environment for activities/materials in regard to the following?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Library is more suitable for…
Access to music 55% 41% 45% 56% 64%
Find more current materials 39% 27% 29% 38% 59%
Free materials 94% 91% 92% 95% 97%
Free access to the Internet 95% 93% 91% 95% 98%
Book club/story hour 74% 67% 62% 75% 86%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 65% 57% 59% 65% 76%
Access to free entertainment 85% 72% 82% 86% 89%
Special programs 87% 75% 81% 87% 95%
Coffee/snack shop 9% 15% 11% 8% 11%
It's where my friends are 37% 46% 39% 32% 56%
Friendly environment 58% 59% 50% 57% 69%
Local bookstore is more suitable for…
Access to music 45% 59% 55% 44% 36%
Find more current materials 61% 73% 71% 62% 41%
Free materials 6% 9% 8% 5% 3%
Free access to the Internet 5% 7% 9% 5% 2%
Book club/story hour 26% 33% 38% 25% 14%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 35% 43% 41% 35% 24%
Access to free entertainment 15% 28% 18% 14% 11%
Special programs 13% 25% 19% 13% 5%
Coffee/snack shop 91% 85% 89% 92% 89%
It's where my friends are 63% 54% 61% 68% 44%
Friendly environment 42% 41% 50% 43% 31%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1230.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-41

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore for Specific Activities—

by College Students across all Regions
Comparing the library to your local bookstore, which do you feel provides
a more suitable environment for activities/materials in regard to the following?

Total College
Respondents students
Library is more suitable for…
Free access to the Internet 95% 94%
Free materials 95% 93%
Special programs 89% 78%
Access to free entertainment 86% 85%
Book club/story hour 77% 58%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 71% 65%
Friendly environment 64% 62%
Access to music 62% 56%
Find more current materials 43% 34%
It's where my friends are 40% 45%
Coffee/snack shop 17% 14%
Local bookstore is more suitable for…
Coffee/snack shop 83% 86%
It's where my friends are 60% 55%
Find more current materials 57% 66%
Access to music 38% 44%
Friendly environment 36% 38%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 29% 35%
Book club/story hour 23% 42%
Access to free entertainment 14% 15%
Special programs 11% 22%
Free materials 5% 7%
Free access to the Internet 5% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1230.

A-42 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Suitability of the Library and the Bookstore for Specific Activities—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions

Comparing the library to your local bookstore, which do you feel provides
a more suitable environment for activities/materials in regard to the following?

Library
Total Card Non-Card
Respondents Holders Holders
Library is more suitable for…
Free materials 95% 96% 94%
Free access to the Internet 95% 96% 94%
Special programs 89% 89% 88%
Access to free entertainment 86% 87% 83%
Book club/story hour 77% 78% 74%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 71% 72% 69%
Friendly environment 64% 67% 54%
Access to music 62% 63% 59%
It's where my friends are 43% 45% 39%
Find more current materials 40% 41% 40%
Coffee/snack shop 17% 15% 22%
Local bookstore more suitable for…
Coffee/snack shop 83% 85% 78%
Find more current materials 60% 59% 60%
It's where my friends are 57% 55% 61%
Access to music 38% 37% 41%
Friendly environment 36% 33% 46%
Comfortable seating/meeting area 29% 28% 31%
Book club/story hour 23% 22% 26%
Access to free entertainment 14% 13% 17%
Special programs 11% 11% 12%
Free materials 5% 4% 6%
Free access to the Internet 5% 4% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1230.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-43

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 2.6

Satisfaction with the Information Provided by Librarian and Search Engine—

by Region of Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?
Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine
Very satisfied 53% 54%
Satisfied 35% 35%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 5%
Dissatisfied 3% 4%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Australia/Singapore/India
Very satisfied 50% 51%
Satisfied 39% 39%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 7% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 4%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Canada
Very satisfied 56% 46%
Satisfied 34% 41%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 7% 4%
Dissatisfied 4% 5%
Very dissatisfied 0% 4%
United Kingdom
Very satisfied 46% 52%
Satisfied 35% 38%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 5%
Dissatisfied 9% 4%
Very dissatisfied 1% 1%
United States
Very satisfied 54% 57%
Satisfied 34% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 11% 6%
Dissatisfied 1% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

A-44 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Information Provided by Librarian and Search Engine—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total U.S. Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 54% 57%
Satisfied 34% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 11% 6%
Dissatisfied 1% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
U.S. 14-17
Very satisfied 40% 60%
Satisfied 37% 32%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 16% 3%
Dissatisfied 6% 4%
Very dissatisfied 1% 1%
U.S. 18-24
Very satisfied 36% 63%
Satisfied 49% 28%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 5%
Dissatisfied 1% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 3%
U.S. 25-64
Very satisfied 57% 57%
Satisfied 33% 32%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 10% 7%
Dissatisfied 0% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 1%
U.S. 65+
Very satisfied 62% 53%
Satisfied 27% 32%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 5%
Dissatisfied 2% 5%
Very dissatisfied 0% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-45

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Information Provided by Librarian and Search Engine—

by College Students Across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 53% 54%
Satisfied 35% 35%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 5%
Dissatisfied 3% 4%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
College Students
Very satisfied 45% 60%
Satisfied 43% 30%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 6% 8%
Dissatisfied 6% 1%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Satisfaction with the Information Provided by Librarian

and Search Engine—by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 53% 54%
Satisfied 35% 35%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 5%
Dissatisfied 3% 4%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Library Card Holders
Very satisfied 57% 55%
Satisfied 34% 34%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 6% 6%
Dissatisfied 3% 4%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

A-46 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information provided by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Region of Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 50% 58%
Satisfied 34% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 13% 6%
Dissatisfied 3% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Australia/Singapore/India
Very satisfied 45% 56%
Satisfied 43% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 6% 7%
Dissatisfied 5% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Canada
Very satisfied 56% 52%
Satisfied 33% 38%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 8% 3%
Dissatisfied 3% 4%
Very dissatisfied 0% 4%
United Kingdom
Very satisfied 45% 61%
Satisfied 27% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 18% 5%
Dissatisfied 9% 3%
Very dissatisfied 1% 1%
United States
Very satisfied 51% 60%
Satisfied 32% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 7%
Dissatisfied 2% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-47

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information provided by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Age of U.S. Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total U.S. Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 51% 60%
Satisfied 32% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 7%
Dissatisfied 2% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
U.S. 14-17
Very satisfied 32% 65%
Satisfied 47% 25%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 18% 6%
Dissatisfied 1% 2%
Very dissatisfied 2% 2%
U.S. 18-24
Very satisfied 33% 65%
Satisfied 48% 23%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 17% 8%
Dissatisfied 1% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 3%
U.S. 25-64
Very satisfied 55% 60%
Satisfied 28% 30%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 6%
Dissatisfied 3% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 1%
U.S. 65+
Very satisfied 59% 48%
Satisfied 27% 34%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 10% 7%
Dissatisfied 2% 6%
Very dissatisfied 2% 5%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

A-48 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information provided by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by College Students across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 50% 58%
Satisfied 34% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 13% 6%
Dissatisfied 3% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
College Students
Very satisfied 44% 65%
Satisfied 43% 26%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 7%
Dissatisfied 3% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Satisfaction with the Quantity of Information provided by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 50% 58%
Satisfied 34% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 13% 6%
Dissatisfied 3% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Library Card Holders
Very satisfied 54% 59%
Satisfied 31% 30%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 10% 6%
Dissatisfied 4% 4%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-49

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Speed of Conducting the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Region of Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 41% 72%
Satisfied 40% 20%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Australia/Singapore/India
Very satisfied 40% 68%
Satisfied 40% 23%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 13% 5%
Dissatisfied 6% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Canada
Very satisfied 41% 72%
Satisfied 46% 20%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 3%
Dissatisfied 3% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 4%
United Kingdom
Very satisfied 38% 68%
Satisfied 32% 26%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 17% 4%
Dissatisfied 12% 1%
Very dissatisfied 2% 2%
United States
Very satisfied 42% 74%
Satisfied 39% 17%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 17% 6%
Dissatisfied 2% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

A-50 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Speed of Conducting the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Age of U.S. Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total U.S. Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 42% 74%
Satisfied 39% 17%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 17% 6%
Dissatisfied 2% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 1%
U.S. 14-17
Very satisfied 26% 77%
Satisfied 36% 16%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 30% 4%
Dissatisfied 6% 2%
Very dissatisfied 2% 2%
U.S. 18-24
Very satisfied 29% 78%
Satisfied 48% 15%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 16% 2%
Dissatisfied 6% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 3%
U.S. 25-64
Very satisfied 44% 74%
Satisfied 39% 17%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 7%
Dissatisfied 1% 1%
Very dissatisfied 0% 1%
U.S. 65+
Very satisfied 49% 64%
Satisfied 34% 22%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 14% 4%
Dissatisfied 2% 6%
Very dissatisfied 1% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-51

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Speed of Conducting the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by College Students across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 41% 72%
Satisfied 40% 20%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
College Students
Very satisfied 38% 78%
Satisfied 44% 16%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 13% 3%
Dissatisfied 4% 0%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 655 and 1050.

Satisfaction with the Speed of Conducting the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 41% 72%
Satisfied 40% 20%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 15% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 2%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
Library Card Holders
Very satisfied 45% 72%
Satisfied 38% 19%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 13% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 2%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

A-52 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Overall Experience of the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Region of Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 48% 60%
Satisfied 36% 30%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 11% 7%
Dissatisfied 4% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%
Australia/Singapore/India
Very satisfied 48% 58%
Satisfied 39% 32%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 6%
Dissatisfied 2% 2%
Very dissatisfied 2% 2%
Canada
Very satisfied 53% 58%
Satisfied 35% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 8%
Dissatisfied 2% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 4%
United Kingdom
Very satisfied 44% 57%
Satisfied 32% 31%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 14% 9%
Dissatisfied 8% 3%
Very dissatisfied 2% 1%
United States
Very satisfied 48% 62%
Satisfied 36% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 12% 6%
Dissatisfied 4% 1%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-53

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Overall Experience of the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Age of U.S. Respondent
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total U.S. Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 48% 62%
Satisfied 36% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 12% 6%
Dissatisfied 4% 1%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
U.S. 14-17
Very satisfied 33% 67%
Satisfied 41% 27%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 21% 4%
Dissatisfied 4% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 1%
U.S. 18-24
Very satisfied 31% 70%
Satisfied 50% 23%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 14% 3%
Dissatisfied 5% 1%
Very dissatisfied 0% 2%
U.S. 25-64
Very satisfied 51% 62%
Satisfied 33% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 12% 7%
Dissatisfied 3% 1%
Very dissatisfied 0% 1%
U.S. 65+
Very satisfied 59% 53%
Satisfied 33% 32%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 3% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 3%
Very dissatisfied 0% 7%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

A-54 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Satisfaction with the Overall Experience of the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by College Students across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 48% 60%
Satisfied 36% 30%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 11% 7%
Dissatisfied 4% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%
College Students
Very satisfied 40% 64%
Satisfied 44% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 10% 5%
Dissatisfied 4% 0%
Very dissatisfied 2% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Satisfaction with the Overall Experience of the Search by the Librarian

and the Search Engine—by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Based on the most recent search you conducted through
(librarian/search engine), how satisfied were you with...?

Total Respondents Librarian Search Engine

Very satisfied 48% 60%
Satisfied 36% 30%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 11% 7%
Dissatisfied 4% 1%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%
Library Card Holders
Very satisfied 52% 61%
Satisfied 34% 29%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 9% 6%
Dissatisfied 4% 2%
Very dissatisfied 1% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, questions 655 and 1050.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-55

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 3.6
Positive and Negative Associations of Libraries
Please list two positive and two negative associations with the library.

Positive Associations Negative Associations

Products and Offerings
Books (4.8%) 18% Books (0.4%) 12.8%
ƒ Free (4.4%) ƒ Not available/wait (3.7%)
ƒ Many (3.5%) ƒ Not current (1.5%)
ƒ Variety (2.8%) ƒ Difficult to access (1.3%)
ƒ Borrow (1.3%) ƒ Limited variety (1.3%)
ƒ Good (0.4%) ƒ Not what’s needed (1.1%)
ƒ Available (0.2%) ƒ Not taken care of/dirty (0.7%)
ƒ Access (0.2%) ƒ Return to library (0.7%)
ƒ Browse (0.1%) ƒ Too many (0.3%)
ƒ Current (0.1%) ƒ Carry/heavy (0.2%)

Information (6.7%) 14.3% Information 6.8%

ƒ Lots (4.4%) ƒ Hard to access/find/use (3.7%)
ƒ Free (0.9%) ƒ Not current (0.9%)
ƒ Variety (0.6%) ƒ Not available/wait (0.7%)
ƒ Reliable (0.5%) ƒ Not what’s needed (0.7%)
ƒ Trust (0.4%) ƒ Limited variety (0.5%)
ƒ Access (0.2%) ƒ Too much information (0.3%)
ƒ Current (0.2%)
ƒ Accurate (0.2%)
ƒ Available (0.2%)
ƒ Comprehensive (0.1%)

Materials (0.2%) 9.2% Materials 9.8%

ƒ Variety (7.8%) ƒ Limited variety (2.0%)
ƒ Lots (0.5%) ƒ Not available/wait (2.8%)
ƒ Free (0.4%) ƒ Hard to access/find/use (1.8%)
ƒ Available (0.2%) ƒ Not current (1.3%)
ƒ Borrow (0.1%) ƒ Not what’s needed (1.0%)
ƒ Not taken care of/dirty (0.7%)
ƒ Not able to check out (0.1%)

Computer 3.2% Computer (0.2%) 2.4%

ƒ Access to computer ƒ Not available (1.7%)
(1.8%) ƒ Internet filter (0.3%)
ƒ Internet access (1.4%) ƒ Outdated (0.2%)

Easy to access/find 3.3% Time-consuming 2.9%

ƒ Easy access (2.8%)
ƒ Easy to find (0.5%)

Resources (1.7%) 3.2%

ƒ Many (1.2%)
ƒ Variety (0.2%)
ƒ Free (0.1%)

Free 8.1%
ƒ Free (4.9%)
ƒ Free access (3.2%)

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812 a and b.

A-56 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Positive Associations (continued) Negative Associations (continued)

Customer/user Service
Service (0.4%) 4.5% Service 23.2%
Meets needs (0.9%) ƒ Limited/poor hours (7.9%)
ƒ Online catalog (0.7%) ƒ Fees (6.0%)
ƒ Public (0.6%) ƒ Return date (4.8%)
ƒ Interlibrary loan (0.4%) ƒ Online catalog (0.9%)
ƒ Organize (0.4%) ƒ Rules (0.9%)
ƒ Browse (0.4%) ƒ Library card/membership (0.8%)
ƒ Hours (0.1%) ƒ Waiting (0.7%)
ƒ Search (0.1%) ƒ Not private (0.4%)
ƒ Self service (0.1%) ƒ Bad service (0.1%)
ƒ Cooperative (0.1%) ƒ Limitations on check outs (0.1%)
ƒ Borrow (0.1%)

Staff
Staff (0.2%) 10.2% Staff (0.7%) 4.4%
ƒ Helpful (7.3%) ƒ Unfriendly (2.5%)
ƒ Friendly (1.6%) ƒ Not available (0.5%)
ƒ Knowledgeable (0.9%) ƒ Not knowledgeable (0.5%)
ƒ Available (0.2%) ƒ Not helpful (0.4%)

Facility/Environment
Environment (1.4%) 10.0% Environment (2.0%) 11.3%
ƒ Quiet (7.9%) ƒ Too quiet (3.2%)
ƒ Friendly (0.3%) ƒ Too noisy (2.0%)
ƒ Comfortable (0.2%) ƒ Too crowded (1.2%)
ƒ Work (0.2%) ƒ Limited parking (1.0%)
ƒ Too small (0.5%)
ƒ Confusing layout (0.4%)
ƒ Dirty (0.4%)
ƒ Homeless people (0.4%)
ƒ Not safe (0.2%)

Travel there 7.6%

Not convenient (3.5%) 5.0%

ƒ Inconvenient location (1.5%)

Dull 2.2%

Miscellaneous
Education 2.7%

Research 2.2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812 a and b.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-57

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Positive Associations with the Library—by College Students across all Regions
Please list two positive associations with the library.

Total College
Respondents Students
Products and Offerings
Books 18% 18%
Information 14% 16%
Materials 9% 8%
Free 8% 8%
Computers 3% 3%
Resources 3% 5%
Easy 3% 3%
Staff
Staff 10% 9%
Facility/Environment
Environment 10% 13%
Customer/User Service
Service 4% 4%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812a.

Positive Associations with the Library—by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Please list two positive associations with the library.

Library
Total Card Non-Card
Respondents Holders Holders
Products and Offerings
Books 18% 18% 16%
Information 14% 13% 17%
Materials 9% 10% 8%
Free 8% 8% 7%
Computers 3% 3% 3%
Resources 3% 3% 3%
Easy 3% 3% 3%
Staff
Staff 10% 11% 8%
Facility/Environment
Environment 10% 10% 9%
Customer/User Service
Service 4% 5% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812a.

A-58 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Negative Associations with the Library—by College Students across all Regions
Please list two negative associations with the library.

Total College
Respondents Students
Products and Offerings
Books 13% 13%
Materials 10% 12%
Information 7% 7%
Time-consuming 3% 4%
Computers 2% 3%
Facility/Environment
Environment 11% 12%
Travel there 7% 6%
Not convenient 5% 2%
Dull 2% 4%
Customer/User Service
Service 23% 23%
Staff
Staff 4% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812b.

Negative Associations with the Library—by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Please list two negative associations with the library.

Total Library Card Non-Card

Respondents Holders Holders
Products and Offerings
Books 13% 14% 10%
Materials 10% 10% 16%
Information 7% 6% 7%
Time-consuming 3% 3% 4%
Computers 2% 3% 4%
Facility/Environment
Environment 11% 12% 13%
Travel there 7% 7% 10%
Not convenient 5% 4% 3%
Dull 2% 2% 3%
Customer/User Service
Service 23% 24% 25%
Staff
Staff 4% 5% 1%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 812b.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-59

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 3.7

Decreased Activities Due to Internet Use—

by Region of Respondent
What activities do you engage in less often since you began using the Internet?

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Watch television 39% 41% 45% 38% 37%
Use the library 33% 38% 34% 33% 32%
Read books 26% 30% 25% 24% 25%
Read the newspaper 26% 34% 30% 26% 22%
Read magazines 25% 29% 26% 27% 23%
Go to the mall/physical store 23% 19% 18% 17% 27%
I don't use any sources less often
than before I began using the
Internet 23% 18% 23% 27% 23%
Purchase music 21% 26% 22% 18% 20%
Listen to the radio 21% 29% 20% 24% 19%
Fax documents 20% 33% 24% 23% 15%
Visit with friends/family in person 14% 14% 16% 10% 14%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 415.

Decreased Activities Due to Internet Use—

by Age of U.S. Respondent
What activities do you engage in less often since you began using the Internet?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Watch television 37% 34% 31% 41% 28%
Use the library 32% 42% 43% 31% 26%
Read books 25% 32% 23% 26% 21%
Read the newspaper 22% 23% 25% 22% 17%
Read magazines 23% 17% 17% 24% 28%
Go to the mall/physical store 27% 12% 26% 29% 28%
I don't use any sources less often than
before I began using the Internet 23% 17% 23% 22% 32%
Purchase music 20% 24% 26% 18% 20%
Listen to the radio 19% 27% 22% 16% 25%
Fax documents 15% 13% 12% 16% 14%
Visit with friends/family in person 14% 17% 14% 12% 21%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 415.

A-60 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Decreased Activities Due to Internet Use—by College Students across all Regions
What activities do you engage in less often since you began using the Internet?

Total College
Respondents students
Watch television 39% 40%
Use the library 33% 39%
Read books 26% 26%
Read the newspaper 26% 24%
Read magazines 25% 25%
Go to the mall/physical store 23% 21%
I don't use any sources less often than before I
began using the Internet 23% 17%
Purchase music 21% 25%
Listen to the radio 21% 19%
Fax documents 20% 20%
Visit with friends/family in person 14% 14%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 415.

Decreased Activities Due to the Internet—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
What activities do you engage in less often since you began using the Internet?

Total Library Card Non-Card

Respondents Holders Holders
Watch television 39% 40% 38%
Use the library 33% 33% 36%
Go to the mall/physical store 23% 24% 21%
Read books 26% 25% 29%
Read magazines 25% 25% 24%
I don't use any sources less often than before I
began using the Internet 23% 22% 25%
Read the newspaper 26% 26% 25%
Purchase music 21% 22% 18%
Listen to the radio 21% 21% 22%
Fax documents 20% 21% 20%
Visit with friends/family in person 14% 14% 13%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 415.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-61

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 3.8

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by Region of Respondent

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Books 69% 66% 68% 72% 69%
Information 12% 18% 14% 6% 10%
Research 5% 4% 4% 2% 6%
Building (Environment) 9% 7% 9% 11% 9%
Materials 5% 3% 4% 4% 5%
Reference 3% 4% 3% 2% 3%
Entertainment 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by Age of U.S. Respondent

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Books 69% 76% 71% 75% 50%
Information 10% 6% 8% 16% 14%
Research 6% 6% 5% 6% 1%
Building (Environment) 9% 8% 14% 11% 5%
Materials 5% 2% 3% 6% 8%
Reference 3% 1% 1% 18% 4%
Entertainment 2% 1% 2% 2% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.

A-62 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by College Students across all Regions

Total College
Respondents Students
Books 69% 69%
Information 12% 8%
Building (Environment) 9% 13%
Research 5% 6%
Materials 5% 3%
Reference 3% 1%
Entertainment 2% 3%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.

First (Top-of-mind) Association with the Library—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions

Total Card Non-Card

Respondents Holders Holders
Books 69% 70% 63%
Information 12% 11% 14%
Building (Environment) 9% 8% 11%
Research 5% 5% 4%
Materials 5% 5% 2%
Reference 3% 3% 1%
Entertainment 2% 3% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 807.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-63

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 3.9

Main Purpose of the Library—

by Region of Respondent

Australia
Total Singapore United United
Respondents India Canada Kingdom States
Information 53% 52% 60% 47% 52%
Books 31% 24% 27% 42% 32%
Research 14% 12% 14% 6% 16%
Materials 11% 12% 13% 11% 10%
Entertainment 10% 8% 12% 9% 11%
Reading 6% 5% 7% 7% 6%
Building (Environment) 4% 3% 3% 2% 4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

Main Purpose of the Library—

by Age of U.S. Respondent

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Information 52% 45% 49% 56% 62%
Books 32% 40% 32% 26% 27%
Research 16% 17% 20% 15% 13%
Entertainment 11% 11% 8% 10% 14%
Materials 10% 8% 9% 12% 13%
Reading 6% 7% 5% 7% 5%
Building (Environment) 4% 5% 7% 3% 2%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

A-64 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Main Purpose of the Library—

by College Students across all Regions
Total College
Respondents Students
Information 53% 49%
Books 31% 33%
Research 14% 20%
Entertainment 10% 12%
Materials 11% 10%
Reading 6% 6%
Building (Environment) 4% 6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

Main Purpose of the Library—

by Library Card Holders across all Regions
Total Card Non-Card
Respondents Holders Holders
Information 53% 53% 51%
Books 31% 34% 29%
Research 14% 13% 17%
Entertainment 10% 11% 9%
Materials 11% 12% 8%
Reading 6% 6% 8%
Building (Environment) 4% 4% 3%
Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 810.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-65

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Part 4.3
Advice for the Library—by Region of Respondent
If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?
Australia
Singapore United United
Total India Canada Kingdom States
Products and Offerings
Add to Collection 13.4% 14.5% 13.9% 7.7% 14.1%
Add - books 8.1% 9.0% 7.4% 7.2% 8.1%
Add - materials 3.7% 3.9% 4.6% 0.3% 4.2%
Add - resources 0.3% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4%
Add - information 0.2% 0.4% 0.2% 0.0% 0.2%
Add - more copies of books 0.9% 0.8% 1.4% 0.3% 0.9%
Add - more copies of materials 0.2% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0% 0.3%
Computers 4.9% 4.9% 2.8% 3.4% 5.7%
Add - computers 3.2% 0.6% 0.3% 0.3% 1.9%
Update - computers 1.7% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 1.3%
Update Collection 7.3% 8.6% 11.1% 5.7% 6.4%
Update 0.8% 1.0% 1.4% 1.1% 0.5%
Update - books 3.9% 3.7% 6.2% 3.7% 3.4%
Update - materials 1.8% 2.7% 2.5% 0.0% 1.8%
Update - information 0.5% 1.2% 0.5% 0.6% 0.4%
Update - resources 0.3% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.2%
OPAC 0.7% 1.0% 0.5% 0.6% 0.7%
OPAC 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1%
OPAC - searching 0.6% 1.0% 0.5% 0.6% 0.6%
Customer/User Service
Access 3.5% 4.3% 3.7% 3.4% 3.2%
Access 0.5% 1.0% 0.7% 0.6% 0.4%
Access - disability 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2%
Access - easier 0.7% 0.0% 0.9% 0.3% 1.0%
Access - online 1.8% 2.0% 1.8% 2.0% 1.6%
Access - remote 0.3% 1.0% 0.0% 0.3% 0.1%
Service 16.1% 12.9% 19.9% 17.8% 15.7%
Service 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2%
Service - check 0.3% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4%
Service - classes 0.4% 0.2% 0.5% 0.3% 0.4%
Service - close library 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2%
Service - don’t close 0.3% 0.0% 0.5% 0.3% 0.3%
Service - extend hours 9.0% 6.5% 14.1% 12.0% 7.7%
Service - free internet 0.3% 0.6% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2%
Service - ILL 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.1%
Service - longer lending 0.9% 0.8% 0.9% 2.3% 0.6%
Service - more activities 1.3% 1.4% 0.9% 0.9% 1.5%
Service - no copy fee 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.5%
Service - no fees 0.4% 0.2% 0.7% 0.0% 0.4%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Sources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

A-66 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Advice for the Library—by Region of Respondent (continued)

If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?

Australia
Singapore United United
Total India Canada Kingdom States
Customer/User Service (continued)
Service - no fines 0.6% 0.6% 0.2% 0.3% 0.8%
Service - no more buildings 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1%
Service - renew 0.5% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8%
Service - reserve online 0.2% 0.0% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2%
Service - return books 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% 0.6% 0.2%
Service - rules 0.6% 0.4% 0.7% 0.0% 0.8%
Service - shelving 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2%
Service - support 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0%
Service - train staff 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1%
Promote 5.6% 6.3% 5.1% 8.6% 4.8%
Promote 2.5% 3.1% 1.8% 3.4% 2.2%
Promote - activities 0.2% 0.2% 0.5% 0.6% 0.1%
Promote - fun 1.4% 2.0% 0.5% 2.0% 1.4%
Promote - hours 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.6% 0.2%
Promote - materials 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4%
Promote - resources 0.5% 0.2% 1.4% 0.6% 0.3%
Promote - services 0.5% 0.4% 0.7% 1.4% 0.2%
Facility/Environment
Environment 18.9% 21.4% 15.0% 31.8% 16.5%
Environment 2.0% 0.6% 1.2% 3.2% 2.4%
Environment - café 1.4% 1.8% 1.2% 4.9% 0.7%
Environment - clean 0.4% 0.6% 0.2% 0.6% 0.3%
Environment - expand 2.2% 2.2% 1.2% 1.7% 2.6%
Environment - inviting 2.0% 2.0% 1.4% 4.9% 1.5%
Environment - light 0.7% 1.0% 0.9% 0.6% 0.5%
Environment - location 0.3% 0.4% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2%
Environment - maps 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2%
Environment - more quiet 1.3% 2.0% 0.9% 1.4% 1.1%
Environment - organization 0.9% 0.2% 1.2% 1.1% 1.0%
Environment - parking 0.8% 1.0% 0.7% 1.7% 0.6%
Environment - seating 2.9% 5.1% 3.2% 2.9% 2.1%
Environment - shelving 0.9% 1.0% 0.5% 2.6% 0.6%
Environment - signage 0.4% 0.4% 0.5% 0.3% 0.5%
Environment - social rooms 0.3% 0.2% 0.0% 0.3% 0.4%
Environment - study areas 0.3% 0.4% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2%
Environment - temperature 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2%
Environment - update 1.8% 2.0% 1.2% 4.9% 1.3%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-67

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Advice for the Library—by Region of Respondent (continued)

If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?

Australia
Singapore
Total India Canada United Kingdom United States
Staff
Staff 6.4% 7.3% 4.6% 5.2% 6.8%
Staff 0.1% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Staff - more friendly 4.5% 4.7% 2.5% 4.6% 5.0%
Staff - more helpful 0.3% 0.4% 0.0% 0.3% 0.3%
Staff - more knowledgeable 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.2%
Staff - need more 1.2% 1.2% 1.8% 0.3% 1.2%
Staff - need new 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1%
Satisfaction
Satisfied as is 6.1% 4.7% 6.0% 2.9% 7.3%
Miscellaneous
Testimonials 0.9% 1.0% 1.4% 0.9% 0.8%
Nothing 10.2% 7.3% 8.8% 7.2% 12.1%
Other 3.3% 3.5% 4.2% 2.3% 3.2%
Don’t know 3.4% 2.4% 4.4% 4.3% 3.2%
Funding 0.8% 1.2% 0.7% 0.3% 0.8%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

A-68 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Advice for the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent

If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Products and Offerings
Add to Collection 14.1% 19.8% 12.4% 12.0% 10.2%
Add - books 8.1% 13.2% 7.7% 5.1% 4.0%
Add - materials 4.2% 5.0% 2.4% 5.1% 4.8%
Add - resources 0.4% 0.5% 0.5% 0.2% 0.0%
Add - information 0.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0%
Add - more copies of books 0.9% 0.5% 1.6% 0.7% 1.1%
Add - more copies of materials 0.3% 0.2% 0.0% 0.7% 0.3%
Computers 5.7% 6.5% 8.4% 5.1% 2.0%
Add - computers 1.9% 2.9% 7.1% 2.7% 0.8%
Update - computers 1.3% 3.6% 1.3% 2.4% 2.0%
Update Collection 6.4% 7.6% 7.9% 5.1% 4.0%
Update 0.5% 0.5% 0.8% 0.7% 0.0%
Update - books 3.4% 4.1% 3.7% 2.2% 2.8%
Update - materials 1.8% 2.3% 2.4% 1.5% 0.6%
Update - information 0.4% 0.2% 0.8% 0.2% 0.3%
Update - resources 0.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.5% 0.3%
OPAC 0.7% 0.7% 0.8% 1.0% 0.3%
OPAC 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% 0.0%
OPAC - searching 0.6% 0.7% 0.8% 0.5% 0.3%
Customer/User Service
Access 3.2% 2.3% 4.5% 2.2% 4.5%
Access 0.4% 0.2% 0.5% 0.5% 0.3%
Access - disability 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.6%
Access - easier 1.0% 1.4% 0.5% 0.2% 1.7%
Access - online 1.6% 0.7% 3.2% 1.0% 2.0%
Access - remote 0.1% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2% 0.0%
Service 15.7% 12.6% 9.2% 23.0% 17.6%
Service 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3%
Service - check 0.4% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2% 0.6%
Service - classes 0.4% 0.0% 0.3% 0.7% 0.8%
Service - close library 0.2% 0.4% 0.0% 0.2% 0.3%
Service - don’t close 0.3% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2% 0.6%
Service - extend hours 7.7% 3.4% 3.7% 15.4% 9.6%
Service - free internet 0.2% 0.4% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0%
Service - ILL 0.1% 0.0% 0.3% 0.0% 0.3%
Service - longer lending 0.6% 0.9% 0.0% 1.2% 0.0%
Service - more activities 1.5% 1.4% 1.1% 2.0% 1.4%
Service - no copy fee 0.5% 0.9% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0%
Service - no fees 0.4% 0.2% 0.0% 0.5% 0.8%
Service - no fines 0.8% 1.3% 1.3% 0.2% 0.3%
Service - no more buildings 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3%
Service - renew 0.8% 1.1% 0.5% 0.5% 0.8%
Service - reserve online 0.2% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2% 0.6%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-69

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Advice for the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)

If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Customer/User Service (continued)
Service (continued)
Service - return books 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% 0.7% 0.0%
Service - rules 0.8% 2.0% 0.5% 0.0% 0.3%
Service - shelving 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.6%
Service - support 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Service - train staff 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0%
Promote 4.8% 3.4% 2.9% 6.8% 6.5%
Promote 2.2% 1.3% 0.8% 3.2% 4.2%
Promote - activities 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.3%
Promote - fun 1.4% 2.0% 1.6% 1.5% 0.3%
Promote - hours 0.2% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2% 0.3%
Promote - materials 0.4% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2% 0.6%
Promote - resources 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% 0.8%
Promote - services 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.0%
Facility/Environment
Environment 16.5% 16.4% 20.3% 14.4% 13.0%
Environment 2.4% 2.7% 2.4% 1.7% 1.4%
Environment - café 0.7% 0.5% 0.5% 1.2% 0.6%
Environment - clean 0.3% 0.2% 0.5% 0.5% 0.0%
Environment - expand 2.6% 2.5% 1.6% 1.5% 4.5%
Environment - inviting 1.5% 1.8% 1.6% 1.5% 0.8%
Environment - light 0.5% 0.7% 1.1% 0.2% 0.0%
Environment - location 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.6%
Environment - maps 0.2% 0.4% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0%
Environment - more quiet 1.1% 0.2% 1.8% 1.0% 2.0%
Environment - organization 1.0% 0.9% 2.1% 1.0% 0.0%
Environment - parking 0.6% 0.0% 0.3% 1.0% 1.7%
Environment - seating 2.1% 2.5% 3.7% 1.5% 0.6%
Environment - shelving 0.6% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.6%
Environment - signage 0.5% 0.7% 0.5% 0.2% 0.3%
Environment - social rooms 0.4% 0.7% 0.0% 0.7% 0.0%
Environment - study areas 0.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.2% 0.0%
Environment - temperature 0.2% 0.2% 0.5% 0.2% 0.0%
Environment - update 1.3% 1.4% 2.4% 1.2% 0.0%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

A-70 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

Advice for the Library—by Age of U.S. Respondent (continued)

If you could provide one piece of advice to your library, what would it be?

Total U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Respondents 14-17 18-24 25-64 65+
Staff
Staff 6.8% 10.3% 8.7% 4.6% 1.4%
Staff 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Staff - more friendly 5.0% 7.7% 6.3% 3.4% 1.1%
Staff - more helpful 0.3% 0.4% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0%
Staff - more knowledgeable 0.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0%
Staff - need more 1.2% 1.4% 1.6% 1.2% 0.3%
Staff - need new 0.1% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Satisfaction
Satisfied as is 7.3% 4.0% 5.0% 8.3% 13.6%
Miscellaneous
Nothing 12.1% 7.7% 13.7% 13.0% 16.1%
Other 3.2% 4.3% 2.4% 1.7% 4.5%
Don’t know 3.2% 2.9% 4.2% 13.2% 4.0%
Funding 0.8% 0.7% 0.0% 0.7% 1.7%
Testimonials 0.8% 1.3% 1.6% 2.7% 0.8%

Source: Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, OCLC, 2005, question 1240.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources A-71

Appendix A: Supporting Data Tables

A-72 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments
The following tables include a random 10 percent sample of the verbatim
responses for these survey questions:

Q807: What is the first thing you think of when you think of a library? B-3

Q810: What do you feel is the main purpose of a library? B-15

Q812a: List two positive associations with the library. B-27

Q812b: List two negative associations with the library. B-38

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice

for your library, what would it be? B-48

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-1

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

B-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of

when you think of a library?
Note: All verbatim comments are presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical
and punctuation errors.

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
Lots of books to have to sort through to find what you want &
17 Australia High school
lots of reading
fees/ overdue books 17 Australia High school
College
Work. Work and more work 18 Australia
undergraduate
Books, and HOW you are going to find the one book you are College
18 Australia
after! undergraduate
Difficulties finding physical books using the Dewey Decimal College
19 Australia
system undergraduate
having to search throuh many books to find relevant College
19 Australia
information undergraduate
I LIKE READING BOOKS. HOWEVER IN SAYING THIS I WOULD
22 Australia
RATHER SOMETHING IN MY HANDS THAN ON A COUMPUTER.
Internet 22 Australia
Time 25 Australia
labourious 25 Australia
College
Lovely, lovely books! The complete package! 26 Australia
undergraduate
College
access to good information and resources 29 Australia
undergraduate
Free information 30 Australia
boring 30 Australia
good references 31 Australia
out of date books 32 Australia
not quick enough 32 Australia
The need to visit the library 32 Australia
Well, I had a bad experience with a librarian, so I have issues
there.... but aside from that, I think of knowledge being made 33 Australia
available to everyone.
great range of books 33 Australia
Range of books 33 Australia
books and a woman in glasses 34 Australia
free resources 38 Australia
College post
Access to information for study and leisure. 38 Australia
graduate
Books, beautiful books, wonderful books, books, books,
38 Australia
books, books
books, looking looking 39 Australia
brick & mortar 39 Australia
Any information, general reading, research, basic knowledge is
40 Australia
available to you.
range of choice 41 Australia
A variety of information sources - eg books, journals, data
42 Australia
bases.
the amount of books to be lent out, also the information the
44 Australia
librian can assist people with
That I should register again at the library 44 Australia
Quietness 46 Australia
beautiful olf building fillde with books and a great 'book' smell 46 Australia
Borrow the books, useing internet 46 Australia
endless supply of books.....mmmm,boookss... 47 Australia

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-3

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
The catalogue. 47 Australia
The joy of books(reading) 47 Australia
rules 47 Australia
I am a card holder but the local library doaes not cover many of
48 Australia
my interests and the non foction books are 15 yrs old
books 49 Australia
College post
EDUCATION 49 Australia
graduate
Having to look through rows of indexes & books. 50 Australia
Hours of operation and hard to find books 50 Australia
quiet place to read and have a coffee 51 Australia
New books 51 Australia
mouldy, old, out of date books 51 Australia
research materials, newspaper and magazine back copies. 51 Australia
Outdated reference material 52 Australia
Peace and quiet, a time to browse 53 Australia
Driving to the library 53 Australia
cheap and useful information 54 Australia
any information 54 Australia
Good access, good selection 54 Australia
A place to get a book or source information 55 Australia
books 55 Australia
DVD's 55 Australia
Inconvenient to get to. 56 Australia
The knowledge of the librarian, and the availability of services. 56 Australia
Sitting for hours looking for an answer, as my time is limited. 57 Australia
FREE 57 Australia
wonderful array of dreams, imagination, gacts, fiction and fun 57 Australia
At the moment music CDs. 57 Australia
Using a computer when I am away from home Borrowing books
58 Australia
when I am at home
Quiet Please! 59 Australia
getting information that i have not be able to find elsewere 60 Australia
can it give me the info i need quickly 60 Australia
stacks of musty books 62 Australia
Borrowing music CDs and cassettes. 63 Australia
a place where I can find information and get a credible good
64 Australia
advise
It used to be a major source of information for me , prior to the
64 Australia
internet.
Answers. 65 Australia
Not useful tome as long as I can access the Internet 70 Australia
I think of all the books and the computers in the library. 15 Canada High school
The coffee shop attatched to it. 16 Canada High school
books 17 Canada High school
I despise searching the library for books and other sources. It
takes a long time and rarely can you find sources needed. This
18 Canada High school
difficult process is the first thing I think of when I think of using
the library.
College
Fiction 20 Canada
undergraduate
College
research and studying 20 Canada
undergraduate
College
Reference material. 20 Canada
undergraduate
Study 20 Canada
College post
books 20 Canada
graduate
resourses relaxation 20 Canada

B-4 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
College
Uncomfortable chairs 21 Canada
undergraduate
College
books 21 Canada
undergraduate
quiet, boring, The Library we have here doesn't even have a
wide variety of books and never had, so i kind of gave up on 21 Canada
libraries a long time ago
College
books and research 22 Canada
undergraduate
have not time to go 23 Canada
A great location for finding information from thousands of
books. The libraian is there to assist us in locating the 23 Canada
information we are seeking.
BOOKS - but I like books! 25 Canada
old books 26 Canada
quiet and relaxing 26 Canada
bad hours 27 Canada
Rows and rows of books. 28 Canada
books 28 Canada
College
borrowing books 28 Canada
undergraduate
Books ( I adore them) and then their website (access to College
29 Canada
journals etc) without going to the library. undergraduate
books 30 Canada
Free book loans 31 Canada
Books and Videos 31 Canada
Free, easy access to knowledge. 32 Canada
get books for my daughter to read only 32 Canada
where to start 32 Canada
Rows and rows of books 32 Canada
I think of a place (building) where there are many books and
32 Canada
references sources available to use.
the books i want are always out, that's why i buy from
32 Canada
chapters.
Archival documents ie) periodicals 32 Canada
Big building with books, often older books. 32 Canada
doing an online search and request for material from the
33 Canada
comfort of my home
books 33 Canada
wasting fuel[the drive] 34 Canada
Deafening silence 35 Canada
Free access to books. 35 Canada
Books for reading pleasure and archives/information about the
35 Canada
surrounding region.
Hub of data - whether it's in electronic or print format, the
35 Canada
library should have what I need.
free info or books 35 Canada
borrowing books 36 Canada
Literature, books I like to read 37 Canada
very helpful,friendly, knowledgeable, resourceful,easy to use,
37 Canada
always available, free
Books, boring, shhhhh. 37 Canada
books, cds, movies 37 Canada
Not open when needed. (rural) 37 Canada
Books, and lots of them! 38 Canada
happy i love the library and go there weekly. 38 Canada
I can borrow what I can't afford 39 Canada
Out of date information 40 Canada
information 40 Canada

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-5

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
books 40 Canada
Finding books of interest to my reading
40 Canada
preferences(Biographies,war history,and automotive)
A facility that is mostly concerned with books. 42 Canada
I seldom have to buy books anymore - almost anything I want
is at the Library! Being able to reserve books online is the 42 Canada
greatest!!
being quiet 42 Canada
checking out books 43 Canada
busy place! 43 Canada
returning books. I always buy books. 44 Canada
historical hardcopy information storage 44 Canada
a building with endless information and entertainment 44 Canada
out dated information (I live in a small rural community) 44 Canada
resources that are available in book form 45 Canada
having to loan a book and making sure its back when it is
45 Canada
supposed to be
Librarians. 45 Canada
don,t need it now 45 Canada
help to search 45 Canada
reference books 45 Canada
Be prepared to search for your info. 45 Canada
information 45 Canada
Love Libraries, used to almost live there and have read
45 Canada
hundreds of books but just don't have the time anymore
Books on shelves 45 Canada
recreational reading 46 Canada
I love the smell of books in the library. I also know that the
people who work there know their job and I have always found 46 Canada
them to be more than willing to assist when I have questions.
having to get the book back on time 46 Canada
Getting the books I wish to read 46 Canada
information 46 Canada
out of date reading material. 47 Canada
Will they have the book I am looking for? 47 Canada
A place to borrow books, music, magazines etc., without
48 Canada
running the risk of buying and then not liking them.
Books of interest for offline use 48 Canada
the use of bboks for 'free' 48 Canada
Electronic journals 48 Canada
BOOKs lots of books a place to escape to for quiet 48 Canada
Best selling books 49 Canada
adventure 49 Canada
Passwords to get into the site. Hard to find items 49 Canada
Clumsy 49 Canada
find the web site 50 Canada
books 50 Canada
Books and info 50 Canada
OLD paper archive, out of date. 50 Canada
To be frank, boring. 50 Canada
a building where you do research, read books or borrow books 51 Canada
Lots of book not necessarily recent 51 Canada
Old fashion. 52 Canada
have lots of time to look. 53 Canada
Limited hours, deadlines to return books 53 Canada
The books I am looking to pick up to read are often not there 53 Canada
a place where you find answers to your questions 53 Canada

B-6 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
the smell of books, the excitment in discovering a good book, 53 Canada
anything that I want to read 54 Canada
Reference location 54 Canada
everything on knowledge 54 Canada
Unlimited information 54 Canada
computers 54 Canada
source of a variety of printed material for pleasure and
55 Canada
information
genealogy 55 Canada
time 55 Canada
information 55 Canada
Books, though I know they have other media available 55 Canada
College
Learning 56 Canada
undergraduate
College post
so many wonderful books, so little time 57 Canada
graduate
comfortable place with decent lighting 57 Canada
books but i also know they have other services 58 Canada
beautiful books and lots of them, on any subject you want 58 Canada
Finding the books I really want to read, but cannot afford to
60 Canada
buy.
Lots of books & the time it would take to go there & search for
60 Canada
what I want
New Books 61 Canada
Equality. Libraries more than any other institution make the
access of information available to anyone who wants it.
Libraries run literacy programs, have volunteers teach ESL 61 Canada
courses, Give open access joyfully to all the literatue, art, and
periodicals
reference material 62 Canada
rows of books 63 Canada
pleasant place to be 64 Canada
Having to search for something in a large data base. 65 Canada
A DULL PLACE THAT I HAVE TO WALK TO; TO BE FAIR, I DO NOT
READ MANY NON-FICTION BOOKS, OR BOOKS FOR THAT
MATTER, I SUBSCRIBE TO TECHNICAL MAGAZINES I ENJOY TO 66 Canada
KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY, I LOOK UP THE REST OF THE
INFORMATION ON COMPUTER AS NEED BE.
Reference materials 67 Canada
Borrowing books and videos looking for information 68 Canada
How much reading material I have to choose from. 68 Canada
Having a good selection of good reading! 68 Canada
Too far to visit on a regular basis and would interfere with my
69 Canada
time on the computer.
books 69 Canada
Computers are available. Also all types of research books and
71 Canada
novels
Local building with books and on-line service available (which I
75 Canada
don't use).
Storries 22 India
Easy accessibility 24 India
Knowledge 25 India
Boring 26 India
Well the first think that comes to my mind is that a library
contains all the valuable information in the form of
books,magazines and journals that can be of great use to 27 India
enlighten oneself more precisely to make oneself more
knowledgeable.
silence 30 India

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-7

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
Membership requirements 31 India
peace 35 India
College post
Books! 35 India
graduate
colection of books 37 India
a place where u find lots books, information and referels. 39 India
i get information from various web holders where i delete
which is not warant and hold which is relevant to my work. i 39 India
save the entire data which is usable to my work.
Books 43 India
school 44 India
plenty of books, quiet place to sit and read 48 India
LIBRARY IS RESOURCE FOR KNOWLEDGE 51 India
aplace where I can access all the info needed 51 India
Authentic Info 51 India
It is tedious to go to library,it is easy to trace the information
54 India
on internet.
a world of books 54 India
information/ knowedge 54 India
Can I get the latest books on the subject of my interest 55 India
index 56 India
no comment 58 India
books and magazines 61 India
A great collection of books. 62 India
Service and wide source of information 66 India
Catalog/index 71 India
College
story books 18 Singapore
undergraduate
Lots of ancient books. 20 Singapore
I can find books that I want. 21 Singapore
books 23 Singapore
reference 27 Singapore
quiet and cosy place to read 27 Singapore
A place to relax and enjoy borrowing a good book. 28 Singapore
Fast, accurate and quick response 29 Singapore
Knowledge 31 Singapore
Research and Reading 31 Singapore
difficult to find what you really need without spending hours College post
32 Singapore
looking. graduate
to collect info 32 Singapore
Distance from home :> 33 Singapore
Having to visit the it personally to get reference material with
ease of mind that there is always someone to help when you 33 Singapore
need them
reference books 33 Singapore
Dull looking environment 34 Singapore
A place you can borrow books and do research 34 Singapore
have to take a train to the library 35 Singapore
Good resource, but may not always have the resource available College post
35 Singapore
at that moment when we need it urgently. graduate
free info 37 Singapore
BOOKS & many Outdated Informations. 37 Singapore
RESEARCH READ NEWSPAPER 37 Singapore
Borrowing books of reference and reading pleasure. 37 Singapore
Free access to lots of books ! 39 Singapore
diligent people researching for materials 40 Singapore
College post
safety, fees 40 Singapore
graduate

B-8 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
librarians 42 Singapore
books 46 Singapore
Books and information/ references. 48 Singapore
if professional data is required. 48 Singapore
Borrow books & search for information & reading pleasure. 48 Singapore
Quiet 17 U.K. High school
College
too old 19 U.K.
undergraduate
cosy place to read books 19 U.K.
i just do - i only really use university library and wonder if the College
21 U.K.
book is gonna be there undergraduate
Its to far away 21 U.K.
Books and e-mails 21 U.K.
College
aisles full of books 22 U.K.
undergraduate
College post
Books / information 22 U.K.
graduate
Books. 22 U.K.
College
quite 23 U.K.
undergraduate
Its a hassle to go there 23 U.K.
loads of new books to read 23 U.K.
location 24 U.K.
books and being told to be quiet 25 U.K.
books for fun 26 U.K.
silence 26 U.K.
Have to make an effort to go there 26 U.K.
reading 26 U.K.
borrowing books for free 27 U.K.
Silence. 27 U.K.
books business information 27 U.K.
easily accesing to informations on line, the availability of College post
28 U.K.
books, journals ect.. graduate
paradise! lots of books about everything! 28 U.K.
borrowing books/music 29 U.K.
getting there and the closing times and so quiet and not very
29 U.K.
friendly
QUIET 29 U.K.
Boring and quiet 30 U.K.
great way to read books and rent films 30 U.K.
quiet place with lot of information 31 U.K.
free access 31 U.K.
boring 31 U.K.
good selection of books 32 U.K.
getting reminders 33 U.K.
Old dusty buildings i used to frequent as a child 33 U.K.
books 33 U.K.
Books. (The borrowing of) 33 U.K.
Under resourced. 34 U.K.
Boring 34 U.K.
Books that I have to give back 34 U.K.
novels 34 U.K.
rows of books 35 U.K.
a building with books 35 U.K.
information books computers 37 U.K.
Books, CDs, DVDs 37 U.K.
BOOKS 38 U.K.
books 38 U.K.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-9

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
homework-kids school projects 39 U.K.
Borrowing books 39 U.K.
Silence A very lonely atmosphere (some may like that, I don't!) 40 U.K.
Overdue books and fines 41 U.K.
old books 41 U.K.
I don't like having to return books 41 U.K.
books books and books, 41 U.K.
Peace and quiet 41 U.K.
reference books 42 U.K.
Shelves of books 42 U.K.
It's a walk up to the town and I have to take my children 43 U.K.
i dont like library books 44 U.K.
A place to borrow books 44 U.K.
Several buildings that I use for hiring books looking up
44 U.K.
information
information+education sources 44 U.K.
Wide chooice of books 44 U.K.
quite place 45 U.K.
Stuffy and old fashioned. Used one when I was a child to do my
45 U.K.
homework.
books,newspapers, dvds 46 U.K.
pleasure 46 U.K.
Books / CD / DVDs to borrow 47 U.K.
peace and quiet! 49 U.K.
books 49 U.K.
building full of books 49 U.K.
Inconvenience of getting there. 50 U.K.
vidio and cd hire for a week at a time better than other places
50 U.K.
which has one day hire
BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 50 U.K.
varied source of information & entertainment in the form of
College
books, periodicals, computers, audio & visual sources in the 51 U.K.
undergraduate
form of CD's etc.
Books 51 U.K.
Helpful Staff 51 U.K.
My childhood.I read ALL the fiction in the Junior Library. 51 U.K.
books 51 U.K.
good books for free 52 U.K.
have to travel 52 U.K.
Not convenient Total silence 53 U.K.
LOTS OF BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM. 53 U.K.
Old fashioned 53 U.K.
enjoyment 54 U.K.
TICKETS 54 U.K.
Informative information on subjects that I would not
54 U.K.
necessarily get from computer searches ie pictorial guides
Books, Video's, reference library. 55 U.K.
How are books classified so that I can find what I want 56 U.K.
Free lending service boks cds etc 56 U.K.
Silence - I recently retired from teaching so my resources where
generally available in my institution where I did use the library. 56 U.K.
I have not used a public library for many years.
old outdated books 56 U.K.
Books, reading and CDs 57 U.K.
books 57 U.K.
quiet 57 U.K.
a queue 58 U.K.
getting a book 59 U.K.

B-10 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
Its in the centre of the town where I live and its difficult to get
to, i.e., no nearby free parking. I think its an old fashioned way 60 U.K.
of getting information.
BOOKS and reading to relax 60 U.K.
information relaxation 60 U.K.
a library is a place to borrow books from for leisure and also for
60 U.K.
fact finding and reference material
lots of good free books to borrow. 60 U.K.
Resources 60 U.K.
reading books 60 U.K.
Autobiographies 61 U.K.
lots of books and I can't read them all. I get a warm feeling
61 U.K.
when I enter a library a bit like a warm bath.
Originally-books! Now Computers & courses. 66 U.K.
books, usually out of date 70 U.K.
Both reading and reference books, in particular cookery. 71 U.K.
books 71 U.K.
Books 71 U.K.
nowadays, failure - one time it was the prime source - but now,
73 U.K.
the personnel are not up to the job.
New fiction 80 U.K.
books 80 U.K.
fast internet access 15 U.S.
Books. Duh. 15 U.S. High school
Quiet sometimes dont find what you need 15 U.S. High school
Hundreds of thousands of books;magazinds;DVD or
15 U.S. High school
VHS;reference books; librarians.
Books. Happy. YES!!! 15 U.S.
computers 15 U.S. High school
I wish I had more time to read! 15 U.S.
The first thing I think about when I think of a library... BOOKS! I
16 U.S. High school
love books, I love reading, it's so relaxing.
Computer how-to books 16 U.S. High school
The stereotypical librarians and stiff atmosphere. 16 U.S. High school
free movie rentals 16 U.S. High school
books haha 16 U.S. High school
i think its going to take longer cause i dont like reading through
books and copying it out or wrting down the source because on 16 U.S.
the internat you can print it
research 16 U.S. High school
Information 16 U.S. High school
I think computers with the library catalog on it. 16 U.S. High school
books and late fees 17 U.S. High school
Due dates 17 U.S. High school
When I think of the library, I think of an abundance of
College
information on all topics. I would rather research from a library 17 U.S.
undergraduate
or print source than the Internet.
lots of reference books that I can use (like encyclopedias) 17 U.S. High school
The librarian hushing everyone. 17 U.S. High school
BORING!!! 17 U.S.
the fines 17 U.S. High school
books 17 U.S. High school
Late fees, old stuff 17 U.S. High school
That weird old book smell. 17 U.S. High school
College
Books. What else? 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
A great place to relax, to read, to think, and to study. 18 U.S.
undergraduate

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-11

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
College
Useful librarians 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
lots of books and the great smell of old books 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
outdated and lame 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
free books, and internet 19 U.S.
undergraduate
College
old musty books 19 U.S.
undergraduate
A big building filled with books, cds, and other types of ways of College
19 U.S.
getting information. undergraduate
I think of a large selection of books and magazines of all topics
College
as well as having access to online journals and other online 19 U.S.
undergraduate
information sources
College
Silence and being bored. 20 U.S.
undergraduate
quiet place to think/work 20 U.S.
books internet 20 U.S.
College
see what new movies are out 20 U.S.
undergraduate
A place you can go to get information, stories, etc. and most
20 U.S.
libraries you can rent movies and use computers.
College
A wide selection of books, both used and new. 21 U.S.
undergraduate
Using the computer and the internet. 21 U.S.
overwhelmed 21 U.S.
Yea! New books! 22 U.S.
Free movies. 22 U.S.
Peace and friendly envirnoment. 22 U.S.
Free books! 22 U.S.
Remembering how to use the decimal system, how to cite College
22 U.S.
sources, and hoping that the material I require is present. undergraduate
College
takes too long 22 U.S.
undergraduate
Dirty old books that you can find from other sources 23 U.S.
College
book smell 23 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Everything I need if i have the time 23 U.S.
undergraduate
College
books 23 U.S.
undergraduate
old books, quiet, smelly, wait time to use computers,
23 U.S.
innefficiency in getting information
College
how i'm addicted to LEARNING 23 U.S.
undergraduate
College
the orange card 23 U.S.
undergraduate
College post
Books 23 U.S.
graduate
doing research via books and/or microfilm 24 U.S.
A wonderful resource filled to the brim with glorious books... College
24 U.S.
such a wealth of knowledge! undergraduate
Books, i love all the books. To pick up a book and hold it in my College
27 U.S.
hand is still a really cool feeling. undergraduate
I am able to have access to all kinds of materials that I can
'check out' and take home, obtain the information needed, 33 U.S.
return the materials and not have to pay for said materials.
College post
Reference 35 U.S.
graduate

B-12 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
tons and tons of books 35 U.S.
Being able to touch the information and sort through it. 35 U.S.
Comfort 38 U.S.
Happiness. Satisfaction of Curiosity. 41 U.S.
That I can only check out five books maximum that must be
returned within two weeks. Five books could be read very
43 U.S.
quickly and I don't have time to run to the library every two
weeks.
no parking 43 U.S.
A source of information 43 U.S.
Boring.hahaha 43 U.S.
College post
Books, audio and video 43 U.S.
graduate
College post
freedom 44 U.S.
graduate
Free access to everything 44 U.S.
Hassle to go there to get the information when I can get it
45 U.S. High school
online at home.
reference desk 45 U.S.
free internet 46 U.S. High school
free internet 46 U.S.
My love of reading. 46 U.S.
internet, books, reference material, photocopy machine,
51 U.S.
magazines - in that order
driving there 51 U.S.
favorite authors, craft or picture type how to books 52 U.S.
Inconvenient. 52 U.S.
a place where I can find free materials to learn more about
53 U.S.
many subjects and check out movies
Great place to spend time browsing through old books 54 U.S.
Browsing 54 U.S.
Relax, browse quickly, tons of info right away if needed 55 U.S.
hours of reading pleasure 56 U.S.
Book source. Distance to travel to get there. Sometimes
frustrating search. Sometimes rewarding search. Time limits 56 U.S.
to read books and return. Overall libraries are good.
Wonderful!! Books on tape, books, movies, music, resource. 57 U.S.
all the free info one would ever need 57 U.S.
Out of date books 58 U.S.
out of date 58 U.S.
Meeting place 59 U.S.
info source which is being replaced with the internet because
on the net you can get access to current info. Even though
60 U.S.
libraries have net access I have been relieing on my home net
connection.
book lovers and smart people, as I used to be, but physical
60 U.S.
pain these days in looking for what I need
Books, lots of lovely books to browse through. Back issues of
61 U.S.
magazines and journals.
Heaven. 62 U.S.
Real books 64 U.S.
Getting in the car. 65 U.S.
checking out books to read 65 U.S.
Native American resources 65 U.S.
Parking problems 65 U.S.
I have to go to town 66 U.S.
I have to get in my car & drive there 66 U.S.
school 66 U.S.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-13

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q807: What is the first thing you think of Geographic

when you think of a library? Age Region Student Status
trying to get there when they are open and hope they have
67 U.S.
book and not have to order it from larger library
Up to date information, help to find the information, quite
67 U.S.
place to research.
Lack of time to read books before due to be returned. When I
want to read a book, I purchase it. I then swap with a friend or 67 U.S.
sister.
information of all kinds available. 67 U.S.
reference books and reading for pleasure 67 U.S.
Genealogical research 67 U.S.
high taxes 68 U.S.
last place I want to go for info 68 U.S.
audio books, access thru internet 69 U.S.
take out books for entertainment reading or for information 69 U.S.
checking out books to read for pleasure 69 U.S.
music cds. 70 U.S.
It's a nice place to be. 72 U.S.
audio books 72 U.S.
Interesting Reading 72 U.S.
Books. that are free to read 73 U.S.
Checking their book list online. 74 U.S.
Do I have the time necessary and is the trip/information worth
74 U.S.
it?
A quiet place to get some research done. 74 U.S.
browsing 74 U.S.
Difficulty in finding what you are looking for. 75 U.S.
awonderful place to find almost any information or
77 U.S.
entertainment.
Free use of books and ref. materal GOD only knows we pay
77 U.S.
enough taxes to suppoet a public library
the latest information and newest books 78 U.S.
knowledgable resource. 79 U.S.
many books in a distant building 83 U.S.

B-14 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel is

the main purpose of a library?
Note: All verbatim comments are presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical
and punctuation errors.

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
To supply people with reading materials whether for
17 Australia High school
entertainment or for research.
A place that holds published information. A place where
College
people can go to search for and locate information of a 18 Australia
undergraduate
particular subject.
College
Research 18 Australia
undergraduate
College
To be able to borrow free materials 18 Australia
undergraduate
Eduacation 22 Australia
a place to find any information you need 23 Australia
Book loaning 25 Australia
educate our youth and help with social literacy levels 25 Australia
allow free access to reading and resource materials and
26 Australia
access to computers
allowing people to read interesting things, be it fiction or non-
26 Australia
fiction
education and to let all people have access to the written
28 Australia
word
College
good available information. 29 Australia
undergraduate
To have the ability to relay information to the public in the
30 Australia
form of hard or soft copies (books or electronic).
to supply the community with unlimited resourse 30 Australia
to provide written materials as a refence to students 32 Australia
borrow children's book for my daughter 33 Australia
Help with Reaserch 35 Australia
Information 35 Australia
information 36 Australia
Information for those people that don't have money to buy
36 Australia
books or can't afford to have the internet in thier homes.
information/entertainment source 39 Australia
a storehouse of printed information 39 Australia
Community resource 40 Australia
Reference material and good books for reading 40 Australia
to provide a free community resource centre 40 Australia
choice of what to read 41 Australia
to be able to use the library, to get books out to read them,
41 Australia
use the computers when needed.
free access to information 42 Australia
to provide resources to enable the public to 'learn' 42 Australia
A libraries main purpose is to be a source of information on a
43 Australia
range of topics that are of interest to the communityy at large.
A place to borrow books, Cds and DVDs 43 Australia
encouraging reading and a place of reference 43 Australia
kids-mums 43 Australia
To help educate people. 43 Australia
information center 44 Australia
It is many things to many people.It is to provide people with
47 Australia
the means to either relax or to learn.
quiet place to study 47 Australia

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-15

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
To be able to allow the community to access as much up to
date information as possible and good quality leasure 48 Australia
reading materials.
learning 49 Australia
College post
RESEARCH 49 Australia
graduate
a central source for the genral public to be able to access
many things, including the borrowing of books, reference
material, computer access and daily/weekly 50 Australia
newspapers/magazines. Also a great learning enviroment for
children
Availability fo books and other media formats on a larege
50 Australia
range of subjects
borrowing books to read or for source material 50 Australia
stor reference material usually local in nature. View expensive
50 Australia
books
to allow people to experiance reading and possibly helping
50 Australia
people to obtain the required book
To provide resources free of cost 50 Australia
research of information 51 Australia
to learn and explore 52 Australia
borrow books and source information 52 Australia
easy access to print media 52 Australia
lending of books/magazines/newspapers for recreational
reading providing quality reference material and assistance 52 Australia
with research
For me personally it is the books, but I also see it as a central
53 Australia
point in the community for meetings, education etc.
Service to the public 53 Australia
Availability of a as much knowledge, fiction and non-fiction,
in a multi-media format, as possible, as cheaply as possible. 54 Australia
Words for the people.
borrow books need for a short term, service for children such
54 Australia
as story time!
being able to borrow something, without having to buy
55 Australia
outright
books 56 Australia
make information and entertainment freely available 58 Australia
souce information 58 Australia
A source of information and recreation. 59 Australia
able to borrow books and resource information 59 Australia
helping folks who are not on the net 60 Australia
obtaining information 61 Australia
INFORMATION FOR YOUTH 62 Australia
reference books & information gathering 62 Australia
Allows you to borrow books and other items which you would
63 Australia
not be able to afford to buy for yourself.
Provide any and all guidance to books, titles, information,
63 Australia
summaries on any and all topics.
To provide everyone with a sourse for information both
emjoymenet and work and especially for children to have 63 Australia
access to many different print and electronic media
To act as a storehouse of knowledge. 64 Australia
A free service, providing good reference material, also reading
64 Australia
books instead of purchasing them.
Access to specialised information 64 Australia
A social responsive Information source. 65 Australia
Acess to Information for Everyone 65 Australia
before internet it was mainly to get information on what you
were looking for now days there is the internet and you nearly 66 Australia
find everything on the net

B-16 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
Books. C.D's, tapes,discs borrowing & internet access 67 Australia
Access to information or reference material 70 Australia
Information. 72 Australia
I use it mainly for fiction borrowing for entertainment
purposes , but have also ovtained reference material and 75 Australia
sometimes films -- eg Shakespeare productions
Information and entertainment 17 Canada High school
a place to go and read with your children, a family orientated
20 Canada
invironment, somewhere to study gather information
For reliable information to be easily accessed so we can
20 Canada
expand our knowledge.
To provide a hub for people to base their research out of, College
20 Canada
through the use of books, journals and the internet. undergraduate
educating / edutaining people 22 Canada
knowledge 25 Canada
Libraries store information - whether it's books, magazines,
articles, films, CD ROMS, etc... Libraries are a resource for
25 Canada
professionals and students, or anyone who wants to learn
about something.
I have up to date information and resources for all age
groups. To provide research materials for schools and fun 26 Canada
material as well for general entertainemnt
Being a repository for books (archival material) so that the
masses may have access to material that they otherwise 27 Canada
would not.
Borowing books without the need of purchasing them. 27 Canada
to provide and give people access to informations. 28 Canada
To provide every individual with the opportunity to have
28 Canada
access to information even without the use of a computer.
a library is still to me a place to get book , bring it home for a
29 Canada
few days or weeks
a place to hold all the books you need/would like to read or College
29 Canada
own, other than your own home -- that's a lot of books! :) undergraduate
learning 30 Canada
A free source of educational material. 31 Canada
learning 31 Canada
a repository for printed material both CURRENT and historic
32 Canada
for public reference.
to provide people access to books and also i nformation( via
computer, tapes, movies, etc.)that they may not otherwise 32 Canada
have access to.
borrowing books, making them available to all classes of
35 Canada
people
books 36 Canada
To provide information. 37 Canada
as a place to go to escape and visit faraway places 37 Canada
To provide people reading material,videos, music,art etc all in
one place and to help with projects, assignments and any 37 Canada
investigating. It is an essential service to any town, or city
College post
books and lending 38 Canada
graduate
Reference information 38 Canada
to be a filtered information resource 38 Canada
To provide the public with free access to fiction and non-
38 Canada
fiction literature.
As stated, to retrieve information from a variety of sources,
which allow you to decide for yourself which is sound
information. Also a librarian is there to assist you when 39 Canada
needed. Who I would assume would know what they are
talking about.
To provide people doing research with access to the recorded
39 Canada
knowledge base in their field.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-17

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
Archiving old information 40 Canada
For resource information 40 Canada
A library is a repository for books and information. It is a
place where people of all ages and backgrounds and
41 Canada
education levels can go and find whatever reading material
they are interested in reading.
broadening your horizons through reading 43 Canada
knowledge 43 Canada
A place to begin the search for information on any topic. 44 Canada
BOOKS AND INFORMATION 44 Canada
to be a place that you can get information 44 Canada
assistance 45 Canada
College
collect human knowledge 45 Canada
undergraduate
easy affordable access to information 45 Canada
Encouraging literacy in the whole population. 45 Canada
For me it's the atmosphere and all it has to offer - books,
45 Canada
resource info and music to check out
My children spend most of their weekends at the library. They
do their homework there, play on the computers or get
45 Canada
homework help online and before they leave they usually
bring home books that they would like to read.
The main purpose of a library is to inform, entertain by
45 Canada
loaning out and suppling material to do this.
to provide resources to the public at little or no cost 45 Canada
provide information and entertainment materials without
46 Canada
having to buy them
To provide reference materials to people who want to learn
more about any given topic. To point people in the right
46 Canada
direction, so that they can research what they need and to
education themselves in the process.
a conduit for information to the general public and a reliable, College post
47 Canada
trustworthy source graduate
community resource to lend books and related materials;
provides reference materials; programs for public; technology 47 Canada
like computers for use
enjoy reading books and information when I need to find it 47 Canada
research 47 Canada
resource 47 Canada
Data storage and retreival 49 Canada
like university it is there to promote critical thinking and the
49 Canada
pleasures of expanding one's mind/knowledge base
A great community organization to provide to the people of a
city/region, reading, audio, internet, historical data. (There is
50 Canada
more with kids reading, homework sessions, I just don't know
how to put it)
educate 50 Canada
stimulate the brain 50 Canada
The library has no purpose in my life. I guess it is more of a
50 Canada
historical archive of old paper documents. Who knows?
to help one gain knowledge 50 Canada
A source of information on past and present of actual events
in life. A source of material in which we can escape reality
51 Canada
and live the life we are reading about, instead of our own
lives.
Be your filter of accurate information sources 53 Canada
being able to find and take home books of interest. 53 Canada
Provide access to general public for books, reference material
53 Canada
etc
share books and information for free 53 Canada

B-18 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
to provide communities with knowledge and to assist the
53 Canada
people who cannot afford to purchase
disemination of information 54 Canada
an accessable location for one of man's most treasured
55 Canada
collection
knowledge and information 55 Canada
to get all of the correct information one needs knowledge 55 Canada
A source for people to do research or take out novels to read College
56 Canada
for pleasure without having to spend a lot of money. undergraduate
help with school work and find information that you might
56 Canada
need.
To stimulate curiosity and creativity and to enhance
College post
knowledge and education by providing all kinds of 57 Canada
graduate
information, especially books, to the public.
To give the general public free access to books for research or
pleasure so they can enjoy them or complete their studies 60 Canada
without a large outlay of cash to buy the books.
Serving the community 61 Canada
diseminate knowledge 62 Canada
educate the populous, provide an atmosphere condusive to
63 Canada
learning or recreational reading.
An information base for the masses. 65 Canada
I HAVE NOT A CLUE AS THEIR AGENDA, OR WHO DETERMINES
WHATEVER IT MAY BE. MY FATHER-IN-LAW USES THE LIBRARY
TO READ MAGAZINES RATHER THAN SUBSCRIBE TO THEM
66 Canada
(FREE LOADING). IF I TRUELY WANT SOME INFORMATION, I
USUALLY WANT A COPY OF IT WITHOUT ILLEGALLY PHOTO
COPPYING IT, SO I BUY IT.
to supply information . To make a variety of authors available
68 Canada
to library members.
to help and educate 72 Canada
Information dispensing 75 Canada
Give knowledge 22 India
To be a repository of knowledge 25 India
The main purpose of a library is to deliver information and
27 India
knowledge to a great extent.
education share 30 India
It provides books on every subject which an individual can
35 India
not manage.
it stores the data, which is used for the next generation to feel
39 India
the touch of my work.
to provide educational information on virtually all and any
39 India
subjects one can think of.
books, reading material 44 India
books freely available or at a minimal cost to those who need
to read or refer, secondly a place where you can find rare 48 India
books
quick indexing of information and updated knowledge, yet
51 India
affordable
Access to books on any subject,especially tech and ref 55 India
expansion of info 56 India
As far as possible to give the information asked for if possible
66 India
free.
To provide means of disseminating information by
71 India
compilation & dispersal.
People to have a condusive environment for reading 20 Singapore
To provide free information. 20 Singapore
for borrowing of reference and leisure books 23 Singapore
Books 24 Singapore
College
for specific resources 24 Singapore
undergraduate

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-19

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
to be able to read books quietly. 26 Singapore
Find info 27 Singapore
knowledge 27 Singapore
A library main purpose is to encourage reading. 28 Singapore
a source of reference 28 Singapore
store good library books. 28 Singapore
a place where you can access information and knowledge 31 Singapore
Complete information, and interesting reading books 31 Singapore
For enriching knowledge 32 Singapore
Information Treasure Vault 34 Singapore
College post
Central information resource, supposedly. 35 Singapore
graduate
enjoyment 35 Singapore
FOR STUDENTS & FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO USE
37 Singapore
WEBS FOR INFO.
To be able to have any book that you might want to read,
37 Singapore
reference etc.
College post
a resource place 40 Singapore
graduate
to help bring knowledge and wisdom to public. 40 Singapore
encourage reading as a hobby 42 Singapore
Provide a source of research for everyone. 46 Singapore
community service 46 Singapore
For people who are too tight-fisted to buy themselves books College
17 U.K.
to borrow them at the taxpayer's (ie everyone else's) expense undergraduate
College
Books 18 U.K.
undergraduate
a place to borrow books from, a source of information 19 U.K.
allow people to access information and to learn to enjoy College post
22 U.K.
reading graduate
books ...got the rest at home 22 U.K.
To be able to read books for free. 22 U.K.
choice 23 U.K.
find information somewhere quiet to sit 23 U.K.
College
learning 23 U.K.
undergraduate
A place were you could go research topics with assistance
24 U.K.
available. Taking out books of interest.
reserch 25 U.K.
information 25 U.K.
books and business information 27 U.K.
Giving free information and knowledge to everyone 28 U.K.
INFORMATION 29 U.K.
borrowing books, resources, computers 30 U.K.
so you can try books without payin for them. good for helping
30 U.K.
people who can't read properly
access free to everyone and help when you need it 31 U.K.
to provide eople with the loan of books who might not
necessarily have funds to do so and to provide inofrmation to 31 U.K.
others to wider there knowlege
books 33 U.K.
books 33 U.K.
books accesable to all 33 U.K.
i do not use it however it is a good place for research but
33 U.K.
think the internet is better for information & faster
books 33 U.K.
A free resource for the community for research, learning, and
34 U.K.
culture.
Large print Catherine Cookson novels 34 U.K.
last resort for info 34 U.K.
to supply free information 35 U.K.

B-20 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
For children or old people 35 U.K.
access a variety if written information, whether it be fact or
35 U.K.
fiction
reserch 36 U.K.
to give information 36 U.K.
borrowing 38 U.K.
For Learning, enjoyment, interacting with people, obtaining
College
latest releases, able to get other than books eg. DVD'S 40 U.K.
undergraduate
videos, Information, contact point.
easy access 41 U.K.
for reference books, local knowledge, internet (not that i have
41 U.K.
ever used it) basically reading
Provide access to books both fiction and reference for those
who do not have access to any other source also a good place 41 U.K.
for quiet reading and research
Accessibility to reading materials for all 42 U.K.
to allow easy access to books for everyone 42 U.K.
To supply books and sources of information. 42 U.K.
to serve the community both by providing access to books for
everyone and encouraging people to broaden their horizons
43 U.K.
through reading and/or electronicn sources and information
provided
i dont like books 44 U.K.
to provide free information 44 U.K.
to provide info on commumity and world through all media to
44 U.K.
all people with minimal fuss+cost.
information and enjoyment 46 U.K.
for leasure reading and as a source of information 46 U.K.
information 46 U.K.
Assist those who cannot purchase items still enjoys books
47 U.K.
etc
A PLACE TO GO FOR FREE INFO BUT MAINLY A FREE
49 U.K.
BOOKSTORE
to get information 49 U.K.
Acces to books for those who cannot afford to buy 50 U.K.
Culture 50 U.K.
finding out all the information that is required 50 U.K.
to provide worthwhile reading matter without having to pay at
50 U.K.
point of use
To aid people to have books they would not be able to afford
51 U.K.
to buy, therefore help education and pleasure.
A community place to access books which you probably
52 U.K.
couldn't afford to buy
help 52 U.K.
Information gathering 54 U.K.
to allow easy access to a wide variety of entertainment &
54 U.K.
information
USE OF BOOKS 54 U.K.
Books available on all subjects to all 54 U.K.
education for kids 55 U.K.
To provide a comprehensive reading and research resource,
55 U.K.
free of charge.
knowledge 56 U.K.
to give the public a way of gaining information 57 U.K.
To have various levels of information available at a low cost. 57 U.K.
information 57 U.K.
books - and a quiet place to check out reference requirments
59 U.K.
- internet access for those without a PC
to give information 59 U.K.
allowing the public free access to read books 60 U.K.
To supply information 60 U.K.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-21

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
To supply books to the public, who pay for this service
63 U.K.
through their taxes etc.
Books and computers 65 U.K.
Access to books 65 U.K.
An essential resource for community use - particularly an
66 U.K.
encouragement to read
TO STOCK A WIDE SELECTION OF READING MATTER INCLUDING
FICTION, TECHNICAL, SCIENTIFIC,DIY, HOBBY,RELIGION [ALL] IF 68 U.K.
I WANTED VIDEO`S CD`S I WOULD GO ELSEWHERE.
personally, as a means of borrowing books which I would
otherwise have to buy. However the real purpose I suppose is 69 U.K.
as a source of information
encourage the spread of knowlege 70 U.K.
Information, Advice, To supply reading material of a wide
71 U.K.
variety, Education etc
Provide information and entertainment 71 U.K.
information 80 U.K.
a ploace to study and research and check out books 14 U.S. High school
A library is a place to find information or entertainment in the
15 U.S. High school
form of books.
A resource for people to learn and expand their knowledge by
15 U.S. High school
reading or using the internet.
and inexpensive way to learn 15 U.S. High school
checking out books 15 U.S. High school
Knowledge 15 U.S. High school
last resort 15 U.S. High school
a place to gain informaton, both in print and digital 16 U.S. High school
a place to go to read and do reseach 16 U.S. High school
allow people to barrow books 16 U.S. High school
find hard material instead of virtual 16 U.S. High school
keep books on paper 16 U.S. High school
rent books 16 U.S. High school
to allow people the opportunity to read books, listen to
music, research topics, and watch cinema for free and
16 U.S. High school
without having to buy the items, but instead share them with
the community.
to give the public free easy access to a lot of information-
16 U.S. High school
specifically, literature
To provide the public with an opportunity. It gives the people
a chance to draw away from reality just for a moment, and it 16 U.S. High school
helps them to enjoy life.
a central place for students to locate and work together on a
17 U.S. High school
research project.
A chance for people to discovery a different world inside each
17 U.S. High school
book
A cool place to retrieve information 17 U.S.
a plce to get information. 17 U.S.
access to books that I'd like to read but don't have the
17 U.S. High school
money to buy or that I'm only going to read once.
Accessibility to up-to-date information and a quiet means of
17 U.S. High school
research and reading leisure
being able for the public to acess multiple types of
17 U.S.
information.
Books and information for free. 17 U.S. High school
College
Education of the masses 17 U.S.
undergraduate
enjoyment 17 U.S. High school
give people entertainment that wont rot the brain 17 U.S. High school
Information. 17 U.S. High school

B-22 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
It provides a great service to the community, whether it's
information for a paper, for a do-it-yourself project, just 17 U.S.
something for leisure reading, or even just a place to study.
knowledge 17 U.S.
Large information center for those who can't find it in other
17 U.S. High school
locations or do not have access to it.
spreading intelligence 17 U.S. High school
The main purpose is to provide all people with the
17 U.S. High school
opportunity to widen their mind's horizons and creativity.
to provide a community with the privilege of access to
literature, information, and other commodities such as music, 17 U.S. High school
videos, and/or internet access for reference.
to provide people with a free access to books and sources of
17 U.S. High school
information
to provide resources not available regularly to the community 17 U.S. High school
To provide the general public free access to literature and
educational/reference materials. It is a basic function of any College
17 U.S.
government to educate/socialize their citizens, and public undergraduate
libraries accomplish this in the U.S..
A library is vital in order to get information. I trust and love
College
libraries. The web cannot take over because the library is 18 U.S.
undergraduate
sacred.
As a student, it's a place to find reliable, scholarly sources for
College
research. Personally, it's there for when I'm too broke to buy 18 U.S.
undergraduate
a book I want to read.
enrich our education 18 U.S. High school
To provide the general public with as much knowledge as College
18 U.S.
possible. undergraduate
assist you in finding information and finding the right books
19 U.S.
you are searching for.
For parents to bring there little kids to get books and for the
College
parents to teach the kids how to read instead of a computer 19 U.S.
undergraduate
doing it.
to provide resources to students (and non-students) and aide College
19 U.S.
in finding the correct resources undergraduate
College
a deposit of information 20 U.S.
undergraduate
College
A place to do research and studying 20 U.S.
undergraduate
College
A place to gather information, for free. 20 U.S.
undergraduate
To provide information to those who want it. To accurately
and expertly, within their means, provide the books the
College
public is looking for and to provide a good network with 20 U.S.
undergraduate
Internet access for those who want to use it and with an
accurate catalog to look up books within the library system.
College
To provide useful information for research and knowledge. 21 U.S.
undergraduate
College post
accumulation of research resources 21 U.S.
graduate
College
archives, books, research help 21 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Research purposes 21 U.S.
undergraduate
To allow its members access to books, videos, music, the
internet, different activities, and a safe place to be. Perhaps
College
education. Also depends what type of library. City library is 21 U.S.
undergraduate
mostly for the first bunch of reasons, University library would
be mostly for research/educational purposes.
To allow people like myself to go in a building and read free
books. Or find out free information. A libray is one of the few 21 U.S.
places that you can go to for free these days.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-23

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
College
To be able to research and reading for pleasure 21 U.S.
undergraduate
To provide resources (books, films, periodicals,
College
computer/internet access) for the public, for research, 21 U.S.
undergraduate
educational, and recreational purposes.
College
Able to borrow books without paying 22 U.S.
undergraduate
Enlightenment 22 U.S.
enteratinment 22 U.S.
for people who cannot afford things like computers and
books to have free access to information. That is something 22 U.S.
that is necessary in a free and open society.
A source of information in different forms of media for people. 23 U.S.
College
An institution that disseminates knowledge. 23 U.S.
undergraduate
College
different sources of information located under one roof 23 U.S.
undergraduate
For people to intrigue the interest of there minds in a positive
23 U.S.
matter.And to learn.
To gather as much literature and information as possible in
one place, and to share that wealth of resources with that
community. It is important to have a place where anyone can 23 U.S.
go to learn (be it news, research, films and music, fiction, or
non-fiction--there is value in it all).
books, research information 24 U.S.
Find knowledge that is best presented in books or paper
format. Such as design schematics or knowledge collected 24 U.S.
before the 1990s (i.e. old books)
information 24 U.S.
It provides free access to books, computers, and reference College
24 U.S.
materials to everyone in every community. undergraduate
Literature and research material of all types is made available
24 U.S.
for public benefit.
rent books 24 U.S.
Dissemination of information in the interests of strengthening
civil society, from children's reading hour to access to news College post
27 U.S.
about political candidates, historical documents, hoity-toity graduate
literature...every last bit of it.
access to literature 28 U.S.
exposing readers to information that they may not be able to
29 U.S.
find anywhere else
To provide citizens access to a wide range of information College
30 U.S.
through books, magazines, journals, and periodicals. undergraduate
College
Share all the information with everyone for free. 32 U.S.
undergraduate
To be able to borrow books that I would like to read without
having to go to a book sotre and buy them. Also, it is a quiet, 33 U.S.
calming place to relax and read.
borrowing books; doing research 35 U.S.
reference material for people who need to research as well as
36 U.S.
a place to borrow books for reading enjoyment
lending reading material free of charge 38 U.S.
FREE access to information and insiration FOR ALL. As in for
41 U.S.
EVERYONE in a society.
Storage and dissemination of information. Smae as the
41 U.S.
Internet.
A center that one can go to obtain information. But as more
people own computers, librarys will have to adapt or face 43 U.S.
becoming a museum
College post
A great reference resource 43 U.S.
graduate

B-24 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
To be a part of it's community and be a place that has not
only reading for pleasure material, but also a good place to
do research. I think the material in library is more trustworthy
43 U.S.
then that on the internet. A library is a place for people of all
income levels to have a chance to read the lastest
novel/books etc.
knowledge 45 U.S.
a store house of information and access to information
46 U.S. High school
{internet}.
to help educate the community 46 U.S.
free exchange of info; also a resource for school children
47 U.S.
with less money
information for all 47 U.S.
learning 47 U.S.
help customers find the information they are seeking and
second, for children and anyone really, help foster love of 49 U.S.
reading and learning
Mind-material, either for entertainment or education 49 U.S.
First, as a source of reading material; second, as a source of
54 U.S.
information.
for research and free reading material 57 U.S.
To be an 'information station'. 57 U.S.
A public library is a resource for families to read and do
research. Libraries also provide activities for children.
Libraries are a quiet place to read and relax or to do research 58 U.S.
and get help. Oh also, a place to look for potential school
scholarships
An easy access to books. 58 U.S.
having the right books for the right job 60 U.S.
Informed information for the public that does and does not
have a computer. Expanding one's mind with unlimited
62 U.S.
resources, hard copy, video, audio and reference info as well
as computer access.
A knowledge center for a community or activity which
provides books, periodicals and electronic media for use by 63 U.S.
citizens, members, employees or students.
Hang out for losers. 63 U.S.
feeding the mind. 64 U.S.
Provide books 64 U.S.
Access to knowledge and information. 65 U.S.
Afford the population access to reading material that they
65 U.S.
may not be willing to purchase.
Give many people the opportunity to use computers, read
good books and magazines without having to buy them, 65 U.S.
special programs.
research 65 U.S.
Access to needed information and book rentals. 66 U.S.
books & research for the masses 66 U.S.
knowledge 66 U.S.
Research 66 U.S.
make books easily available 67 U.S.
Reference and study for school work. My kids used it often
67 U.S.
when in school.
To supply books worth borrowing and a source of information 67 U.S.
Reference and research for people that are seeking
68 U.S.
knowledge about a subject.
getting books, studying material for school or college, useing
69 U.S.
a computer if you don't own one
books for the general public to have access to for free 69 U.S.
To be there to supply the community with information that
69 U.S.
they need, or for entertaining books, cd's, video's

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-25

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q810: What do you feel Geographic

is the main purpose of a library? Age Region Student Status
To store History & provide reading material, and refernce
70 U.S.
materials to the public.
A GOOD SOURCE FOR INFO, COMPUTER USE, AND PEOPLE'S
70 U.S.
PLEASURE OF READING WANTED MATERIAL
a repository of info., a place from which to borrow books for
70 U.S.
pleasure/info., etc.
To provide wide ranges of materials (video, CDs, film,
microfisch, computers)and reference materials in addition to
fiction, non-fiction books and periodicals. To provide 70 U.S.
assistance in searches, to have wide connections to borrow
materials not available locally
Providing materials from which a person can search and learn
71 U.S.
subjects.
a gathering of information of all media open to the public free
of charge thanks to Andrew Carnegie and that should tell you 72 U.S.
that I'm old
A resource for information and data, as well as recreation. 72 U.S.
book rental 72 U.S.
The lending of books to the neighborhood residents. A place
for shool children to do research in a quiet atmosphere where 72 U.S.
help is available if needed.
to provide info to peopole 72 U.S.
to provide information and literature for the public. 74 U.S.
A central source for accessing printed materials - present and
74 U.S.
past.
A cultural link for the community and a central source of
74 U.S.
information for those without other available sources.
Additional education 75 U.S.
The U.S. public library, within in the limits of its budget,
protects our republic by providing citizens with a means for
obtaining information representing a wide range of views and
75 U.S.
information...as I learned as an undergraduate 'learn to use
the library and you are forever saved from the tyranny of
ignorance and the bias of your professors'
To be a resource for knowledge and to provide information/
reading material. These days most useful to people who do 75 U.S.
not have a computer handy to give them instant information.
To provide wonderful material to read. They have been very
helpful in locating my husband's preferred book, Westerns and
he has a hard time finding one he hasn't read. But they come up 75 U.S.
with one almost every time so help is the second purpose of a
library.
research 76 U.S.
for avid readers. for people who do not have computers at
77 U.S.
home
To obtain free information when needed 77 U.S.
A wonderful concept - in action! Truly the foundation of a
great society could be measured in the quality, quantity and
accessibility of its libraries. If it has a single 'main purpose' it 78 U.S.
would be to educate, I think. I don't know of a library which
doesn't strive to do that.
main purpose is to loan books, tapes, etc. 78 U.S.
A ready and large source for information gathering. 81 U.S.
Literature 83 U.S.
Continuing education 86 U.S.

B-26 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q812a: Positive associations with the library

Note: All verbatim comments are presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical
and punctuation errors.

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age
Region Status
* Books which can be borrowed for free. * Usually people
17 Australia High school
available to help you with whatever you need.
Being at University allows you membership of a large and well
respected library on campus. There are librarians and other College
18 Australia
staff who can help you if you need advice, whereas searching undergraduate
online you cant ask anyone for help.
Provides many services and products for free or cheaper than
they would for the individual. Provides a wide variety of College post
20 Australia
resources for people who would otherwise not have access to graduate
them.
YOU HAVE SOMEBODY THERE TO HELP YOU TO FIND EXACTLY
WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU 22 Australia
ARE DOING.
freedom to learn if you choose 24 Australia
endless references assistance in finding accurate informaiton 25 Australia
generally have a wide range of materials to look at staff are College post
25 Australia
usually helpful and trained to attend to your requests graduate
Heaps of lovely, lovely books to browse, choose from & Read... College
26 Australia
for free! A full spectrum of choice: a range of topics, genres, etc undergraduate
A variety of books and now have internet access. 29 Australia
1. helpful staff 2. free services 30 Australia
its an outting for the kids and I. Wide range of facilities 30 Australia
that it is social place with real people that you can get access
to very specific material no found elsewhere at no cost, eg 32 Australia
books.
Easy acces to books that may be too expensive or out of print.
33 Australia
Easy acces to the internet.
Single Location for Information Staff to assist in the location of
34 Australia
information.
It is a wealth of knowledge and relaxation 35 Australia
resources in abundance great for children 37 Australia
books transferred closer to home libraray librarian wonderfully
38 Australia
helpfull
The Amount of resources availble. Friendly Atmosphere. 38 Australia
LOTS OF BOOKS LOTS OF INFORMATION 39 Australia
1) Cheap loans of books 2) Fantastic range of publications to
40 Australia
choose from
Great service - on line reservations Flexible public service e.g.,
table at train station to collect reserved book on the way to 40 Australia
work
lots of choice helpful people 40 Australia
GOING ON THE INTERNET,READING BOOKS 41 Australia
volume of information help if required 42 Australia
Lots of different materials/books to use. Advice given if
44 Australia
required.
Membership is free. Great reference source. 45 Australia
Quiet, contemplative time So many books and so little time! 47 Australia
When studying my uni library was great. Not only for relevant
48 Australia
books but also journals and articles.
FRIENDLY LIBRARIANS. GOOD READING. 49 Australia
always happy to go to the library, never know who you will run
51 Australia
into
Sole source of much information accessible to the public.
Information is available to all, regardless of age, gender, race, 51 Australia
belief etc.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-27

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
my library has online access for searches and ordering Quiet
52 Australia
space for reading newspapers
1. good source of books I wouldn't otherwise find 2. good
source of knowledgeable people who can guide my search for 52 Australia
information
Can find what I want easliy using computer files Pleasant
53 Australia
surroundings to browse book shelves
Able to borrow books free Cater for children 54 Australia
Can get almost any book you want can order books and they
55 Australia
will get trhem for you
its free Covers the whole range of paper amnd electronic
56 Australia
information sources and general reading
Dewey Numbers to locate books Range of titles 59 Australia
when looking for material to relax with in a library - it is easier
to come across something suitable accidentaly. A book that
doesnt fit in with my normal criteria, for instance , and this 59 Australia
expands my awarness. It is also a centre to get out of the
house to that doesnt cost the earth to enjoy.
availability of borrowing books and all other sources they
provide and information provided by reference books/ actual 61 Australia
handling of books and actually 'seeing' the books etc
THE LIBRARIANS ARE EXPERTS. ALL THE INFORMATION IS THERE
62 Australia
SOMEWHERE.
I can usually find what I need A very diverse cross section 68 Australia
The possible ability to aquire information that may not be
available from other souces. the option of alternative medium 71 Australia
types, ie cd, dvd, video, etc
My library has a very friendly , co-operative staff I can
75 Australia
access other specialist libraries through it
lots of info and theres always someone to help if you need it 14 Canada High school
1)Lots of books 2)good info 16 Canada High school
Lots of material Helpful/knowledgeable staff 16 Canada High school
Any book you want Easy to use 17 Canada High school
College
technologically advanced very informative 19 Canada
undergraduate
College
friendly envronment lots of sources 20 Canada
undergraduate
College
Novels Movies you can take out 21 Canada
undergraduate
getting to borrow books, that you probably wouldn't otherwise
24 Canada
have access too. And checking them out for free.
Helpful librarians Many different information sources 26 Canada
Generally Free (Inter)National cooperation 27 Canada
sharing books, CDs and DVDs Doesn't typically cost anything 28 Canada
free access to books, computer, other information - a centre to
29 Canada
meet people for meetings and events
An incredible source of references (information) Access to
32 Canada
computer and librarians.
Conducive environment to quiet study... Archival records
32 Canada
dating back to any given publication's inception...
many resources, free to join 32 Canada
Variety of media Discovering something new 35 Canada
1-Calm - a good place to focus. 2-Helpful staff 36 Canada
Free No charge Quiet \/Regulated enviroment 36 Canada
Usually more than one copy of book/magazine in question.
36 Canada
Knowledgable staff
children love being there to pick out their own material
37 Canada
availability of almost any reading source or material
1. Great place to instill a love of reading in children. 2. Great
38 Canada
variety of books.
Book Exchange Information Resource 38 Canada

B-28 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
1. Helpful librarians 2. Finding books I wouldn't have heard of
39 Canada
otherwise
1. Quiet and easier for concentration 2. Wealth of information 39 Canada
Libraries are embracing computer technology and now offer
library users the best of both worlds when they visit. They can
borrow conventional books, magazines and newspapers and
they can also log on to the computer system and find lots of 41 Canada
information there. Teachers and school administrators still
advocate the use of libraries and encourage their students to
visit, so I think libraries will be here for a while yet.
Spending hours in the library as a child, taking home stacks of
books. Looking forward to reading the latest book by a 42 Canada
favourite author - even if I have to wait a while for my turn!
Nice, helpful and KNOWLEDGABLE staff Quiet atmosphere
44 Canada
LOTS of information
Able to borrow new released reading materials Access to books
45 Canada
and refrence materials not available at home
-lots of books ... I love books -free internet access 45 Canada
You have alot of info options. You can get the help of a expert. 45 Canada
Staff is always friendly the staff will search for the book I want
46 Canada
and have it in a couple of days
Books Periodicals 47 Canada
Not too far from home Comfortable area to take the children
47 Canada
too for a few hours = get familiar with the joy of reading
the two positive things are availability,and resources of there
47 Canada
computers when you need information and sources needed,
Being able to borrow books I couldn't afford to buy Finding a
48 Canada
quiet place to study ,either for school or for my own pleasure
College
Free resources and books Free databases and Internet 48 Canada
undergraduate
knowledge, information 48 Canada
Easy access Being able to read the information in the comfort
49 Canada
of your easy chair
1. It is great to have a library within the city. A good meeting
50 Canada
place. A good resource place.
too many to list smell of books no charge many diferent types
50 Canada
of resources professional help
I have learned so much in libraries, I've spent the better part of
52 Canada
my life doing research. 'The more I learn, the more I learn!'
Librarians are expert researchers 53 Canada
If I can't find a book in an institutional setting I will use a public
library. If I can't find the information I need on the Internet I
54 Canada
will go to the library to find it, or ask them where I can get a
copy.
Information is the main purpose Study in a quite envirement 54 Canada
wide access to lots of materials, especially things you would
never have thought of looking for. comfortable place to sit 57 Canada
undisturbed and assess information
Get good books to read Get help with research when I need
61 Canada
them
staff were very helpful and the amount of research material
62 Canada
available was more than adequate
The librarian is there to help find what I want. I can flip through
63 Canada
the book to see if it has the information I want.
Excellent service 71 Canada
save buying expensive learning books some there to help you
72 Canada
to find the articale you are looking for
May have older information not available via internet. Perhaps
75 Canada
a wider range of topics available for any given topic.
sense of ownership and encouragement to use effective
79 Canada
organization of materials to assist search

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-29

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
Increase Knowledge Good Databank 31 India
1.Any one can get infromation about all subject in library
35 India
generally. 2. Its the cheapist means to get knowledge.
Access to books Choice of browsing without purchasing 43 India
1. Vast database for knowledge. 2. All information available 51 India
to come to know some new topic/thing that I was not aware of.
54 India
the simple joy of reading books
You get wide choice for reference and books are easy to
54 India
locate, lots of information can be retrieved.
Most of the are available or procured on demand 55 India
the books a peaceful place to read and relax 61 India
learn always & almost all references needed. 71 India
Lots of information. Free. 20 Singapore
More reliable More types of sources, e.g info can be found in
20 Singapore
books, magazines, cds and dvds
books cafe 25 Singapore
1. variety of books. 2. air-conditioned. 26 Singapore
one stop learning place resourceful 27 Singapore
1. It's free! 2. Lots of information you can learn, even those that
29 Singapore
you may not at first realise that you'll like to know.
most of the information and reseach available are trustworthy 29 Singapore
College post
You get to know lots of things without buying any books. 29 Singapore
graduate
1)Resource rich ( in terms of the variety of books, audio and
31 Singapore
information services) 2)Advance technology
free. easy to find the books by category. 35 Singapore
1. Online checking for availability of books 2. Reserve the book
37 Singapore
for borrowing
(1) plenty information can be found (2) free access to the
44 Singapore
library
A form of entertainment. An acknowledgable place. 44 Singapore
Reliable and accurate. 48 Singapore
Wide variety of books to choose /borrow FOC. Children / adults
can find most information without having to buy lots of books
48 Singapore
& keep unnecessarily at home as they outgrow the books &
become irrelevant.
wide variety of books able to browse the books freely 51 Singapore
1 good reading enviroment 2 all that is required to know is at
54 Singapore
hand
source of learning they have become more child friendly 33 U.K.
PERSONAL TOUCH, HELPFUL STAFF 38 U.K.
most services are free and easy to access.helpful staff. 44 U.K.
lots of book choice quiet place to gather info from printed
57 U.K.
word
So many books... free borrowing 17 U.K.
1) you can find any reading material you want 2) its more
29 U.K.
personal
Loads of books. Have really good memories of libraries back in
34 U.K.
Australia when I was a kid.
Free at point of use Information Service Provider 37 U.K.
Varity of information sources Sources available free 42 U.K.
Enjoy looking through reference materials in the library. Enjoy
54 U.K.
taking out books to read either for pleasure or research.
Free to join. Lot of choice. 55 U.K.
choice of literature free access to computers 60 U.K.
Friendly & helpful staff. 66 U.K.
It is Free. Good for information. 69 U.K.
College
Wide range of books Out-of-print books 17 U.K.
undergraduate
College
Get to read before you rent Lots of information available 18 U.K.
undergraduate

B-30 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
free access to books, access to computers 21 U.K.
Loan books for free Quiet environment to work/relax 23 U.K.
Quiet place to go Lots of reading material 23 U.K.
inexpensive assistance available 24 U.K.
College post
it supplies all information you want, it save your time. 28 U.K.
graduate
Many obscure titles kept Knowledge of staff 31 U.K.
good quiet learning enviroment. a dry warm place on a cold
34 U.K.
day.
Local information for the community,lists of courses going on
34 U.K.
in the area.
knowledge freedom 35 U.K.
College
Friendly staff, Wide Range of Materials 40 U.K.
undergraduate
Newly published books Helpful librarians 42 U.K.
access to books mgs and newpapers that i wouldn't normally
buy or could afford. reference filing for ease of access to 44 U.K.
material
BOOKS!!! INFORMATION! 50 U.K.
huge selection well looked after 50 U.K.
Wide range of materials and information. Time spent just
52 U.K.
browsing!
PLENTY OF CHOICE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 53 U.K.
Vast array of leisure and information available as well as
56 U.K.
electronic, various media resources.
it is free to join and to borrow 60 U.K.
Have used the local library pc which was broadband
62 U.K.
supported. Useful for current local information.
PEACEFUL PLACE TO FIND INFO COVERS MOST TOPICS 17 U.K.
a wide range of information, people are avaliable to speak to if
20 U.K.
you needed help locating material.
lots of information available range of materials (books, College post
22 U.K.
persiodicals etc) graduate
It's free. You get help to find a book if needed. 22 U.K.
Free, wide range of books Often has free internet, which is
24 U.K.
useful if you are visiting a town, and need to check e-mail etc.
biggest collection anywhere in the world nice place to study 25 U.K.
Can access info in tangible form - ie can pick it up and look at
it. can go there for peace and quiet if you need to study without 26 U.K.
distractions
central information reference variety and quantity of
28 U.K.
information
INFORMATION FREE 29 U.K.
information computers 30 U.K.
1.good source of information 2.good source of entertainment 31 U.K.
Books are free There is someone there to help if you can't find
32 U.K.
something
Good for childrens introduction to reading and books 32 U.K.
Great way to get kids interested in books, learning and using
their imagination. Cheap source of information - particularly
34 U.K.
expensive reference & specialist books you couldn't afford
yourself.
it's free you can look at or borrow a large number of books of
35 U.K.
your choice at one time
accessing reference books that would otherwise cost a lot of
money to buy borrowing language courses which are also very 38 U.K.
expensive to buy
Variety of material Range of material 41 U.K.
Access to large collections of reading material. Ability to order
42 U.K.
material if not available at time.
Huge variety of books to read Pleasant and helpful staff 43 U.K.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-31

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
help , relaxation 46 U.K.
Time out for myself dicovering a book I really want to read 46 U.K.
large selection of reading material good place for local
48 U.K.
information
Able to browse books one would maybe not be drawn to in a
50 U.K.
bookshop. Diverse choice of subject fiction and non-fiction
Cheerful surroundings Friendly staff 50 U.K.
College
Friendly Staff Meeting like minded readers 51 U.K.
undergraduate
More books than a bookshop for reference It's free 52 U.K.
Wide selection of up to date books, fiction and non-fiction.
saves the cost of having to buy a book especially if the 53 U.K.
information is one small paragraph in a very expensive book.
Lots of information to hand and accessible from other
55 U.K.
organisations Lots of different types of media
it almost always has the information i need in some form or
other the librarians will telephone other libraries if they dont 57 U.K.
have the book or information that you require
Nearness to residence Wide range of choice 58 U.K.
excellent facilities. Good atmosphere. 59 U.K.
Support from experts Access to a range of sources 60 U.K.
interaction with people free information 61 U.K.
Ease of access Books sorted by category 66 U.K.
Good book service good IT access 71 U.K.
Love browsing and always have library books at home. Have
71 U.K.
found medical information invaluable
easy access free services (important to a pensioner) 72 U.K.
books . classics, in depth research .facility , the way to obtain
73 U.K.
hard to get information.
free books as many as you want quite studying place 14 U.S. High school
Gives books.... has magazines... 14 U.S. High school
gives information easily accessible 14 U.S. High school
lots of information helpful staff 14 U.S. High school
1.Books 2.Information 15 U.S. High school
accurat information internet 15 U.S. High school
Being able to read for free. Having a large source of information
15 U.S. High school
in one place.
easy access internet access 15 U.S. High school
Free & offers a ton of research assistance 15 U.S.
free research working computers 15 U.S. High school
Free transfer of Knowlege Peace and quiet 15 U.S. High school
Good books helpful librarians 15 U.S. High school
Good Books. Internet Access. 15 U.S. High school
Has new and classic books Better resources than internet 15 U.S. High school
If you have questions, you can ask a librarian. Loads of
15 U.S. High school
information on thousands of topics all in one building.
Many resources (computers, books, audio tapes, video tapes,
15 U.S. High school
librarians) Classes (in school and out)
You can take out free books. You can find book titles, authors,
and when books come out from the library catalog, and find 15 U.S. High school
good books to read.
1. Quiet 2. Lots of information stored in the building. 16 U.S. High school
books are free; you can do research quietly 16 U.S. High school
endless amounts of books, and friendly service 16 U.S. High school
'Free' Accesible to public, and encourages reading 16 U.S. High school
great books; snack machines 16 U.S. High school
-Many community activities -Provides many people with things
16 U.S. High school
they wouldn't yhave otherwise
More trustworthy information Quiet place to study 16 U.S. High school
Smart Peaceful 16 U.S.

B-32 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
There are many sources of information available through the
library, and the people there are always very friendly. It is also 16 U.S. High school
a very community oriented thing.
The library is 100% free. The librians are very well informed on
16 U.S.
where things are, and what information is what.
1. It has many resources to access information when it is
17 U.S. High school
needed. 2. It is quiet.
1. The is a large amount a information avalible. 2. The
librarians are there to help with any problems a person may 17 U.S. High school
have.
Accurate information and reliability (knowing that the
17 U.S. High school
is=nformation will still be there, accessable to you, later on)
Books are wonderful. Libraries provide great access to
17 U.S. High school
information and new worlds.
Finding good videos/DVD's to watch each week from my public
library; and finding good books to read or books related to a College
17 U.S.
subject of interest or complementary books to ones I'm undergraduate
studying in school.
I only read books once usually so I like that I can check out
books for free so that I don't have to pay for them yet only use
17 U.S. High school
them once. They are also a good place to access reference
materials.
College
Knowledge, artistic expression 17 U.S.
undergraduate
Knowledgeable staff, up-to-date database connecting to other
libraries, accessible information from sources, organized 17 U.S. High school
classification system
lots of books well organized (i.e. card catalogue) 17 U.S. High school
College
Lots of Information Free (for the most part) 17 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Lots of information, quiet study place 17 U.S.
undergraduate
many books, people to talk to if you have any quesitons 17 U.S. High school
Quiet. Loads of knowlegdge. 17 U.S. High school
Reading. Learning. 17 U.S. High school
Safe Place. Free Books. 17 U.S. High school
social comfy chairs 17 U.S. High school
The easiest and cheapest way to get books to read and to get
17 U.S. High school
information for research
You can read books without having to pay for them. They have
17 U.S. High school
computers and encyclopedias and books for research.
College
lots of information assistance is always available 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Safe and reliable information Multitudes of information 18 U.S.
undergraduate
1. Parents can interact with their kids. 2. Kids have fun with the College
19 U.S.
toys provide in the kids section. undergraduate
College
accurate information variety of information 19 U.S.
undergraduate
College
books! books! 19 U.S.
undergraduate
Helpful librarians, and it has everything and if it doesn't they College
19 U.S.
can get it for you. undergraduate
College
nice librarians, helpful good work environment 19 U.S.
undergraduate
Possibility to find interesting books/magazines. Fast College
19 U.S.
computers for help. undergraduate
College
at your own pace reading self-paced learning 20 U.S.
undergraduate
'free' literature, as long as its not returned late Quiet are to College
20 U.S.
relax to do your work undergraduate

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-33

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
Good reading, studying atmosphere; depending on the library
College
and the collection itself, an excellent source for older and rock- 20 U.S.
undergraduate
hard sources for research papers.
source of lots of information more than just getting books - College
20 U.S.
also good for pc use and making copies undergraduate
1. Free library cards to check out books 2. Free use of
computers and internet access for people that don't have it (or 21 U.S.
can't afford it)
College post
Free Books Typically resources are simple to find 21 U.S.
graduate
College
Helpful Librarians and Many great books 21 U.S.
undergraduate
plenty of material at your fingertips if the subject you are
College
looking for does not need to be current, then it is a lot faster to 21 U.S.
undergraduate
use the library to get exactly what you want
There is an abundance of computers. There are very helpful College
21 U.S.
rescources in the library. undergraduate
Vast expanse of sources. Ease of location on a university College
21 U.S.
campus. undergraduate
free (if it's not late) get to physically look at the book before College post
22 U.S.
deciding to check it out graduate
helpful people gobs of information, ideas 22 U.S.
Librarians, as trained professionals, can help you locate
materials anywhere in their system. Theoretically, things are College
22 U.S.
where they are listed to be, and as long as you can learn to undergraduate
use the system for locating them, it is relatively simple.
College post
quiet, full of novels 22 U.S.
graduate
They give people access to books that they could not afford to
College
go to the store and buy. They allow people who can not afford a 22 U.S.
undergraduate
computer to use the one at the library.
1. I can find information 2. Librarians are helpful 23 U.S.
Extensive variety of genres and types of literature.
23 U.S.
Knowledgeable librarians.
Free books Great Place to meet chicks 23 U.S. High school
Lots of books to read free of charge Feeling educated 23 U.S.
The smell The amount of information available 23 U.S.
College
1. Free 2. Wide variety of information available 24 U.S.
undergraduate
University related libraries are convienient 24 U.S.
wonderful information, helpful librarians 24 U.S.
Free information Librarians there to help 28 U.S.
very helpfull staff use of public books at no cost 28 U.S.
1. There are knowledgable people available to answer
College
questions and guide your search. 2. Some information can only 30 U.S.
undergraduate
be accessed for free at the library
provides books without having to buy them centralizes a lot of
30 U.S.
information
Someone to help with finding information Lots of very old stuff
30 U.S.
you wont find on the net
1. It is free 2. It gives me access to a tremendous amount of
33 U.S.
information.
Have the books I want, trusted resources 35 U.S.
free rental of books and videos. 36 U.S.
Books for adults and children. Availability to use computers for
38 U.S.
online purposes
Free there are librarians 39 U.S.
educational, family-oriented 40 U.S.
large assortment of materials friendly and helpful personell 40 U.S.
1) it provides many sources of information in one place 2) it is
41 U.S.
free

B-34 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
Books improve your life, by inspiring, teaching, keeping you
involved and interested, and FREE TO THINK. LITERACY and
41 U.S.
being informed raise the standard of living of individuals and
societies.
real people support. the touch the smell the ability to open
41 U.S.
and close a book right at your hands
free access to information. qualified staff to help you. 42 U.S.
It's nice to be able to get out of the house to do some of my
research. Having a person to help find what I may be looking 42 U.S.
for.
Decent selection. No charge to borrow books so I'd be more
43 U.S.
likely to read something that I would not pay to read.
Free access, latest books 44 U.S.
free books and videos can sit there and read magazines 45 U.S.
Internet access for those who don't have a computer.
Someone to help you go a certain direction with a topic or 45 U.S.
assignment
1) wandering the isles and finding a nugget of a book.
46 U.S.
Discovery. 2) Help from a live person if needed.
a place one can go to be alone, even in a crowd, a place one
can challenge any belief system one may possess, or can 46 U.S.
support any system the same way.
Wonderful children's reading programs. Access to computers
46 U.S.
to those who do not have them.
1. information is 'pure'--no-one edits it--no point of view 2.
47 U.S.
calm, quiet place
Libraries have every book. Libraries are free. 47 U.S.
finding the data I need. Staff willing to assit you. 49 U.S.
People available Multitude of books on different subjects by
49 U.S.
different authors.
Surrounded by books Peaceful 49 U.S.
almost always quiet, and usually have one or more books that I
50 U.S.
need on almost any subject.
1)Large volume of material physically at my fingertipes. 2)Less
51 U.S.
searching, because there is less information to 'wade through'.
convenient--I order books on-line from all over the system and
pick them up weekly I have far more books available to me 51 U.S.
than if I could only use and read those I purchased myself
free loaner books quiet, uncrowded 52 U.S.
there is a human being on premise to help you when you are
unable to find what you are looking for the diversity of the 52 U.S.
books, videos, audios, that you find there
Help by librarians when doing research or making suggestions
for reading subjects of interest. Providing current materials 53 U.S.
and technology for their users.
Free, Wealth if knowledge, 24/7 info 54 U.S.
1. I like being surrounded by books 2. Libraries smell good.
55 U.S.
Especially the very old ones with lots of old books.
ease of locating what I'm looking for, and books on tape 56 U.S.
QUIET TIME FREE LITERARY AND COMPUTER ACCESSABILITY 56 U.S.
It's a comfortable place to sit and read. It's also a good place
57 U.S.
to find information you might not be aware of on your own.
1) Ease of locating books and periodicals 2) Pleasant
60 U.S.
environment in which to work.
They have what I need, or can get it. Wonderfully helpful
60 U.S.
librarians
EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE HANDICAPPED WIDE ASSORTMENT
61 U.S.
OF BOOKS, CDS, ETC.
Access to biographies that expands one's understanding of the
human condition. Provides ability to access info available with 62 U.S.
no out of pocket financial investment.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-35

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
I use the library all the time for reading material. The people
who work there are great at looking up information for you
62 U.S.
when you ask them to. The library is a wonderful asset to any
community.
take out audio books use genealogy resources 62 U.S.
It is free It is convient 63 U.S.
Comfortable learning environment; Some place to go to get
65 U.S.
answers to a question I have.
Friendly place for information I still enjoy the feel of a book in
65 U.S.
my hands this I can do without having to buy
1. A person can use library resources to expand their mind. 2.
66 U.S.
A fun happy place to visit.
1. Comfortable accomodations. 2. Easy to locate materials. 66 U.S.
GOOD PLACE FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN TO GET HELP WITH
66 U.S.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS GOOD SOURCE FOR INFORMATION
i can renew books over the phone they order books for me from
66 U.S.
other branches
Quiet area to do research. Ability to browse without flipping
66 U.S.
from website to website.
They really researched a project for me. They also have movies
66 U.S.
& CD's that you can check out,
all the free reading I want up to date computer access &
67 U.S.
assistance
Comfortable surroundings. librarian helps with problems. 67 U.S.
Extensive genealogy department Knowledgeable personnel 67 U.S.
Multiple ways to gather information. A person who can steer
67 U.S.
you to the section you need.
Good research Dept/ Able to check out DVD 68 U.S.
polite and helpful 68 U.S.
RELAXING, INFORMATIVE 68 U.S.
The ease of using for the information I need and the
68 U.S.
helpfulness of those working to find what I need
When I was younger, and computers were not available, the
68 U.S.
library was the best source of knowledge, and leisure reading.
BASE OF KNOWLEDGE AND BOOKS TO INFORM OR ENTERTAIN 69 U.S.
Free access to unlimited information and avbbillity to borrow
novels, research material, magazines, tapes, DVD's and all 69 U.S.
sorts of media.
Good for children to be able to see all the books and
69 U.S.
information.
Lovely, peaceful atmosphere. Always someone there to help
69 U.S.
me personally.
A QUIET PLACE TO READ AND STUDY. A NICE PLACE TO MEET
70 U.S.
OTHERS WHO LIKE TO READ.
Online catalogs Audio books 70 U.S.
There are materials you can use to learn an area of interest.
71 U.S.
People are available to help you find what you need.
My local library has a much better supply and selection of
current CDs than the main library in town. Longer hours,in 71 U.S.
town, including open on sunday
The atmosphere is friendly, the librarians are helpful and I can
71 U.S.
read as much as I want
Amount of information available. Timliness of information on
72 U.S.
the one hand as well as historical data when needed.
Hundreds of books to choose from and enjoy for no cost. A
72 U.S.
reasonable length of time before the book is due back.
I used the library extensively when I was in college (before
computers!) and doubt I could have gotten through without it.
72 U.S.
The availability of books & other materials which one would
not otherwise have access to.
MUCH INFORMATION, COMPUTERS 72 U.S.

B-36 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812a: Positive associations with library. Age Region Status
QUANTITY OF INFORMATION AND ORGANAZATION 72 U.S.
courteous assistance when needed. Can count on finding what
73 U.S.
you are looking for.
Helpfullness, knowledge 73 U.S.
Order online Renew online 73 U.S.
There is a librarian available to help when we need help. Local
73 U.S.
library sells used books at very low prices.
I love books, audio books when I travel can rent them for a
month, so I have enough time to read them, also to read to 74 U.S.
children at school
My first introduction to the wonders of reading (1936 -thanks
to a wonderful teacher) and The availability of books to feed 74 U.S.
my hunger on long nights (1949-50 A.F. Comm.Cntr.).
1. Quiet 2. Self help is possible. 75 U.S.
I remember saturday afternoons, when 2:00 p.m. was story
hour. With other boys and girls, we sat on the hardwood floor
in a semi circle and listened to stories read by Miss Dunn, who
75 U.S.
was our head librarian. This was many decades ago. No matter
what the subject was, I could always get sufficient informa-
tion on it at the local library.
an oasis for learning teaching children to love books 76 U.S.
Goodly number of a book for borrowing Promptness getting
77 U.S.
new book ordered and on shelf
1. Encouraging the young to utilize the library via various
programs geared to their ages & interests. 2. Active in
78 U.S.
community activities, providing a platform for social interests
and encouraging participation.
AMUSEMENT ENTERTAINMENT 78 U.S.
Wealth of information No cost to use 78 U.S.
other than being shushed I loved it 79 U.S.
Pleasant people to deal with Very helpful 80 U.S.
Recreation for 75 years of my life Resource for education
82 U.S.
purposes

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-37

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q812b: Negative associations with the library

Note: All verbatim comments are presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical
and punctuation errors.

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age
Region Status
Being Quiet Really Bad search systems 16 Australia High school
It closes Need more recent material 16 Australia High school
overdue books/fees having to leave the house 17 Australia High school
Some libraries have fees. Some libraries are very narrow
17 Australia
minded in information available.
College
crowding not enough cross-referencing 18 Australia
undergraduate
The catalogs on the computer are sometimes hard to use to
find the book/article/journal that you want. The library can be College
18 Australia
busy and the information sometimes is not available - undergraduate
sometimes the book you need is on loan.
date of publications (out of date) time spent looking for College
19 Australia
specific information undergraduate
difficulty finding information, penalties for forgetting to return College
19 Australia
books undergraduate
Have to physically be at the library to use its resources. May College post
20 Australia
not necessarily contain the needed resources. graduate
late fees the term of loans 21 Australia
College
Geeky/nerdy people old 22 Australia
undergraduate
College
need to sign up to take out books must be quiet 23 Australia
undergraduate
Physical distance from home/work Overcrowded 23 Australia
geeky aura 24 Australia
Hard to access as there isn't one in my home town. Fines. 24 Australia
College post
can be a little overwhelming 25 Australia
graduate
have to physically go there dony unerstand the filing system 25 Australia
a bit of a hassle to get to, time limits 26 Australia
boring slow 27 Australia
Poor Service Poor Range of Books 27 Australia
can't always get what you want some resources old/out of date 28 Australia
not up to date information, sometimes har dto get to a library College post
29 Australia
to borrow stuff graduate
College post
queues for conputer resources never wnough books 29 Australia
graduate
Not able to get my hands on the specific book I wanted Not
30 Australia
able to use the computers readily
Sometimes too much information Sometimes hard to navigate 31 Australia
due to the internet, everything is much faster, getting help
32 Australia
when needed,some staff are just not knowledgible enough
A little outdated. A lot of information now is readily available at
33 Australia
home via internet.
old world technology impossible to find info quickly 35 Australia
time delays, registration 35 Australia
fees for late returns, waiting for a long time for the book you
36 Australia
want
Grumpy librarians. Dead quietness 36 Australia
Lack of particular books I want, no food or drink. 37 Australia
can be hard to find ref information quickly 38 Australia
Borrowing restrictions. Lack of resources. 40 Australia
If you are not familiar with the cataloguing system you may find
it hard to locate what you may be searching for. It would
40 Australia
possibly take you longer to search for information through a
library rather than on the net.

B-38 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
Moody librarians! Insufficient books on certain topics 40 Australia
books are old and not in good condition. 42 Australia
library card computer glitches 42 Australia
having to actually go there have to be a member 43 Australia
kids slow 43 Australia
Perceived as a hidebound and stuffy entity where silence is
golden. Large institution which can be somewhat intimidating 43 Australia
for poeple who are not confidant with learning or exploring.
College
Time consuming Materials can sometimes be outdated 43 Australia
undergraduate
books tend to be out of date or, if current, are checked out. not
44 Australia
enough IT
Library is not in my own home, I have to travel to it. Sometimes
the books get tatty because of the number of readers. Have to 44 Australia
remember how to find reference books.
Austerity and inability to rapidly find information. 45 Australia
rude attendants and slow service. 47 Australia
dusty have to search for info 50 Australia
Libaries want to realize that ther are a lot of adult readers out
there and we wantto see more adult books (not porn) balance
50 Australia
the children's setion and the adults section more evenly oldies
like a good book too
not enough disabled parking 50 Australia
Cataloguing - where is the information? Is it all in one place or
is it scattered? Parameters for determining scope - breadth and 51 Australia
depth - of the collection.
must physically attend,less comfortable than home 51 Australia
You have to leave home to get your book without guarantees
thet you will find what you want. why go to the library when you 51 Australia
can get the Information from the comfort of your own home.
1. not as accessible as the internet 2. holdings can be limited
so, while they have many books I wouldn't otherwise find, they 52 Australia
also miss many I would like to borrow.
Don't know where anything is anymore. The staff are too busy
53 Australia
to help.
have to travel to library as apposed to searching the net 55 Australia
Having to go there if it's a rainy day. Time consuming 55 Australia
Having to return the books within a certain time frame; not
finding what I am looking for when I don't have a lot of time to 55 Australia
spare
A librarian who does not know the libraries resources. The
inability to keep resonably up to date with the latest 56 Australia
information and resources.
sometimes you need to re-borrow the book because lending
time too short. Not enough care taken (sometimes) to keep 56 Australia
books in top condition.
FINES LACK OF VARIETY IN DVD 57 Australia
only one - some staff are not as well informed as others 57 Australia
Restrictions in hours online tends to be USA influenced 57 Australia
snooty librarians difficulty finding books (out of order) 58 Australia
No conversations allowed with companions. 59 Australia
Difficulty in getting the reading matter you require. CLosed atfer
61 Australia
hours.
1.require help to find what i need 62 Australia
ADULTS SHOULD BE PAYING TO USE. TOO HARD TO GET TO. 62 Australia
musty underfunded 62 Australia
Inflexibility of systems and staff. Physical difficulties of access. 65 Australia
sometimes the way the staff speak to you not enought time if
66 Australia
you need to use the computer in library
Not sufficient internet connections. Online Authers should be
70 Australia
split into sections for ease of access.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-39

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
Accessibility and less need to visit because data more easily
81 Australia
available electronically
you have to drive to go get your books and you have to drive
14 Canada High school
back to return your books
Doesn't always have what I need Material can take a while to
16 Canada High school
come in from another place
College
books not being in. no access to needed resources 19 Canada
undergraduate
you have to go there and sift through lots of books to possibly
find what you are looking for. you have a deadline to return the 21 Canada
books.
College
book already signed out Bad hours 23 Canada
undergraduate
There are so many books that I do not know where to start We
do not know who had the book before and do not know weither 23 Canada
or not the person was sick, sort of like handeling money
College post
just plain boring too much searhing for your information 26 Canada
graduate
Time consuming Don't always fid what you are looking for 26 Canada
you are boring if you go there It's not a fast way to find what
26 Canada
you need
Bad hours lack of up to date info 27 Canada
First i live in a small town, and the library don't get a lot of new
a books esch month. Second: the only have 2 computer with
internet acces. Sometimes when i got ther the computer are 29 Canada
already taken so i have to wait 30 minutes to have a chance to
use one
not to much help, you feel like you should know how it all
works and if you don't they sometimes don't seem to want to
30 Canada
help you. To quiet, sometimes you have to work in groups and
you always feel like you can't talk
Don't always have the resources to acquire the most up to date
31 Canada
material. Not always open when I need it.
a lot of manual work to get specifically what you need overdue
32 Canada
fines
Stuffy Old books 32 Canada
someone has my library card from a purse theft. 33 Canada
Forgetting to bring back books on time. Having to be so quiet. 35 Canada
Librarians not always aware of their own collections (mainly the
35 Canada
electronic resources). Resources not always current.
You have to make a special trip to go. You have to go out of
your way. Sometimes books ar eout and reserved for long 35 Canada
periods of time delaying access to materials.
1-Limited hours 2-Distance to travel to get to it 36 Canada
Government, late fees. 37 Canada
low tech 38 Canada
reference books are not accessible at home ie cannot be taken
out of the library. too many people around with germs and College post
38 Canada
handling of books and items (I have a weakened immune graduate
system so this is a major issue)
hours are not always convenient sometimes hard to find what
39 Canada
you're looking for
you have to go though alot of books to find the information 40 Canada
Many people think that computers are replacing the need for
libraries and books and that libraries are oldfashioned and
people would rather read books and magazines and
41 Canada
newspapers online. Only nerds, intellectuals and dull people
go to libraries, according to some people. They think it is not
cool to be seen there.
Something about libraries, bookstores and video stores gives
42 Canada
me vertigo. Can't think of anything else negative, sorry

B-40 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
making the trip to the library parking ease of use 43 Canada
Fines Waiting lists 44 Canada
College post
slower access to information restricted hours of access 44 Canada
graduate
cost of transportation to get to the library return deadlines/over
45 Canada
due fees
having to wait till the book or movie is avalible having to have
46 Canada
the items back by a certain date
1--requires travel 2--short rental periods 47 Canada
always busy.(computers not available,books already out etc).
47 Canada
most of the books are old and out of date.
Books not being there when you need them. People just sitting
47 Canada
in there taking up valuable space and time.
College post
uptight librarians many rules 47 Canada
graduate
sometimes you don't have enough time to read the book. not
48 Canada
accessible 24/7
INFORMATION NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE,BOOKS NOT UPDATED College post
49 Canada
REGULARLY graduate
College post
overdue costs short due dates 49 Canada
graduate
crowded unsavory clientelle in some cases 50 Canada
limited by funding 50 Canada
Sometimes can be slow and tedious trying to find the
50 Canada
information you need.
Good libraries are never close enough. Trying to find the
51 Canada
material available
getting there returning books on time 52 Canada
Sour people to deal with. 52 Canada
do not know how to look up information 53 Canada
complex hard to find inormation 54 Canada
Where I live it cost a yearly fee to possess a library card and it
55 Canada
is cumbersome to get there.
ease of finding material in books relaxing 57 Canada
I don't like to go out to get books I want I get overwhelmed by
58 Canada
the coice
Very often research type information is very outdated. There is
not enough money to allow the libraries to have all the 58 Canada
materials they need.
paying fines not nough computers 61 Canada
Waiting in line for computer use 66 Canada
unable to remove some reference texts out of the library 69 Canada
bias in selection of materials. political or cultural censorship 79 Canada
Formal environment Time and distance to physically reach 25 India
1)Card based rule 2)Might not contain all the latest
27 India
information.
books may not be available at all the times 30 India
have to return the books on time you have look for information
31 India
yourself
1. lack of latest infromation. 2. Some books available in
libraries are only provided to the members only for reading 35 India
purpose instead of keeping records etc.
Crowded often Materials wanted may not be available, College post
35 India
necessitates weeks-long wait in some cases graduate
diffocult to mainain needs professional to maintain 37 India
time consumed on research & restrictions 39 India
To have to go to the library Registration process 43 India
too many books, discipline 44 India
too crowded, poorly lit atmosphere 48 India
1. Time consuming 2. Cumbersome to locate information 51 India
at times too many people too much of talking 51 India

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-41

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
non-Availability on time ineffective library management 51 India
One feels tired,boring,time consuming - if the information
needed is not exhaustive. sometimes you do not get 54 India
information that is required.
sometimes not getting the books you want,if you have to
54 India
search for an author
to travel long distance not to get what i want 54 India
At times you have to wait along time to get a book on particular
55 India
subject. Its avialable for a short duration
limited sources 56 India
noisy fellow readers messy cupboards 61 India
too crowded; not enough books /info available 66 India
Sometimes out of date & too many users at a point of time 71 India
a place to burn time 16 Singapore High school
old and used books 23 Singapore
College
really old old books. 24 Singapore
undergraduate
a fee required to search for newspaper articles/elctronic
27 Singapore
journals in the net
Pay for late return of books Do not always have the book you
28 Singapore
want
difficult to search books often unavailable 30 Singapore
1)The borrowing duration is too short 2)Limited 24 hours book
31 Singapore
drop service
response is slow 32 Singapore
A geek Dull 34 Singapore
If internet line is down can't source anything Slow retrieval 34 Singapore
Too many people; need to physically go to the library. 34 Singapore
location - must take train to library. out-of-stock / out-dated
35 Singapore
books
materials too old, out-of-date loan period too short 35 Singapore
Not enough resource available for people to use Too many College post
35 Singapore
people contributing to the noise pollution graduate
1. Online checking sometimes not accurate. 2. Not enough
37 Singapore
resources
Troublesome to go to library to get info 37 Singapore
difficult to find exact source difficult to go to the physical
40 Singapore
library
need to pay fees to gain access to books/articles/journals only College post
40 Singapore
extract of books are available graduate
looking for the right source of information time constraints 44 Singapore
uncomfortable seats. hardly any cafe for a hot drink or
44 Singapore
refreshment.
boring,quiet 46 Singapore
unable to get latest materials/books ie have to queue to get
46 Singapore
popular books/reference books are normally not well kept
TOO MANY HOURS SPENT IN FIND THE INFORMATION 47 Singapore
we get to pay charges to renew the same book. Many books
48 Singapore
have the pages torn out, esp. the good recipes.
You arent allowed to talk haha You have to have a library card
16 U.K.
to be able to take the books out
Annoying librarians Out dated facilities 17 U.K. High school
You cant eat, drink, or smoke in most libraries Overdue fines
17 U.K.
Having to return the book
Old, dirty, out-of-date books Attitude that THEY are doing YOU a
College
favour by gracing you with their presence, when its YOUR tax 17 U.K.
undergraduate
pounds/dollars etc. that are paying THEIR wages
people regard it as a boring place too much of a chore to go
19 U.K.
there when you can get the book off the net
stuffy moody librarian 20 U.K.

B-42 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
you have to get up and go! Not always the information you
20 U.K.
need as books may be out on loan.
books tend to be shabby, librarians tend to be bad tempered 21 U.K.
To far away, Hard to find things 21 U.K.
crowds and noise- queues for using computers- dirty torn College
22 U.K.
books- books out of stock already loaned undergraduate
too far away .....and erm pass 22 U.K.
The book you want is not always there. You have to pay to order
22 U.K.
a book in specially.
old-fashioned, not as accesible as the internet 23 U.K.
Lots of info to go through Not located convieniently 23 U.K.
never have the book you want unfriendly staff 23 U.K.
the silence rule no libarys have toilets and you can guarentee
25 U.K.
that everytime I walk into the libary, i need to go!
too busy sense of elitism about being a member 25 U.K.
too quiet 25 U.K.
not 'cool' to go to the library its for old people 26 U.K.
The book you want many not be in Condition of books may be
26 U.K.
poor
Boring Opening hours are not suited to my study style 26 U.K.
forgetting to return books on time opening hours 26 U.K.
paying fines for late books boring 27 U.K.
College
Not many people to give advice 28 U.K.
undergraduate
1) its not always possible to take books back by due date 2)
because of hours of buisness its not always possible to browse 29 U.K.
at will
very hard to find the information you need or book looking for
29 U.K.
atmosphere is not very inviting very cold and quiet
OLD FASHIONED TOO QUIET 29 U.K.
outdated/old books/that goes for my local library anyway// 30 U.K.
time limits not a wide enough choice of books 30 U.K.
not having enough computers 31 U.K.
not easy to search old fashioned 31 U.K.
reminders and fines books not being available 33 U.K.
very boring and should be closed thus saving the tax payer 33 U.K.
only 3 books at a time don,t get the books long enough the
33 U.K.
book you want is never there
Our local one is a bit small and dated. Sometime can't find or
33 U.K.
don't have what you're looking for.
Boring Quiet 34 U.K.
Tatty old books. Creeping around in case you make a noise and
34 U.K.
annoy the regulars.
stuffy and boring enviroment too quiet to learn in. 34 U.K.
too quiet, not always able to find info you want 34 U.K.
Poor selection of books Inconvenient opening hours 34 U.K.
some sites have to pay 35 U.K.
not welcoming slow to find info 35 U.K.
a large number of books are outdated fees 35 U.K.
going out to look for what you need books already being used
35 U.K.
by other people
i forget to return books on time not easy for me to get to 36 U.K.
not very child freindly stuffy 36 U.K.
limited choice of books not always uptodate books 37 U.K.
Too much info 37 U.K.
Can be perceived to be: 1) stuffy 2) Haughty 37 U.K.
mingers in there wasting time sheltering from the weather 37 U.K.
Old Fashioned Boring 37 U.K.
finding time to visit fines!!! 38 U.K.
NOT ENOUGH TIME WITH BOOKS, OPENNING HOURS 38 U.K.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-43

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
doesn't have classics on shelves(tho are availabe in storage)
39 U.K.
sometimes lack of knowledge of staff
Unfriendly staff, having to wait a long time for a book or do not
College
have it in any library and have to wait for them to get a loan 40 U.K.
undergraduate
from outside the area.
taking books back fines for late return 41 U.K.
Opening times Having to book to use internet facilities 41 U.K.
Customer service leaves a lot to be desired in my local library.
Too many 'Local' libraries have been closed cutting down on 42 U.K.
accessibility.
oppressive rude staff 42 U.K.
Boring Hard to find information 42 U.K.
accessibility quiet 43 U.K.
poor state it's kept in limited resources 43 U.K.
unhelpful staff huge size 43 U.K.
Opening Hours May not have book/s in stock that I would be
44 U.K.
looking for.
Not sure where to look or find what I was looking for 46 U.K.
Hours of opening Finding what you want 47 U.K.
not having item you want having to renew subscription 47 U.K.
not the right materials 49 U.K.
boring,oldfashined 49 U.K.
Assistants not always helpful. Too short a time limit on
50 U.K.
borrowing.
Internet not always available Staff not up to date with
50 U.K.
technology
to quiet impolite staff 50 U.K.
time constraint on computer use time to reach library 51 U.K.
finding time to use it finding the right words to start search 51 U.K.
Limited stock. Dated, i.e. not up to date. 51 U.K.
sometimes have to order what i want not open late i.e. after
52 U.K.
work
used books could carry diseases ---- 52 U.K.
Difficulty in parking. Not always convenient opening times 52 U.K.
Distance from home Not open long enough 52 U.K.
Inconvenient if you want the information immediately Not a
53 U.K.
good atmosphere, too sombre
fines pages missing 54 U.K.
HAVE TO TRAVEL HAVING TO SEARCH 54 U.K.
Due dates -- hate having to feel rushed if I haven't had time to
54 U.K.
finish reading/researching.
Opening hours of library having to order in books from other
54 U.K.
branches when you need them now
Time you have to wait for specialist or more abstruse
information Dumb librarians - they tend to be well-versed in 55 U.K.
'Arty' subjects but know nothing about scientific topics
Costs money if late returning books. Also costs money for
55 U.K.
some services.
Opening hours, I sleep very little Accessibility - library some
55 U.K.
distance away
Too many books to look through. Not open at all the right
55 U.K.
times.
Boring dull 56 U.K.
The silence was thick. Not necessarily conducive to welcoming
56 U.K.
atmosphere. It is a long time since I used a public library.
there is no toilet in my library so getting information must be
57 U.K.
quick there needs to be more seats for the disabled
not being able to find info required not always open when
57 U.K.
needed
Small libraries don't always have the books required. Opening
57 U.K.
hours for working people.

B-44 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
fines queues 58 U.K.
poor parking facilities at most libraries. quite a lot of books in
58 U.K.
poor condition
queues locating information needed 58 U.K.
am disabled, and difficult to park 60 U.K.
Can have a small selection of reference books May have to wait
60 U.K.
for books
HAVE TO LEAVE THE HOME TO GET THIS INFORMATION 60 U.K.
sometimes find it hard to find something I am looking for red
61 U.K.
tape.
Usually situated in town centres - hence car parking charges.
65 U.K.
Limited opening hours
Lack of funds in our area to purchase new books. 66 U.K.
Lack of proper funding leads to: failure to keep stock up to date
66 U.K.
and relevant to local need
No means of accessing high shelves if small in stature 67 U.K.
1. required information not always easy to locate. 2.
68 U.K.
information etc not always up to date.
Too far from were I live. 69 U.K.
none 71 U.K.
Slow Remote 71 U.K.
because of cost-cutting shorter opening hours and less stock 72 U.K.
when information not available it can take a long time to obtain
80 U.K.
books from other sourses some staff very abrupt
boring complicated 14 U.S. High school
Only for nerds. Bums go there to keep warm. 15 U.S. High school
sometimes hard to find info and not as quick as the internet 15 U.S. High school
-when the book you want has been checked out -librarians
15 U.S. High school
aren't always the most considerate people
you have to have a membership you have to have the books
15 U.S. High school
back in short periods of time
policy drivenness 16 U.S. High school
Researching for school papers Broken down computers 16 U.S. High school
sometimes too much information 16 U.S. High school
the stereotypical librarian, the concept that books are
16 U.S. High school
unintresting
Uncool Nerdy 16 U.S. High school
Unqualified libriarians. Complicated search services. 16 U.S. High school
BORING!! No fun in library! 17 U.S.
fines, impatient librarians 17 U.S. High school
Musty Book Smell A Mean libranian 17 U.S. High school
old people, old books, fines, outdated information, archaic
17 U.S. High school
research tool
Only losers go to libraries Going to a library for research is
17 U.S. High school
outdated
overdue fines homeless people like to stay there sometimes 17 U.S. High school
College
Rude librarians Limited resources 17 U.S.
undergraduate
Confusing arrangements (Library of Congress system of College
18 U.S.
organization) Not being open 24 hours a day undergraduate
You must be extremely quiet. A lot of people don't like College
18 U.S.
librarians. undergraduate
College
musty atmosphere overwhelming row upon row of books 19 U.S.
undergraduate
College
too quiet, limited selection of books 19 U.S.
undergraduate
when they are open late fees for books that most people do not College
19 U.S.
check out or have not been checked out in years undergraduate
Books not always available, sporadic and incomplete
College
collections of series of books, often mistreated and therefore 20 U.S.
undergraduate
disgruntled staff members.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-45

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
clostrophobic, overwhelming number of places to look for
20 U.S.
information
computer technology might be outdated needed materials are
20 U.S.
not always on-hand
sometimes difficult to find information because there is so
College
much of it, sometimes too quiet and that's more distracting 20 U.S.
undergraduate
than noise
College
Dull Time consuming (looking for books) 21 U.S.
undergraduate
Fines Hassle of keeping card 21 U.S.
May not have what you need, not open 24 hours 21 U.S.
Overdue fees Having to wait for a librarian 21 U.S.
Sometimes it is very hard to find the books. Sometimes it is College
21 U.S.
difficult to find someome to help. undergraduate
not enough internet control...anyone could go look at porn
22 U.S.
usually there aren't friendly people working in the library
Not enough librarians; Not enough instructions on how to find College
22 U.S.
books/use resources undergraduate
Our library is old and crappy. The workers are cranky 22 U.S.
Slow reserve response. Limited selections. 22 U.S.
College
antiquated, physical 23 U.S.
undergraduate
Can be overwelming to find what you need in a big library, but
23 U.S.
small libraries may not have as wide a selection overdue fines
College
government offices homeless sleep in back aisles 23 U.S.
undergraduate
My taxes keep going up. I think they make the buildings fancier
24 U.S.
than they need to be.
too quiet, maybe outdated 24 U.S.
You have to pay if you do not live in the city 24 U.S.
sometimes outdated materials what you want isn't always in
25 U.S.
stock
ridiculous fees for out-of-city-limits patrons rude library staff 28 U.S.
You have to travel there You have to be quiet 28 U.S.
College
dewey decimal system overdue fines 32 U.S.
undergraduate
books aren't always available traffic 35 U.S.
liberal bias unfriendly librarians 35 U.S.
The online card catalogues are harder to use, they tend to be
ambigious about what library actually has the book you are
looking up - they do not make it clear whether it is the library
35 U.S.
you are standing in, or a sister library. The librarians are not
tech-savy, in my recent experience, and are easily frustrated
with questions.
Looking and reading an entire book takes too long when the
specific information can be gained online in a matter of 38 U.S.
minutes. Cross referencing takes a lot of time and effort.
Out dated materials and limited number of materials 38 U.S.
Libraries here will start charging for internet. CONSTANT CUTS
41 U.S.
OF OPEN HOURS and funding for new materials.
libraries shrinking due to lack of funding no money to update
41 U.S.
materials
homeless people bad bathrooms 43 U.S.
Nothing negative about a library. It just can't compete with
individuals using computers to get information. The trip to the
43 U.S.
computer is a few seconds, where the trip to the library is
measured in minutes.
Not convenient for fast searches. 46 U.S.
Libraries' books may be old and out-of-date. People who go
47 U.S.
there for free internet access tie up resources for others.

B-46 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Geographic Student
Q812b: Negative associations with library. Age Region Status
homeland security monitoring library use government cuts in
48 U.S.
library funding
waiting line travel time 49 U.S.
unfiltered sites for children unsupervised computer usage for
56 U.S.
children
HAVING TO LEAVE THE HOUSE NOT HAVING WHAT I NEED 61 U.S.
Grumpy libraians lack of resourses 65 U.S.
Looking for jobs on there web sites. Trying to write cover letters
65 U.S.
on there computers.
Dificult in getting a computer to use. Some reference books
66 U.S.
can't be checked out.
our library system has no money to buy new books or materials
66 U.S.
they need more computers for the public to use
high taxes buracracy 68 U.S.
Now I would find it very difficult to have to travel to a library for
information every time I wanted it. Being able to access
information from my home with my computer, makes it
possible for me to find information I want - whenever I want to 68 U.S.
without needing time away from my responsibilities at home. I
am caregiver to my elderly, ill mother...and would not have the
freedom of going to a library at this time.
Was given the site, for home use, and it crashed my computer,
and I can no longer access it from home. Having to wait for
items either from State information exchange, sometimes 68 U.S.
having to wait for months. By then I've forgotten about what I
needed, or I found it elsewhere.
Waste money;they never have enough.The budget tripled in
68 U.S.
one year when the went on puplic money.
YUCK...WE HAVE TO PAY $25.OO A YEAR AS MILLIAGE WAS
68 U.S.
TURNED DOWN NOT ENOUGH COMPUTERS FOR EVERYONE
Average person is not informed enough to be able to research
69 U.S.
info through card files.
Was only allowed on their computer for 30 min. Ours needs
69 U.S.
more computers.
I am handicapped and access is very limited to our library. The
ramp is too steep for me to wheel my chair up myself Books 70 U.S.
are too high up for me to reach
When they can't find a book If they don't have what I want 70 U.S.
Dewey system can be hard to navigate. Also the internet has
71 U.S.
now put all the librarys of the world ay your fingertips
Not convenient as computer i/e hours, distance Unwillingness
73 U.S.
of staff to help with problems
1. Has become a haven for the homeless 2. Card/computer
75 U.S.
files not always up to date.
1. State funding always much less than needed so attempts to
overcome the shortages of funds make them pander, at times
78 U.S.
(maybe) 2. Shortened hours and too few books by desirable
writers (due to fundngs lack)
card system replaced by computers. not always
79 U.S.
someone there to help find books.
Poor quality of audiobooks. 79 U.S.
I always have to ask information about where to look for the
information I need. It is too difficult to find it by myself,
80 U.S.
because there is so much information....I could waste toomuch
time looking for it.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-47

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one

piece of advice for your library, what would it be?
Note: All verbatim comments are presented as entered by survey respondents, including spelling, grammatical
and punctuation errors.

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Have less rules about restricting what you can/can't do - what times
you are allowed to visit, not allowed to listen to music through MP3
17 Australia High school
player/computer, even if you are listening with headphones etc.
They seem to be of the belief that having fun is bad.
Needs a more broad range of things, such as Audio Books and
17 Australia
Comic books. Also needs more up to date books, new releases.
To stay as you are there is always someone there to help when
17 Australia High school
its needed.
don't charge for putting books on hold adn let the public College
18 Australia
request new books undergraduate
College
needs more computers 18 Australia
undergraduate
Review the current search catalog system as it is hard to find College
18 Australia
material relevent to the topic you search for. undergraduate
classify databases according to faculty. improve the search
function of databases. improve signage/layout. extend the size College
19 Australia
of the room for group meetings (quiet talking and food and undergraduate
drinks allowed)
College
good work 19 Australia
undergraduate
College post
Provide more scientific and skeptical books. 20 Australia
graduate
ADVERTISE ON THE T.V OR HAVE ADDS ON THE INTERNET. I
THINK SOMEPEOPLE ARE ABIT BUSY AND FORGET ABOUT
22 Australia
LIBRARY'S SO IF YOU REMIND PPL BY DOING THIS THEN YOU
WILL GET MORE PPL IN.
more librARIANS WHO NOW WAT THEY R DOING 22 Australia
Get better digital and audio/visual facilities. 24 Australia
Give people a reason to go there, rather than use the internet at home. 25 Australia
make library more accesssible online for off campus students 25 Australia
transfer more paper based information into digital format.
25 Australia
Everything current is, but stuff from 5 or so years ago isnt
Keep keeping up! You are an invaluable resource/facility in the
community. Without you, many people's opportunity/desire to College
26 Australia
learn & develop would be greatly diminished (think Billy undergraduate
Connelly & Michael Caine's love of libraries)
A better selection of Audio Books (recent and older books) 27 Australia
College
keep up the good job 27 Australia
undergraduate
improve signage. just having a sign with dewy numbers
28 Australia
hanging from the ceiling is not enough.
easy to read maps available so if you know the section you College post
29 Australia
need you can get there without asking for help graduate
Electronic access for all journals would be very useful to part time College post
29 Australia
students that can't neccessarily cone in during opening hours graduate
Make it more inviting,especially to children. 29 Australia

B-48 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
College post
open 24 hrs 29 Australia
graduate
friendlier staff 30 Australia
Just keep meeting the publics needs 30 Australia
get more computers so more people can be online 32 Australia
a cafe would be nice 33 Australia
Try to get more funding to upgrade and expand 33 Australia
Provide more online help for your online borrowing procedure. 35 Australia
make it fun! 36 Australia
A quiet reading area perhaps an upstairs area or a closed in
area, and the childrens area needs to be brightened up and
37 Australia
picket fenced so to speak so it is just for them a happy place to
be
having enough staff to support kids when then are there for
research, sometimes they have to wait and in some cases 37 Australia
leave
a more current dvd and video library 38 Australia
Fewer crappy romance novels, less new age crystal, shakra,
38 Australia
spiritual junk and more non-fiction.
more personal interaction between staff and clients 39 Australia
improve collection of dvds/videos 39 Australia
in a perfect world with better funding, some research materials
39 Australia
could be more up to date!
lighten up, make it comfortable and inviting for people. 39 Australia
liven up the place 39 Australia
Remain open after people finish work. 39 Australia
Separate the childrens area from the main area a little more to
ensure that the childrens noise doesn't disturb the other users 39 Australia
of the library
Ditch the paper notification of book availability and replace
40 Australia
with e-mail.
Layout of the library should be more lifestyle based and user
friendly. It should offer its patrons the wow factor from the
instance you walk in the door that this is the place you want to
40 Australia
be in and have the comfort and ease to locate what you are
after and feel at home and want to spend time there, quality
and quantity.
Relocate to a shopping centre so people don't have to go out of
40 Australia
there way to get to you....lazy society that we are
To be more pro active in helping people research and gain
40 Australia
information
be more friendly 41 Australia
close while you still have a last gasping breath 41 Australia
identify peoples needs, instead of thinking of a solution to a
41 Australia
problem when the problem has not yet been properly identified
keep referance books upto date 41 Australia
NOT SURE,JUST ITS A GOOD PLACE TO SIT AND RELAX AND READ
BOOKS AND ALSO TO SIT AND CHAT TO FREINDS,WHILE 41 Australia
READING BOOKS.
Look after the local community and less fortunate a bit better -
include them a bit to promote education and literacy in the 42 Australia
community
Make it a quiet place and get rid of places where discussions
42 Australia
can take place- it's too hard to concentrate around talkers.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-49

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Books are the heart of a library, so don't cut down on their
43 Australia
numbers please.
Not to library but to those who fund it that we need more College
43 Australia
money put into purchasing more books undergraduate
keep smiling 44 Australia
Please continue the great service and make internet free. Also;
do not let local government close you down. Although
44 Australia
sometimes usage may seem low it is still vital that libraries
remain an available free source of information.
Provide a more homey atmosphere. Comfortable chairs. Make
44 Australia
the librarians more approachable/friendly
easier checkout facilites 45 Australia
happy with liabry 45 Australia
Increase the appeal to middle aged customers .. 45 Australia
Provide more sophisticated books. 45 Australia
Every library should have 'Chinese Language' section. 46 Australia

Keep up to date information and books 46 Australia

be more promt with help to visitors,be more happier less rude. 47 Australia
extend opening hours 47 Australia
Keep doing what you are doing. 47 Australia
modenise 47 Australia
provide more staff 49 Australia
Get more librarian help for the students 50 Australia
have longer hours 50 Australia
It could be a bit more accessible for independent use by College post
50 Australia
mobility impaired users graduate
Retain good customer service with qualified staff 52 Australia
centralize and provide a wider selection at a larger more
53 Australia
comfortable location big enough to support the demand
Open longer hours to cater for people who would like to visit
53 Australia
after 5pm
redecorate 53 Australia
should promote community access - most people don't know
53 Australia
about it
To have more top American fiction available 53 Australia
when they collect authors make sure they have the whole
series as it is very frustrating to start reading a series and find 54 Australia
they are not all their in order..
Maeket more to the socially disadvantaged. 55 Australia
Smile more 56 Australia
Wake up to what people have been telling them about some of
56 Australia
their staff
Get mor info on line 57 Australia
lighten up! get some humour, create more interest/reason for
57 Australia
people to come here.
Have friendly staff who explain how the library works/is laid
58 Australia
out to anyone who seems unfamiliar with libraries
Provide an area for conversations 59 Australia
Things are changing there is a new bank in our local
communitee - Think about providing this small town wih its 59 Australia
own resource Library AGAIN.

B-50 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
When requesting a book be held that the library phones when
59 Australia
it is in
ORDER XTRA COPIES OF POPULAR TOPICS 60 Australia
Provide more powerful lighting 61 Australia
CLEAN UP IT IS ALL TO MESSY 62 Australia
catch up with modern times 63 Australia
Continue to provide for the range of people in the community 63 Australia
Provide parking area nearby with handicap space . 64 Australia
Communicate constantly their features & benefits to help
65 Australia
shape Australians and Australia.
provide more parking spaces 66 Australia
duplicate the more popular items 68 Australia
I am happy as things are 68 Australia
Expand existing computer facilities to suit the new electonic
savy younger generation while encouraging elder citizens to 71 Australia
become familier with simple electronic processing.
Hire more young people 15 Canada High school
Ask the librarian if you can't find a book. 16 Canada High school
get books from this century!!! 16 Canada High school
A smile goes a long way. The environment, including the
18 Canada High school
friendliness of the staff, makes a difference for me.
let us eat and drink in the library..or at least designated study College
19 Canada
areas.instead of no food or drink at all anywhere undergraduate
easier method to find material 20 Canada
Get books that appeal more to a younger generation (20's-
20 Canada
30's).
College
Be easier to use 21 Canada
undergraduate
BE FRIENDLIER!! 24 Canada
be better organized 25 Canada
better hours open, being closed on sunday afternoons is
stupid since so many students doing research need that time 25 Canada
to find information, and are turned away
if thier doing events they need to adverize it more, ive never
25 Canada
seen any program or poster in the community about the libary
bring down the cost of library membership. $10 seems a bit
26 Canada
high to the general public...
Don't shut down for 6 months for renevations. 26 Canada
allow people to borrow books longer 28 Canada
library is a very good place to study and do research. 28 Canada
To have the resources made easier for people to use. I find that
it is extremely hard to find what you are looking for without the 28 Canada
assistance of the librarian.
Hire people who really want to be there and will be friendly and College
29 Canada
readily available to help students who ask for help. undergraduate
Allow coffee inside! 30 Canada
don't let publishing companys tell you what to stock, listen to
30 Canada
what your members want
make it easier to find the information by yourself 30 Canada
None, they are great 30 Canada

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-51

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
find out what your patrons are looking for and try to keep the
31 Canada
items as up-to-date as possible.
Extend your hours (especially on weekends) 32 Canada
I am currently very satisfied with the services offered at my
32 Canada
library.
make yourself and your services known to the local commnity,
33 Canada
make the community WANT to come to the library
This is only a small library. They need newer books and more
34 Canada
books.
a card that doesn't expire, a plastic card 35 Canada
Friendlier staff 35 Canada
free access to the internet currently you have to pay $1 per
37 Canada
half hr
Attract readers (children and parents) through increasing
38 Canada
number of best selling children books
Be more available 38 Canada
keep collections up to date 38 Canada
stop charging for groups to come in and rent space. be more
College post
accepting of all age groups and ethnic groups, not just special 38 Canada
graduate
interest groups who have money
I believe they do a great service to the community... so no
39 Canada
advice needed...except to please keep up the great work.
If it just provides internet services, I can get that at home.
Needs to advertise/inform that it has access to all of the most 40 Canada
up-to-date reliable research sources or can get them easily.
To update their technology so that they are current!! 40 Canada
Please keep more current books available and more foreign
newspapers and magazines. Today's reading public come
from all parts of the world. They would like to read news about 41 Canada
their country in their own language and from their own
newspapers and magazines.
longer hours restrict computer time so that people other than
42 Canada
the kids who have suddenly appeared can access them.
Post the hours the library is open in the local newspaper. 42 Canada
Arrange seating so students can NOT sit in clusters and College post
44 Canada
socialize. Library is for studying, not socializing. graduate
Be more VISIBLE! Make email lists apparent and available.
There are always classes and thing i find interesting but i
44 Canada
NEVER find out about them until they are full. Have a electronic
bulletin board -- not for discussion -- but for anouncements.
More comfortable seating. More attractions for adults, it is
44 Canada
great for children!
make a seperate are for kids because they make too much
45 Canada
noice
Need a more well-lit, sunny and bright environment. The
45 Canada
library is too dark and cold.
provide a coffe/snack shop so a person can read, relax and
45 Canada
have a treat
The library that I visited last year and is close to my home has
now desided to exclude us from their usage, because of town
boundaries. We would have to pay about 145.00 each to stay 45 Canada
a member of it. Now the library that we can us is about 30 km
away and is not convenient for us.
Turf out the present city council. Political support is
45 Canada
imperative.

B-52 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Make access to the online search engines much easier. Much
of the information I look for does not have enough of a
description to really decide whether it is good information,
especially if I have to do an interlibrary loan. Mostly the 46 Canada
descriptions are too vague. I do research for History, and I find
it hard to find 'primary' resources - I usually have to go online
for these.
The library in the town which I live in Ontario needs to provide
46 Canada
more English version books
brochures/pamphlets avaiable to let public know how much
47 Canada
information is available at the library and how to access it.
clean up a bit 47 Canada
great job but provide better cleaning services 47 Canada
have a more personnel touch besides a hum drum feeling. and
47 Canada
more casual feel and colour to the room.
Please keep the street people out in the winter months they
just come in to keep warm they don't read they just sit in chairs 47 Canada
by the window and look outside.
To get more up to date books and resources and make it easier
47 Canada
and faster to borrow from inter library loan
to make it available to outlying communities and not penalize
everyone in a certain community based on the actions of one 47 Canada
or two individuals.
Air filtration- its located above where the fire engines are
48 Canada
housed and the gas fumes bother me
Better signage to direct a new-comer 48 Canada
Provide more computers for the use of those unable to have
48 Canada
one of their own at home or the use of one at work or school
change the type of lighting to be less hard on the eyes 49 Canada
have more free computer classes 49 Canada
keep the doors open 49 Canada
be more pleasent to people. 50 Canada
Be open holiday hours. Maybe get relief employees. I know
your regular employees are probably union, and therefore
would want to take them as Stat days. Maybe at least do a 50 Canada
survey to se how many people would like to go to the library
during those off days.
carry on 50 Canada

keep up good work 50 Canada

Make it free access always. 50 Canada

secure more funding 50 Canada
Be more current 51 Canada
Less complicated electronic access 51 Canada
Have human/friendly librarians. 52 Canada
longer hours 52 Canada
i think that information on some subjects needs updating 53 Canada
have a little coffee shop 53 Canada
Purchase MORE Books. The population has grown so much
53 Canada
and the library budget has not!
relaxing atmosphere coupled with private setting. 53 Canada
To be honest some of the appeal is still remaining from my
childhood days. So try to keep some of the flavour from days 53 Canada
gone by.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-53

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
I really can't thing of anything,I think the public libraries
provide a very good service to the public-- but with using the
54 Canada
computer it makes it easier for me to find information I would
need on the internet without having to leave my home.
Knowlegeble Librarion, Easier to get the information required 54 Canada
more interest in illiteracy. 54 Canada
get more friendly employees 55 Canada
College post
more staff would be helpful 57 Canada
graduate
Ceep up the good work 58 Canada
My public library is very good and the people there are caring
and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, they need more space
and better resources as well as more books, dvds, etc. I 58 Canada
suppose they need to keep working to try to get the money to
support their initiatives.
Aim to become the one-stop-shopping, authoritative and
trustworthy source for infomation i.e the mother of all search 59 Canada
engines.
choose materials of broader interest 59 Canada
Obtain more current reading material 59 Canada
Smile and be more frendly 60 Canada
better access to free on -line information 61 Canada
Build a new more up to date building that is accessible to all 61 Canada
Hang in there! If govrnment
(municipal,provincial/state/federal) funding is cut back, take it
61 Canada
to the people. Libraries are too important to be left to
Governments!
More computers and more up to date books in my areas of
62 Canada
interest please
They seem to be doing a good job. 62 Canada
Lower the prices on library cards and up the late return
63 Canada
charges.
Have better access to printers when material is printed from
66 Canada
computer
keep curent on technical information and the latest books 67 Canada
Easier access. Parking is difficult and the number of students
71 Canada
using the Library has increased greatly.
More informal enviroment is needed 25 India
To bring out a library website with a whole lot of information.
free access to the internet. Bring about new Technologies.
Weekly career related programmes. Latest books, magazines 27 India
and various journals. Bring about CD based approach.
Intoduction of online systems
provide more books for indepth computer knowledge 30 India
Be Online and provide remote access from home 31 India
Allow more inter-library or inter-branch borrowing, charging College post
35 India
fees as required. graduate
be professional 37 India
there are certain educational materials for kids like ASK ME
39 India
WHY? which are missing and needs to be added
should be quieter, more serene, staff should be friendly 48 India
make use of all the services available well 51 India
increase the sitting space 54 India
make available all you have, online 54 India

B-54 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
expand opening hours 56 India
Maintenance and upkeep of the books to be improved. 62 India
Keep abreast with latest publications and buy regularly 66 India
You can still do better, there is always scope for improvement 66 India
have more information found in college libraries available. 16 Singapore High school
Change the computers, it's very slow in my opinion. 19 Singapore
More reading spaces. 20 Singapore
Get up to date 24 Singapore
College
newer books and magazines 24 Singapore
undergraduate
get more best sellers rather than keep concentrating on getting
26 Singapore
books that you think is fit for the library
Get better staff. 27 Singapore
provide more lockers 27 Singapore
Have more internet terminals 28 Singapore
They should lower the reservation fee, for example rebates for
every third reservation made, since they have made a tidy sum 28 Singapore
on fines.
Get more copies of current and classic bestsellers, then sell off
the books to reduce inventory when they are no longer in as 29 Singapore
high demand.
internet access at the snacl corners 29 Singapore
College post
there is nothing really much. 29 Singapore
graduate
more resources 31 Singapore
To extend the borrowing duration and to install more 24 hours
31 Singapore
book drop
to have more computers 31 Singapore
College post
more friendly user and interactive 32 Singapore
graduate
Beef up on knowledge about how to information and help
33 Singapore
customers
Lighten the place so that it won't give a dull feeling 34 Singapore
More talks and activities for children 34 Singapore
Organize more activities. 34 Singapore
College post
Setting up a physical library at major offices can be good. 35 Singapore
graduate
Focus on children 36 Singapore
Better search engines for books available in the library by: 1.
Alphabetical Name 2. Author Name 3. Book Name 4. Subject 37 Singapore
Name
OPENING TIMING SHOULD 24 HOURS OPERATION SO THAT CAN
37 Singapore
CATERS TO ALL USERS
Turn to be information provider over the net 37 Singapore
Allow free internet access 39 Singapore
Check the books in the children's section more frequently.
They can get pretty roughed up, and it's not nice to borrow a 39 Singapore
book to find that it's torn inside.
College post
environment should be conducive for visitors 40 Singapore
graduate
make reference books more available eg lending out and not
40 Singapore
simply restrict to in-house use.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-55

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
make the search for information more user friendly 42 Singapore
provide more full range of recipe book 42 Singapore
Extend hours. 46 Singapore
more new books esp the popular ones 46 Singapore
TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL
47 Singapore
FEEL COMPELLED TO VISIT.
free acess to internet 48 Singapore
Increase with more technical & Advance Information. 48 Singapore
Just find that some of the books I borrowed home msometimes
have an awful toxic smell. Can the library not stock up such
books? The good recipe books of local authors that are on sale
48 Singapore
in Spore are seldom available but werntern ones are plentiful,
how about stocking up more of the local ones since we are
after asians & no matter what would prefer more local dishes.
Keep it hip and modern 49 Singapore
Make the librarian friendlier. 16 U.K. High school
nothing really, i think that the library is good as long as you can
find the time to go in there, which unfortunately i don't have as 16 U.K.
I work full time
become more modern and fresh 17 U.K.
Get videos avaiable to hire 17 U.K. High school
Make everything more user friendly and geared to a younger
17 U.K. High school
generation
cafe 17 U.K.
keep up the good work 17 U.K.
College
Better environment 18 U.K.
undergraduate
try not to make the library seem like such an uptight space,
people tend to stay away from places that seem like no fun, try
19 U.K.
brightening up the library with colour and try not to have such
uptight staff
organise the books somehow - alphabetical, dewy desimal etc 19 U.K.
be nicer 21 U.K.
College
let students borrow books for more than 2 weeks 21 U.K.
undergraduate
Not to treat young people a less of a person then them. 21 U.K.
Get some realy comfortable, big armchairs chairs, so that College
22 U.K.
people can relax while they read undergraduate
College post
Train librarians to be more friendly and helpful 22 U.K.
graduate
The library is meant to be a quite place at all times - including
22 U.K.
children!
arrange the books in a more practical order 23 U.K.
be more patiencent and polite to people 23 U.K.
get new books in 26 U.K.
become more up to date - newer books and music 26 U.K.
extend opening hours 26 U.K.
open at more convenient times for people who work 26 U.K.
less strict on enforcing social restrictions eg silence 28 U.K.
make the atmosphere more inviting and not so clinical 29 U.K.
TO BE A BIT MORE MODERN IN DECOR 29 U.K.
could they be open at lunchtimes 30 U.K.

B-56 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Keep doing what you are doing 30 U.K.
get more computers 31 U.K.
provide drinks machine or snack vender encouraging people to
31 U.K.
stay longer
Update your computers and technology 31 U.K.
More of a cafe feel please 32 U.K.
more accessible car parking 32 U.K.
longer opening times 33 U.K.
increase the time for loans 33 U.K.
Promote yourselves in sholls and colleges to a higher degree 33 U.K.
Modernise and publicise more. 33 U.K.
Just keep young children interested in reading 34 U.K.
Get the staff to show some respect to lecturers! 34 U.K.
more up to date wider books available 35 U.K.
get a coffee shop and meeting room 36 U.K.
Oblige the council to provide bigger grants and interact more
37 U.K.
with the community you serve
don't charge fines....??!! 38 U.K.
NONE I LIKE IT THE WAY IT IS 38 U.K.
Please invest in more books and a better seating area 38 U.K.
less stuffy 40 U.K.
Keep up to date with information and services 41 U.K.
Keep up the good work 41 U.K.
don't chat behind the desk when i am waiting to hand books in
42 U.K.
or waiting to have them stamped to take home
be more up to date 43 U.K.
Update the dreary exteriors, I believe this is why people still
43 U.K.
think they are quiet, old fashioned places to be.
They are the experts 44 U.K.
advertise more to the public in the local papers 46 U.K.
Provide Parking for mums with todllers to encourage early
46 U.K.
reading and literacy
Advertise what is available to the public 46 U.K.
Push facilities better.Make people more aware 47 U.K.
Stop making it feel like a church 47 U.K.
better organisation, less clutter, at the moment everything is in
48 U.K.
disorder
modernise 48 U.K.
more new releases in fiction 49 U.K.
let's have free photocopying 49 U.K.
lighten up! 49 U.K.
make it more accessable 49 U.K.
advertise its services 50 U.K.
Helpful Staff..I like to read best sellers give an oppinion to my
readers club.....your staff cant provide the top ten list...I can 50 U.K.
find that on the internet..why should I use you?
lighten up 50 U.K.
Continue to cater only for the cultural needs of native English
51 U.K.
people.
maybe get some books in braile 51 U.K.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-57

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
To e-mail details of local events happening to any readers who
College
may be interested especially events happening in association 51 U.K.
undergraduate
with the library
Have a quiet room with no children allowed for study purposes. 51 U.K.
Have a beginers class for using the lbrary and computer
systems. Better prepared at the begining ensures better 51 U.K.
usage.
Be more friendly and welcoming 52 U.K.
Drag yourself into the present centuary!!! 52 U.K.
Ask them to increase the access to electronic journals remotly 52 U.K.
Please keep areas clean and tidy 52 U.K.
Better opening times 53 U.K.
ARRANGE A MORE FRIENDLY AREA TO SIT IN, RATHER THAN
53 U.K.
CHAIRS WHICH ARE TO LOW
Get online as a database and central major resource for
downloading digital books to ipods and other portable 54 U.K.
equipment as this is way of the future like it or not.
more helpful signs 54 U.K.
MORE SEATING 54 U.K.
A more flexible lending programme, particularly allowing
longer lending periods if the resource/book isn't being asked
54 U.K.
for by someone else. Perhaps a pre-booking/longer-term
service might be helpful.
have a coffee shop in it 54 U.K.
Get your reference collection onto the net 55 U.K.
Smile more 55 U.K.
become more accessible for people with visual impairment. 55 U.K.
Expand physically and extend hours 55 U.K.
To compete more with online technology. 55 U.K.
Become more modern and attractive with friendly staff!!! 56 U.K.
Keep up to date with current electronic developments. 56 U.K.
Libraries need to diversify to keep up with all modern
technologies. School libraries are inhibited by funding, very
56 U.K.
often. They should be warm and inviting places with colourful,
useful displays, engaging young people.
increase floor space! 57 U.K.
More late evening opening times 57 U.K.
keep up with modern trends 58 U.K.
Make it more welcoming 60 U.K.
improve customer service 60 U.K.
provide more in the way of internet access 60 U.K.
Be more flexible with the rules 60 U.K.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 60 U.K.
extend loan time 61 U.K.
Initiate a genealogy section 62 U.K.
better catalogue access 65 U.K.
Increase the stock of books and recycle them more often. 66 U.K.
Cannot fault our local library...no advice required! 66 U.K.
Provide more help to access high shelves, do not have very low
67 U.K.
shelves either.

B-58 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Research users' interests more and keep lists of latest
information (details , location, etc) so that if it does not have
68 U.K.
the required information, it can obtain it speedily from
elsewhere.
My public library is excellent and I would hesitate to offer any
advice, except perhaps to revert to the 'Dewey' system for ALL 69 U.K.
their books.
Our local library is excellent. Cannot think of any advice from
71 U.K.
me that would benefit them.
Make the library assistants more cheerful 71 U.K.
Put all fiction on shelves in alphabetical order of author names 71 U.K.
it needs more space, now too small for the incresed population
72 U.K.
in my area
Build a libary nearer to my home. 73 U.K.
the public are there to be served 80 U.K.
Advance the technology 15 U.S. High school
better security 15 U.S. High school
Don't require student ID's 15 U.S. High school
Expand your collection and get rid of the outdated books... 15 U.S. High school
Get even more books, and tell me wheather a website is
15 U.S. High school
creditable or not.
get your computer systems more up to date 15 U.S. High school
help out more 15 U.S. High school
Improve the web site more--I like the catalog, but if it could
reference some sort of rating system it would be even better--I
was looking at a new author today who has many books, and I
15 U.S. High school
had to go to an internet computer, check on amazon and see
which books were most highly recommended, and go back to
the catalog to see if they were available.
keep up the good work 15 U.S. High school
That more funds need to be spent in the library than on the
football team and that they need more books about things
15 U.S. High school
going on around us like romance novels and they even need
more reference books.
To allow more activities involved with all different age groups
15 U.S. High school
to be involved with the library
update-make it look newer and hipper. also some of the books
15 U.S. High school
are musty so that makes it smell bad
YOU WERE STUPID FOR MOVING THE LIBRARY OUT OF MY
15 U.S. High school
TOWN!
Advocate teen literacy and literary appreciation, rather than
16 U.S. High school
focusing solely on young children and adults.
Alert visitors when their book is close to overdue. And
automatically renew a book if there is no one else with that 16 U.S. High school
book on reservation.
be more attentive to other people. 16 U.S. High school
Be more hip. 16 U.S. High school
be more receptive to students looking for information 16 U.S. High school
don't shut down 16 U.S. High school
Encourage more funding, as best as you can. 16 U.S. High school
get a librarian that does not talk on her cell phone when a
16 U.S.
student needs help
get more current entertainment media, and get more
16 U.S. High school
indepth/specialised books

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-59

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Get some people who know about the books they're lending
16 U.S. High school
out.
Help reduce fines to encourage previously frequent readers to
16 U.S. High school
read again at their libraries
Keep up the good work, the staff is great. 16 U.S. High school
the librarian to lighten up and relax a little; i wish i could eat
lunch in there, that way i could do work and eat at the same 16 U.S. High school
time.
to execpt people without attitude 16 U.S. High school
to the librarians dont be so rude 16 U.S. High school
Try to hire more than just one librarian. This will make helping
16 U.S. High school
the students faster and easier.
try to make librarian more outgoing 16 U.S. High school
Update the computers and make more books accessible College
16 U.S.
outside rather than the hidden attic. undergraduate
update/new furniture 16 U.S. High school
A more lively and modern atmosphere. 17 U.S. High school
College
Acquire more diverse materials. 17 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Assistance should be more readily available. 17 U.S.
undergraduate
audio books on cd and educational dvds like documentarys
17 U.S.
are great!
automatic check-out 17 U.S. High school
be friendlier 17 U.S. High school
Be more open and supportive to members of the community
17 U.S. High school
you are in.
Don't get rid of older or more traditionally acceptable materials
(books, movies, music) in favor of new best selling things
College
which are often trashier and will not appeal to many people 17 U.S.
undergraduate
who go to a library as a source for finding relatively purer and
more intellectual resources.
Don't require the library card if the person has an account. 17 U.S. High school
escalators 17 U.S. High school
faster computers 17 U.S. High school
Get a place to watch DVD's and get some movies and cd's. 17 U.S. High school
help your librarians look friendly and helpful instead of College
17 U.S.
threatening and bored. undergraduate
Hire more cheerful workers (honestly, it seems as if they're just
waiting for five 'o clock to roll around so they can go home and 17 U.S.
kill themselves.)
I really think our library is well done. No complaints. 17 U.S. High school
I would tell them that they need to higher employees with
17 U.S. High school
positive attitudes who want to help people.
It needs to improve with online notification of due dates 17 U.S. High school
It would be to make sure librarians are more kind and more
17 U.S. High school
willing to help.
College
Keep truckin'. 17 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Make even the large research books available to check out. 17 U.S.
undergraduate
College
make it a cheerier place so people will want to come 17 U.S.
undergraduate
more staff 17 U.S. High school

B-60 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
organize the books more like the manner of a book store, it is
17 U.S. High school
more familiar
Reach out to the non-readers. 17 U.S. High school
relax a bit on the restrictions, provide a place for those working
17 U.S. High school
during their lunch to eat and work at the same time
stop charging customers to use certain services 17 U.S. High school
They could set up a coffee shop to compete with the 'hipness'
17 U.S. High school
of big chain book store companies
They need to have friendlier people working there. 17 U.S. High school
This is a hard question, being so involved with my library. I
think that there are too many rules for the teens, though. There
are around 20 rules posted in the Young Adult room, and that
is just ridiculous, not to mention overwhelming for the younger 17 U.S.
teens that go in there. They have energy levels to the stars, and
they are expected to be able to have the attention span to read
and actually follow those rules? Yeah right.
To be more friendly in assisting in research. 17 U.S. High school
To EXPAND!! The library is so small, and there aren't very many
books. I am afraid of finishing every book in the library and 17 U.S. High school
then where would I go?
Try to appeal to kids more. 17 U.S. High school
allow more equal opportunities for everyone to use the
facilities - do not allow one group to use it for 80% of the time,
18 U.S. High school
while the other 20% of the time the other 80% of students are
allowed to use it - especially computers
College
better lighting 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Better organization. 18 U.S.
undergraduate
College
Find a way to get more computers. 18 U.S.
undergraduate
Redecorate! This whole sleek, modern look is just ugly.
College
Libraries can keep up with technology without losing their 18 U.S.
undergraduate
charm.
They need to get their attitudes checked, and be friendly to
18 U.S.
people.
College
to be more nice to the age group of 13-16 year olds 18 U.S.
undergraduate
bring back the older books 19 U.S.
COntinue to support education and literacy among the
community. When supporting the backbone of the community College
19 U.S.
(education & literacy), don't be afraid to try new things and undergraduate
new methods.
College
do not charge for copies 19 U.S.
undergraduate
College
e-mail reminders warning when books are due 19 U.S.
undergraduate
College
keep it alive! 19 U.S.
undergraduate
My public library needs to expand its horizons and add more College
19 U.S.
books that appeal to more people. undergraduate
Nothing. I think that my college library is very well kept. They
College
have the latest information and technology and they have very 19 U.S.
undergraduate
helpful staff on hand.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-61

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Don't let people use their cell phones so close to where people College
20 U.S.
are studying. undergraduate
Don't make the shelves so high, because it makes me only College
20 U.S.
look at what is at my eye level. undergraduate
I judge a store by how soon the employees greet me. If I can
make it to the back of the store without a greeting, I leave. The
last time I was at the library, I tore up my card and gave it to the
20 U.S.
employee. No one ever greeted me and I was treated rude. I
bought a computer so I wouldn't have to go back. Be nice to
people and greet them.
stop worrying about being politically correct and make more
20 U.S.
books that arnt politically correct available
add more article databases 21 U.S.
Add more group study areas 21 U.S.
don't direct everyone to the card catalog....get up and help College
21 U.S.
them undergraduate
Get more comfortable seating and get rid of the 'no food and
College
drinks' policy so that people want to stay for longer periods of 21 U.S.
undergraduate
time at a stretch.
Have the workers more involoved with the students. For
example, I went in the other night and had trouble finding a
book. I went down and asked a group of workers, who were
might I add, just standing around talking, about helping me
College
find a book. They gave me a general direction on where to go. 21 U.S.
undergraduate
I still couldn't find it, so I asked another helper, who walked up
with me. Ended up it was in a different section. She was great,
so helpful and friendly. They should all be willing to help like
that.
Just to keep up with technology, but they're doing the best they College
21 U.S.
can in these tough times. undergraduate
College
lower the fines 21 U.S.
undergraduate
Make a way to search through all of the databases with one
College
search engine, instead of having to search each database 21 U.S.
undergraduate
individually.
Make computers open to people who are studying by taking
College
the people who just play games off when there is a limited 21 U.S.
undergraduate
number of computers.
Offer more children's activities during the school year!! 21 U.S.
College
to allow the use of adult sites 21 U.S.
undergraduate
be less formal 22 U.S.
College
hire friendly people 22 U.S.
undergraduate
keep up on technology (web based support) 22 U.S.
Keep up the friendly and availble resources that they have. 22 U.S.
fees are too expensive - i feel that universities as a whole take
advantage of students who are already on a limited income.
College
copy fees, late fees, rental fees, print cards, etc. should not be 23 U.S.
undergraduate
something which the library can profit off of, especially when
many of those resources are manditory for one's class.
I love audio books, they are a great resource for new moms. 23 U.S.
I was fully sastified with the library at my university. 23 U.S.
Just keep on rolling with the times (staying up with what is hip,
23 U.S.
with new technologies) and keeping things accessible to all.
Nothing. Everything is cool like it is. 23 U.S.

B-62 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
stop using flourecent lighting, it gives people a headache if College
23 U.S.
they have to stay in there for too long undergraduate
The environment is the deterrent. The people who hang out in
the library are typically not there for anything other than a
warm place to spend the afternoon because they have no other
place to go, which is fine except that the library is not a
homeless shelter. I do not feel safe going to the library. The
main branch is in the middle of downtown, which makes it
23 U.S.
inconveneient to access from both a parking and safety
perspective (even though I only work a mile or so away). I used
to enjoy hanging out at the library, especially as a child, as my
mom is a librarian. But now that I am older and have access to
a plethora of information on the Internet, I just don't see a
need for it anymore, especially given the environment.
College
try to offer more programs for the children 23 U.S.
undergraduate
advertise a bit more; until this survey I didn't really realize that
a library might have music, movies, and audio books to 24 U.S.
borrow.
Be more helpful to students and to the locals who are not
college students. Sometimes people are not very helpful to the 24 U.S.
local in the area.
Better signage 24 U.S.
College
Find some way to help streamline the computer access.... 24 U.S.
undergraduate
I would suggest the library reach out to teens and 20 College
24 U.S.
somethings. They are the group that uses the library least. undergraduate
Update, update, update. Most books are out of date. 24 U.S.
Get electronic access to older back issues of academic journals College post
27 U.S.
or take them out of the annex and put them back in the stacks. graduate
I'd advise them to hire younger and friendlier staff members in
the ADULT section. They have great staff in the kids' section
28 U.S.
but in the main library (adult materials) it's a bunch of crusty
old hags who don't want to help ANYONE.
better parking availability 30 U.S.
Clearly mark areas of the library where specific types of
information can be located. For instance, have a small sign at College
30 U.S.
the end of each row indicating the types of information the undergraduate
books will contain, such as gardening, how-to, cooking, etc.
a class on how to use the library and to locate books 33 U.S.
Add a cafe/coffee shop. 33 U.S.
Do not get rid of the old library buildings. They are full of
character and have the best little nooks and corners conducive 38 U.S.
to exploring thru reading. Not all new things are best!
Find a better system of catagorizing fiction books 38 U.S.
don't let politics and rhetoric dictate your business 39 U.S.
This is a great service that has been greatly expanded over the
years that I have worked at the company -- keep up the good 39 U.S.
work!
advertise' available services and resources 40 U.S.
Build a parking structure so people like myself who go to the
library to do work don't have to pack up everything we have
41 U.S.
and run outside every hour or two to put money in a parking
meter.
Stay as current as possible with technology 41 U.S.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-63

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
stay open and keep the good old fashioned books to be held in
41 U.S.
your hand
they do a great job with what they have! 41 U.S.
try to find funding to expand. The current facility is inadequate
41 U.S.
and the community has grown
Encourage employees to make more use of the library (not just
42 U.S.
the faculty). Offer programs to the staff community.
Create internet cafe type lounges to draw more traffic. Partner
43 U.S.
with Starbucks. That will bring in the patrons :)
Have an online service for selecting reading materials that can
be delivered to my home or that I could pick up at a drive
through window that was convenient and fast. I would agree to 43 U.S.
return the materials to a convenient drop box location to save
costs.
move to a better location 43 U.S.
College post
allow personal wireless cards for use on library network 44 U.S.
graduate
Faster circulation of new books. It usually takes 4 weeks to put
44 U.S.
a new book onto the shelves.
increase hours 44 U.S.
Offer longer check out periods for educators 45 U.S.
Subscribe to Rhapsody or iTunes or other music download
45 U.S.
services.
Thanks, they do a pretty good job. 45 U.S.
Resist U.S. Government intrusion 47 U.S.
Update your system and inventory. 47 U.S.
don't let homeland security bully you 48 U.S.
Accessibility for the disabled. 49 U.S.
Lose the attitude - librarians seem to think they are anointed
49 U.S.
keepers of information that is freely available elsewhere
MAKE ENVIRONMENT MORE FRIENDLY...ACCESSIBLE 50 U.S.
Provide training on finding and using the databases which will
50 U.S.
work best for the individual researcher
To be abreast with the needs of the ppl in the area 50 U.S.
Get a website so that I can see what materials are available in College
51 U.S.
the library. undergraduate
I think this survey is on the right track. The libraries should
look at community spaces like Starbucks and Borders, and
51 U.S.
should also look at the value of online material like Google,
and they should try to be more relevant in the current age.
Staff could be more courteous and helpful 51 U.S.
Get a parking lot so people don't have to drive around to find a
52 U.S.
parking place in the middle of town
Try to find a way for materials to be returned on time so others
52 U.S.
could use them
Work to create a bookstore environment 52 U.S.
Make finding something much easier and the staff more
53 U.S.
helpful and friendly
When there is a new book out, try to get it fast and get plenty of
copies so that we don't have to wait months before we can
53 U.S.
read it, because in my case, I forget about it, or just lose
interest in it.

B-64 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
Become more welcoming to patrons. We still have librarians
who act like they own the whole collection of books and don't
55 U.S.
want you to borrow them. We have librarians who act like it's a
bother to help a patron. BE USER FRIENDLY!
Help the physically disadvantaged 55 U.S.
realize people's time is as valuable as your own and try to help
55 U.S.
people a little quicker
Relax. Let kids enjoy themselves. Let them put their feet up
and sprawl on the floor. Let them enjoy reading now so they'll 55 U.S.
enjoy it forever.
Run the library like a bookstore 55 U.S.
Establish a Learning Commons like the one at University of
56 U.S.
Arizona, Tucson
A little more friendly, courteous workers 57 U.S.
bring back the old card catalog 57 U.S.
The public library has met or exceeded all my needs - the
57 U.S.
advice would be to keep up the good work
I like all the help I received when I needed it. 58 U.S.
I think the biggest problem with public libraries is they're short
on funding, which is sad. Maybe an auction like our local PBS 59 U.S.
stations to raise money. It's always about money isn't it?
Don't know. Our community college library is excellent.
60 U.S.
Perhaps a larger CD collection.
Keep the handicapped parking area and path to the door ice
60 U.S.
free. I know that's an almost impossible task here in MN.
Our library staff is very busy and help is difficult to get while
there. I always ahve felt that I am an impostion if I ask a
61 U.S.
question. This needs to change to a more friendly environment
to encourage more visits.
Do not charge for a library card 62 U.S.
make everything free 62 U.S.
Make information available as to what kinds of materials and
63 U.S.
services they have available to the public.
I'd have it set up more like Barnes & Noble with comfortable
64 U.S.
chairs and a coffee shop.
Put your resources into buying more books. 64 U.S.
Don't let politics or politicians influence any of the activities
65 U.S.
that occur there.
Nothing - just don't have the time right now to use as I hope to
65 U.S.
in the future.
STAY OPEN LATER 65 U.S.
You are doing a good job with the funds provided. 65 U.S.
get faster computers-or connect to faster servers 66 U.S.
I think there is a core element that uses the library over and
over. They need to find ways to attract those who are not
inclined to go to libraries. There is a large population that has 66 U.S.
probably never been to a library and has no idea what they
offer.
replace outdated scientific and technical books 66 U.S.
Stay friendly, and help those who need it to find things. 66 U.S.
Update audio books -- Make newer books availiable. 66 U.S.
you are doing a great job! keep it up! 66 U.S.
Build a bigger building and update all electonic devices. 67 U.S.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-65

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
keep it free 67 U.S.
Nothing but to keep up the good work for people who need it 67 U.S.
Open a branch closer to my home 67 U.S.
Personnel could be more helpful, friendly 67 U.S.
update checkout procedures 67 U.S.
I think that the library is doing a good job in what it is doing. I
have absolutely no advice for them. As far as I am concerned 68 U.S.
everything is great there.
keep u[ the good work - maybe get more large print books for
68 U.S.
those with visual impairments
Don't let budget cuts cause you to have to close your doors. 69 U.S.
Extended hours, particularly opening before 10:00 am. 69 U.S.
LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOU CAN PROVIDE IN MAILINGS TO
RESIDENTS OF THE AREA. SOME OF U.S. TEND TO FORGET 69 U.S.
ABOUT THE RESOURCES OF THE LIBRARY
You're doing fine for the clientele that need you. 69 U.S.
Entice the younger generation to read more 70 U.S.
figure a way to sit books so that the titles are not on their
sides. Kills my neck to try and read what is there. So no longer 70 U.S.
go.
keep growing 70 U.S.
Library is small and old, county just purchased land to build a
new facility. Hope they will keep the friendly and knowledgable 70 U.S.
attitude in their employees
Start up the library bus again. 70 U.S.
Stay open and encourage children to read. 70 U.S.
That library is a thousands miles away.. and is probably a
70 U.S.
hundred times bigger than when I went there 55 years ago !!!
Advertise more in local papers 71 U.S.
Keep pushing for more funding 71 U.S.
More and expanded diverse selection of books on cds- I use
them while traveling, and have 'read' most of the ones in my
71 U.S.
library, now. I do trvel a lot. the library has a more expansive
assortment of books on tape than CDs.
THANKS FOR BEING THERE. 71 U.S.
Stop wasting money on building more branches when you
don't have the money to buy the books for the shelves. You
already had a library headquarters and built a new one
duplicating the offices, the auditorium etc merely because it
was in an are with political and financial pull. The shelves of 73 U.S.
the new library are only 20% filled. The exsisting library
resources are inadequate, much of the books are mysteries,
romances and general crap. Current non fiction is limited.
Research materials are out of date and limited in scope.
Publicize their activities more and schedule more events that
74 U.S.
will attract more people.
Being able to order books to pick up from the web site at no
74 U.S.
charge.
make all materials available to all members of the county
74 U.S.
library system
aides are knowledgeable, could be friendlier 75 U.S.
Build a branch closer than 5 miles away! 75 U.S.
just keep on doing what you are doing 76 U.S.

B-66 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

Q1240: If you could provide one piece of advice for Geographic Student
your library, what would it be? Age Region Status
keep on adding things which are available via the internet for
77 U.S.
those of us who depend on it.
Spend more money on books and less on surroundings 77 U.S.
Add more genealogical materials 78 U.S.
CONTINUE WITH WHAT YOU ARE DOING 78 U.S.
To buy more books by an author who has produced more than
one popular book, but library has only one of his works.
78 U.S.
Money is the problem; they can't help having to restrict their
purchases.
Check quality of audiobooks. 79 U.S.
Encourage citizens to support and press for a larger budget
79 U.S.
support for libraries.
Nothing. I just like it the way it is. It's great! 81 U.S.
Take a bow 86 U.S.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources B-67

Appendix B: Sample Verbatim Comments

B-68 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

 About OCLC
OCLC serves OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit membership organization that

54,000 promotes cooperation among libraries worldwide. More than 54,000 libraries in 109
countries use OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend and preserve print and
electronic library materials.
libraries in OCLC was established in Ohio in 1967 by a small group of libraries whose leaders

109 believed that working together they could find practical solutions to some of the day’s
most challenging issues. What began as a way to automate the traditional library card
catalog rapidly became a collaborative revolution that involved thousands of libraries
countries around the world. Working together, OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively
produce and maintain WorldCat—the OCLC Online Union Catalog—which now contains
over 60 million bibliographic records and more than 1 billion library holdings.

Collaboration among librarians and OCLC solved the practical problem of automated
cataloging. Ongoing collaboration led to additional OCLC services, including services
that help libraries build e-content collections and provide online access to special library
collections like maps, newspapers, photographs and local histories.

The OCLC membership jointly created the largest interlibrary loan system in the world.
Recent expansions and new partnerships in Europe now enable the OCLC collaborative
to exchange more than 9.5 million items annually to information consumers and
scholars around the world.

The library content represented in WorldCat is now accessible to people using major
search engines due to the Open WorldCat program that opens up the assets of the OCLC
cooperative to the searchers of the world.

In addition to the many services offered, OCLC funds library research programs, library
advocacy efforts, scholarships, market research and professional development
opportunities.

OCLC Research incubates new technologies, sponsors the work of library scientists and
represents libraries on a range of international standards bodies. OCLC Research is also
actively engaged with the world’s information community to further the science of
librarianship.

OCLC library advocacy programs are part of a long-term initiative to champion libraries
to increase their visibility and viability within their communities. Programs include
advertising and marketing materials to reinforce the idea of the library as relevant, and
market research reports that identify and communicate trends of importance to the
library profession. Several of the reports are noted in the introduction to this report.

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources C-1

About OCLC

OCLC provides financial support for those beginning their library careers and for
established professionals who excel in their endeavors through a series of annual
awards and scholarships. Of note is the IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship
Program, jointly sponsored by the International Federation of Library Associations and
Institutions (IFLA), OCLC Online Computer Library Center and the American Theological
Library Association (ATLA). The program provides early career development and
continuing education for library and information science professionals from countries
with developing economies.

OCLC participates in WebJunction, which is an online community of libraries and other

agencies that share knowledge and experience to provide the broadest public access to
information technology. A service created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s
U.S. Library Program, OCLC and other partners, WebJunction features articles, handouts,
courses and forum discussions that are practical, down-to-earth and friendly.
WebJunction addresses the real issues that librarians and library staff face every day.

OCLC’s vision is to be the leading global library cooperative, helping libraries serve
people by providing economical access to knowledge through innovation and
collaboration. OCLC is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, USA and has offices
throughout the world.

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C-2 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources

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Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources
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