Tag Archives: PEW

Pew Research Center Reports on Young Americans' Public Library Usage

A world of booksA Pew Report from September 10th, 2014 brings more insight into how young adults are using (or not using) their local libraries.  The report is based on several years’ research and divides Americans under 30 and those 30 and over.  Within the report you’ll find many graphs and charts, but below you’ll find one that illustrates how often Americans read books:

To read the summary, click here.

How often do you read a book, including print, audiobooks, and e-books?

 

Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/nkza4hu, licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Influence of Technology on Student Writing

Image by PEW Research. Retrieved online October 8, 2013.
Image by PEW Research. Retrieved online October 8, 2013.

In 2012, PEW Research surveyed more than 2,400 teachers involved in Advanced Placement (AP) and/or National Writing Project (NWP) in the United States. The study asked teachers about their middle and high school student’s writing  in relation to, and perception of, the influence of digital tools/technologies.

The study findings indicated that digital tools created a wider, more diverse audience; and encouraged collaboration and personal expression across multiple platforms. Also, undesirable effects of these digital tools were noted which included the use of a more informal writing style and language. The research goes into further detail about copyrighting, plagiarism, comprehension, etc. Click here for the summary of findings,  full report and additional information about survey methodology for the PEW Research study, The Impact of Digital Tools on Student Writing and How Writing is Taught in School by PEW Research’s (July 2013).

Library Usage Among Young Adults

In an earlier post, CMLE referenced the topic of physical and virtual libraries, discussed in an article by Higher Education Network. In continuation of that discussion,  Pew Research Center released a study regarding the library habits of young adults (ages 16-29.) This study found that yes, these patrons use electronic resources such as the internet, library website and their own personal mobile devices more that older patrons. However, they also found that they see an increase in the desire for print books and materials compared to patrons 30 or older.

According the Pew (June 2013), “Large majorities of those under age 30 say it is  “very important” for libraries to have librarians, as well as books for borrowing, and relatively few think that libraries should automate most library services, move most services online, or move print books out of public areas.”

Click here to read the summary of findings for Younger Americans’ Library Habits and Expectation.

Image retrieved online from PewInternet.
Image retrieved online from PewInternet.

The Importance of Libraries

Print

This month, PEW Research Center released a report on the importance of libraries.  This report explores the relationship that parents of minor children have with public libraries. More than 2,000 people completed a phone survey in October-November 2012.  The research found adults with children valued  libraries; directly linking library experiences with the increased love of books and enhanced reading skills in their children. Other findings include;

  • Parents themselves are considerably more likely than other adults to use library services.
  • Parents are more likely to be interested in expanding library services and adding future tech-related services.
  • Mothers stand out when it comes to reading and libraries.
  • Lower income parents are more likely to view library services as very important.
  • Parents are more likely to be interested in expanding library services and adding future tech-related services.

Click here to link to the full report.

Researching Technology Use at Home and in Class

LogosIn collaboration with College Board and National Writing Project, PEW Research published a study this February pertaining to the impact of technology at home and in the classroom. Data was collected both online and through in-person focus groups with teachers (middle and high school) and students (grades 9-12).

The survey finds that today digital tools (internet, eBooks, cell phones, etc.) are widely used in classrooms and when completing assignments at home.  However, teachers with lower income students still face additional challenges when introducing these tools into their classrooms…read more=>”