22 May 2008

Libraries – we love 'em almost as much as the movies

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It's Library and Information Week this week and the release of the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics facts and figures on Australian libraries yesterday proves the truth of the week's slogan: libraries really are "for everyone". ABS figures show that over half the Australian population are members of a library and almost two thirds of us who visit libraries did so more than six times each in 2006.

Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, says this just proves that Australians love their libraries.

Libraries outstrip zoos, art galleries and botanical gardens amongst the other cultural options surveyed. In fact, the only cultural/leisure activity more popular than the going to the library is going to the movies.

 "Libraries have stepped up to meet the needs of an increasingly information savvy audience," Ms Hutley said.

There's internet access, of course. But beyond that, there are also dozens of databases online for all Australians, through services such as Libraries Australia, which lets you locate just about anything in any library in the country (www.librariesaustralia.nla.gov.au ). Many libraries now have blogs and operate in the Web 2.0 environment – and they are staffed by qualified professionals who can not only help you find information, they can help you evaluate what you find.

"Libraries truly do have something for everyone – whether it's information, to support education or recreation," Ms Hutley said. "We don't differentiate – all these things are important, and the library environment is a vibrant, safe and exciting place to find what you are looking for.

"The ABS survey shows 74% of children read for pleasure. Reading is an essential skill and reading together builds bonds between children and their parents or grandparents. At the most basic level, it'is fun, while at the highest strategic level, it builds literacy - and that is a critical key to success in life and in creating thriving communities.

"We truly love our libraries," Ms Hutley said. "Over 95% of us rate libraries as important. Librarians hear stories all the time about how finding some vital piece of information has changed someone's life for the better or helped fire up a new business".

And as for those movies, you'll probably find them on DVD through your local library too.

ENDS