Millennials and Libraries

The Pew Research Center released a report in April of 2014 sharing what they have learned about teens and their relationship to public libraries. In a 40 slide presentation of the findings, Lee Rainie summarizes the findings and challenges viewers to consider the implications for the future of library services.

Millennials and Libraries from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project

The findings are organized into 7 statements:



Each idea is confirmed with survey results. Then the viewer is encouraged to consider how they will respond to the information.

As an educator in a public school, I believe that this information should be used to adjust our teaching practices and support our methodologies. By understanding the way teens are different than ourselves, we can provide better learning experiences for them to experience. Educators need to include more instruction in how to find authoritative information to counteract the habit of skimming and scanning and accepting anything on a screen. Students need more practice creating products that showcase useful information. Instead of just sharing information to fulfill grade requirements, they need to have personal connections to what they manufacture. Teachers need to remember that instead of teaching students how to use technology applications, they should focus on giving students opportunities to choose the right application for the right product and audience. They will learn how to use if much faster than the old folks!

The slideshow showcases opposing ways to interpret the information. One viewpoint focuses on the positive aspects of being technology saturated and independent learners. The other viewpoint highlights the negative aspects of shallow thinking and lack of practice in real life situations. I find that both viewpoints have truth and by recognizing that for every negative there is a positive, I can address the learning needs of students more effectively.

Librarians can continue to be a resource and valuable connection for millennial learners by understanding their origins and promoting useful services. Different does not mean worse; it just means different.  I am hopeful that students will continue to seek information and will grow in their pursuits of information.

 Rainie, L. Teens and Libraries in Today's Digital Landscape, Pew Internet & American Life Project,  April 9 2014,http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/04/09/millennials-and-libraries/  , May 1, 2014. 40 pgs

Pew Research Total: 40/150
Total Research Total: 163/150