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Rethinking libraries
PITTSFIELD, Dec 29, 2008 (The Berkshire Eagle - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Gone are the days of card catalogues and microfiche, replaced by online databases, MP3s and even video games. They're all changes local public libraries have made to remain relevant to younger generations, who are reading less and turning to Google instead of encyclopedias for their information.
"It's no secret that young people don't read as much as we like them to ... but the technology can attract young people to reading in a way that maybe old-fashioned books don't," said Madeline Kelly, supervisor for the reference service department at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield.
Representatives for the Berkshire Athenaeum, the largest public library in the county, have lead the charge locally in new technologies and creative ways to bring teens through their doors.
They have gone from one computer with Internet access 10 years ago to 14 today. They also offer 15 research databases, remote access, wireless connections, DVDs and downloadable books. And while these services are not only for teens, they do connect with what young people are looking for.
"These kind of things offer something that appeals to a young audience," said Kelly.
The increased technology follows a national trend, as the percent of libraries that offer audio-books and podcasts has increased 33 percent from last year, e-books offerings have increased by 13.5 percent and the amount offering high-speed
Internet and wireless connections is up 12 percent, according to a 2008 study by the American Library Association, or ALA.
Beyond offering materials in a format that younger generations can relate to, the Athenaeum also offers programs that serve as a social outlet, including offering video game nights several times a month, with games like "Rock Band," and "Dance Dance Revolution" starting in January.
"We like to say that there's something for everyone here," said Kelly.
But it's not just the Athenaeum that is trying to attract teens. Other local libraries are working to increase their digital materials and programs that will attract tech-savvy youths, too.
At the Becket Athenaeum, keeping the interest of teens is a high priority, whether in the form of teen advisory boards in the past, to movie nights and increased selection of DVDs and mp3s.
"If you don't get young adults in your library, then it's just going to be a museum," said Zina Jayne, the library's director.
Jayne said a library can also serve a social function for youths as a community center and a place to learn beyond the classroom.
"In a lot of ways we serve teens informally just by being there, we provide a place where they can come," said Jayne.
They have also started a youth apprenticeship program for teens to produce a professional-quality documentary films about local history.
For the Lee Library Association, attracting teens means poetry slams, graphic novels and books on hip-hop requested by teens.
"That is the hardest age group because all of a sudden they are swamped with school work and maybe all of a sudden it's maybe not cool to read," said Rosemarie Borsody, the public service librarian for the library.
And while library use is on the rise nationwide and the ALA predicts an additional 22 percent increase of use in the next three to five years, luring in teens can be increasingly difficult.
"Teens, they're a tough subject. We're still working on that," said Tom Butler, of the Hinsdale Library.
Butler said bringing in younger generations is a priority for the future, so they have begun increasing materials youths might be more interested in, like an increased DVD collection.
"From my vantage point, teens aren't reading like they did when I was a teen. They are more into the Internet and movies. So if that's what they want, give the people what they want," said Butler.
"Most libraries have trouble reaching kids that age," said Ann Just, director of the Mason and Ramsdell libraries in Great Barrington, which has increased their collection of young adult literature and bolstered their stock of DVDs and audio-books.
"What we need to do, and will do, is try to increase awareness of our downloadables which I think is what is actually speak to them," said Just.
Just said libraries are becoming -- and must continue to become -- more than just a collection of fiction and nonfiction.
"That's the real change for libraries, not to see themselves as a book repository, but as an information repository," said Just.
To reach Trevor Jones: (413) 528-3660 or tjones@berkshireeagle.com.
To see more of The Berkshire Eagle or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.berkshireeagle.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The Berkshire Eagle,
Pittsfield, Mass. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For
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