Are Libraries Still Relevant in the Age of Google?

Hello! I’d like to start by introducing myself. My name is Scott and I’m the new Community and Adult Services librarian at Whitefish Bay Library.

I’ll start by making a confession; I’m seriously addicted to my iPhone. I carry it with me everywhere I go all of the time. Barely a minute goes by where I don’t have my iPhone either in my pocket or in my sightline.  I love having a world of information only a touch screen away.  If I can’t remember the name of that book, song, movie, actor, or factoid, I pull out my phone and do a quick Google search. I’m impatient and must know these things right this very minute.

How did I appease my curiosity in the times before the iPhone and the internet? I did one of two things: I did some research to find the answer or I continued on with life never knowing the answer to my question. How did I do research? I would usually start by asking friends and family. If that didn’t turn up anything, I’d look in an encyclopedia or book at home. If I still didn’t find the answer, I’d stop by my public library to find it. I have a feeling that I’m not alone in my methods. Today, my answers are usually one Google search away. As a librarian I know how to effectively evaluate and sift through the information that I find through Google (or other reliable search engines and portals) so I know that I am looking at the best and most accurate information versus something posted by a 12-year old kid.

So what do we still need libraries for? If you’re a voracious reader and don’t want to buy every James Patterson novel (he “wrote” 14 novels in 2012), the library is a great option. But according to the Pew Research Center, the average American reads 17 books a year, and 19% of Americans don’t read any books at all. We also have DVDs, CDs, magazines, and eBooks for checkout and providing these materials to Village residents is a well-used service, but I don’t believe it’s enough of a service to sustain our longevity. Besides materials, what does a library have to offer a 21st Century individual?

Here are what make libraries relevant today:

1) Local History- Libraries have the important task of collecting and archiving local history. At Whitefish Bay Library, we house the beautiful Mimi Bird Historical Collection, a 39-volume set which contains materials on the area, including photographed homes, businesses and landmarks.

2) Free Programming- Libraries offer educational, entertaining, family fun programming for free. At Whitefish Bay Library we offer a wide array of children’s programming, and in 2013 we will be offering programs and classes for adults too.

3) Computers- Not everyone can afford, wants, or even needs a computer in the home. The library provides computers to the public for free so that they can work on emails, send out resumes, or look at photos of their families.

4) Research- As powerful a tool as the internet is, not everything can be found online with a Google search. Librarians help individuals to do more focused research and evaluate resources for accuracy. At the Whitefish Bay Library, our Adult Services desk and Youth Services desk are staffed during our open hours to help you find what you need.

5) Specialized Knowledge- Libraries offer other personalized services such as book recommendations, help loading your Kindle with library eBooks (yes we check out eBooks!), placing holds, help navigate consumer information, help with computers, and much, much more!

6) Libraries as the Third Place- There is a belief that people need a separate social place other than work and home. The third place helps to build democracy, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging. The library can be that third place in the community to meet and be social with your friends and neighbors. Our mission statement at the Whitefish Bay Library is: To be a cornerstone of the community by supporting an informed citizenry, promoting a love of learning and providing easy access to ideas, information, and resources for patrons of all ages.

These are just a few reasons why I think libraries are still necessary. What are your thoughts?