Millennials & Libraries

“…When asked how frequently they used their local public libraries, most reported that they didn't read books for leisure that much (but they do read lots of magazines!) and don't use their libraries that often (there were two notable exceptions -- both young women who said they used their public libraries because they loved to read but couldn't afford to buy books or magazines). When asked what would draw them into their public libraries, they all said the following:

• Wireless internet access
• Remote/electronic access to all library materials
• A more comfortable environment -- couches, coffee, and food all ranked highly
• "More staff who are helpful and who show you where stuff is" -- a direct quote
• Better marketing -- tell the public about what you've got going on!
• More choices in materials
• A movie screening room (this recommendation from an aspiring filmmaker, who was also the only panellist to indicate an interest in becoming a librarian)” [Pop Goes the Library]

Even if iTunes was to ever work with a library (which doesn’t look like it will happen any time soon), how on earth would you ever trust it? One of the reasons I’ve never really bought into iTunes (literally).

I’ve been waiting for just the right moment to point to the Official PLA Blog Steven Cohen put together with fellow bloggers (and – duh -PLA) to cover the ALA Midwinter meeting, and now that time has arrived. I do believe this is the first post by a participant blogger on an official library conference blog that notes the availability of free wireless access for all!

For the record, today’s date is January 13, 2005.

Commence debating if this is one, two, three, or four years late.

Kate scheduled a meeting in Outlook to go to Starbucks today for a free sample of their new Chantico hot chocolate drink. Wow, is it good… thick and heavy like Spanish hot chocolate. I’ve managed to stay away from Starbucks for the most part. Until now.

Major, major, major marketing gaffe of the year – no mention of Chantico anywhere on the Starbucks web site. At least it’s not just libraries that can be bad at marketing….