Public libraries support lifelong learning

Public libraries are a lifelong learning resource for all Canadians. It is essential in the new economy that people be informed and to continually upgrade their work and life skills.

• "Lifelong learning is both an ideal and a future necessity... In the very near future, rather than thinking of learning as an educational experience completed early in life, Canadians will view it as an enriching lifelong process vital to continuing employment and success" (Industry Canada, 1996, p. 3 and 22)

• "The development of basic skills and lifelong beaming are being promoted by many countries, in hopes of improving their economic health and the human condition of their citizens" (Statistics Canada, 1996, p.9)

• "The need to know is not new, but the amount of information needed in today's complex social and economic structures and the power of that information to determine who will succeed is unprecedented" (Schuman, 1990, p.183)

• "individuals can now expect three to four distinct career changes in their working life. Ibis means that education will become a lifelong exercise rather than a discrete one which precedes entry to the labour force, as at present" (Lesser and Vagianos, 1988, p. 13)

Public Libraries help people to make
informed personal decisions

The lifelong learning needs of users are not limited to the workplace dynamic. The library plays an essential role in providing for the information needs of people in search of answers to 'real' life questions: health concerns, personal development and enrichment, family crisis and other pressing issues.

a summary of studies conducted in over 30 public libraries found that patrons use the library 1.2 times per capita annually to solve day-to-day problems related to travel, shopping, etc; 1.1 times per capita annually to address a personal/family crisis; 1.6 times per capita annually to find information for self-help or hobbies. (Griffiths and King, 1994, p.86)

in Kingston, Ontario, the public library has set up a consumer health service. In 1990 they answered close to 1,000 questions at InfoHealth (Defoe, 1991, p.341)

in one study, respondents were asked how the library helped them. Over 90% "Got support/emotional help," 89% "Found directions/got skills/reached a goal," 83% "Got ideas/understanding" and 72% "Got happiness/pleasure" (Dervin and Fraser, 1985, p. 1)

Of those who visit the library for help with some personal or family crisis "30% of these visits are said to be absolutely required to address crises." (Griffith and King, p.85)

Library users stated in survey responses that the public library; 'gave me the motivation to start', 'encouraged me to keep going with my research', 'gave me a sense of hope and purpose', 'helped me decide what appliance to buy', 'helped me not to make any mistakes during my pregnancy', 'helped me to understand [my husband's heart disease-related stay in hospital] more'. (Dervin and Fraser, 1985, p.11)

"A strong general education, nourished by a healthy interest in reading and the ability to navigate through the complex world of information, continue to be necessary building blocks for success. As we approach 1999 -- just as in 1899 -- libraries must be among the leaders providing that information." (Cultural Partnerships Branch, 1996, p.14)

Public libraries are recognized by their users
as lifelong learning centres

• "an impressive 92% of respondents thought public libraries are either very important or fairly important in furthering the education of adults after their formal schooling has been completed" (Ontario Libraries and Community Information Branch, 1995, p.15)

• when asked to select the most important role of a public library, 40% of Nova Scotians chose the role of educational support centre, while 20% chose a centre for research and reference (Omnifacts Research Limited, 1996. p.iii)

• a 1992 American Gallup poll stated that 83% felt it was very important for public libraries to be centres of independent learning (NRENAISSANCE, 1994, p.134)

User studies indicate that Canadians are taking advantage of public libraries' learning resources, particularly non-fiction and reference materials and educational programs.

• at Lloydminster Public Library, 10.7% of users regularly borrow self-help and how-to material, while 10.3% use the library to consult reference materials (Lloydminster Public Library, 1994, p.2)

• educators in Alberta have voiced their belief that "libraries are integral to the ongoing education of Albertans. They are lifelong learning centres" (Calder Bateman, 1991, p.27)

Canadians are fortunate to have the public library as a lifelong learning centre. The public library offers Canadians resources and services that "aid the acquisition and improvement of personal skills, competence and knowledge and fosters personal creativity, motivation, confidence and self-improvement" (Norton, 1991, p.91) These are the skills Canadians will need to remain competitive in the economy of the 21st century.