Studying the Landscape
Why Do We Need Library Buildings (continued)
The Fresno County Public Library Experience
Fresno County Public Library tallies show increased use.
-
The trend of increased use of libraries is not limited to Fresno County
Library. In an American Library Association study released during National
Library Week in April 2002, the University of Illinois Library Research
Center (LRC) found that circulation (In-home use) has increased significantly
since March 2001, when the National Bureau of Economic Research pegged
the beginning of the latest recession. Using statistical analysis, the
LRC found that circulation in March 2001 was 8.3 percent higher than
would be expected from the trend observed since January 1997. Following
the events of September 11, circulation in October 2001 exceeded the
trend by 11.3 percent.
-
Furthermore, the Fresno County Public Library is offering and more people are
attending programs offered by the library. In the most recent year just
concluded (2001-2002) 123,689 people attended 5,045 programs. This interest
in library programs reflects Americans' need for social networking,
intellectual exchange, and information on relevant topics.
-
The modern library has the dual role of providing facilities and reaching
people wherever they are, using convenient packaging and delivery tools.
Appendix D provides an excerpt of
Fresno County Public Library’s Reference Goals for 2020.
-
During 2001-2002, 316,000 people used PC’s at the Fresno County
Library, which provides access to the library catalog, access to multiple
reference databases, World Wide Web access, and office productivity
software. During this same time staff assisted 117,000 people in the
use of these machines.
