In a world where new technology champions over the old-fashioned methods of research, should we be surprised that libraries are in decline? Is there anything we can do to prevent this? And would we even want to even if there was?
In 2015, only 33.9% of the population (16+) had visited a library in the past 12 months which is a 14.3% decrease from 48.2% in 2004/2005. This was around the time when the world started to become more dependent on technology, wireless internet and portable computers are only some of the inventions that have been developed in recent years. SO it is no wonder that people are less likely to go to libraries to find out information. Why bother trekking down the road, when you can do it all by sitting in comfort of your living room?
However there are still some benefits of libraries that you can’t get from a computer such as social events like children play group and after school help that are often run for free, that encourage young people in their education as well as help them create and develop their social skills even from a young age. They also provide perfect spaces for peace and quiet, which is especially rare in cities like London when the noise never seems to stop and this can be particularly beneficial to those in school or university with 43.5% of people aged 16-24 who had used the library, using it for academic study.
Many libraries have now set up more community activities to try and increase popularity, with some including free health classes in which people are able to attend fitness classes suited to please with restricted mobility. Libraries are also updating their use of technology, with most having computers available and free wireless internet.
Hannah Laffan Coloma Convent Girls' School
