Digital Resources a Top Priority: Library Users

GREENWICH, Conn. – Print and digital resources and access to technology are the top priorities of users of the Greenwich Library, according to survey of more than 5,550 residents. Promotion of literacy was the third most important library service listed by survey respondents.

Here are the highlights of the survey, taken between May 20 and  June 6:

? Ninety percent said providing materials such as books, magazines, and digital resources are the most important service the Library offers.

? Nine-two percent said they want the library to focus its investments on book and other print resources

? Fifty-two percent wanted the investment priority to be CDs and DVDs.

“That was great to hear, that the collections were appreciated, and what our business focuses on is also what the community wants us to continue to place emphasis on,” said library director Carol Mahoney.

The No. 2 priority for survey takers was providing technology for people who otherwise might not have access to it. “Certainly whenever there’s a weather condition, we see people come in and use the Wi-Fi and the computers here,” said Mahoney. “It has become a place people go to in Greenwich when they may not have access to a computer or other technology services.”

No. 3 on the survey list was promoting literacy among children and adults. Mahoney said this priority demonstrated support for early childhood literacy programs and other programs for adults, such as AuthorsLive and Greenwich Reads Together, the community-wide reading program.

One of the lower ranked priorities was programming, but when asked what would make residents use the library more, respondents requested changes and enhancements to programming above all else

“We saw that as an interesting disconnect,” said Mahoney. “We established a programming community of library staff so we could look at our programming and see where there were redundancies with other town organizations, and see where we could also create partnerships.”

The information from the survey will be used to develop a strategic plan that the library will use for the next five years at its  branches in Greenwich, Cos Cob and Byram.

For more information on the Strategic Plan or to view the entire results of the Community Survey, visit Greenwich Library online.

 

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