What will be the needs of Library, Museum and Archives Users in 10 years: Research Implications

Abstract

People access and process a significant amount of information from museums, libraries and archives on a daily basis. In 2005/06, more than 60% of all adults in England visited a museum, library or archive at least once (DCMS, 2007). Libraries welcomed more than 18 million adults that same year, with 60% of users visiting at least once a month. This amounted to more than 288 million visits to libraries in 2005/06. For Libraries and Museums, physical visits remain the preferred way of participation. For Archives, over 55% of users participated by accessing web-based sites without ever visiting the actual physical site. These users are mainly interested in the core offer of these organisations: books, collections and records. It has become apparent, however, that over recent years visit levels to museums have remained constant and there has been a decline in library use. For instance, the proportion of adults visiting a museum at least once a year remains around 40%. The number of library visits has dropped by close to 5% since 1997/1998, with total book issues decreasing by more than 30%. This signals a change in user behaviour and the need to review and improve the fit of current provision with what users require. Just as these changes affect the type and level of provision of services, they also affect the sort of research that library, museum and archives professionals need. The formulation of any future research strategy and agenda for libraries, museums and archives should be informed by and respond to emerging social, economic and political drivers and trends affecting what users expect and need from the sector