LIS 770-01 Librarian as Social Worker: The Librarian's Axiom in the New Economy

Final Paper
Allison Phillips
Spring 2014
4/28/2014

The fluctuations of the economy have a resounding influence,

and all members of society are impacted in some way. The recent
recession has challenged Americans to endure tight budgets and a
reduced job market. Economic hardships can cause many to seek
solace in a library, and the current downturn has highlighted the
importance of many relevant library services. When a community
experiences economic strain, libraries play a vital role by offering free
access to computers and the Internet, resources to assist in job
hunting, guidance in applying for government benefits, or simply a
reliable place to work. Libraries are not immune to economic stresses,
and many facilities have faced budget cuts resulting in reduced hours,
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layoffs, and even closings. Advocates for library funding have used
quantitative study to measure how LIS services have had a positive
impact on users. The ultimate role of a library is to serve the needs of
the community, so library managers should be aware of economic
trends and tailor services in order to provide the greatest benefit to
patrons.
It is not difficult to encounter a colloquial report of increases in
library use during an economic downturn. This inverse relation seems
rational, as patrons experiencing varying degrees of economic
hardship are likely to rely on the library as a free resource for anything
from applying for government benefits to job-hunting to free
entertainment. One news column observed: "Librarians across the
country are reporting jumps in attendance of as much as 65% over the
past year, as many unemployed people flock to branches to fill out
resumes and scan ads for job listings."i Stephen James noticed that
many hold a "belief that public library use responds inversely to
fluctuations in economic conditions," and referred to this phenomenon
as the "Librarian's Axiom."ii In 1985, James published an account of his
attempt to find data to verify this relationship, but ultimately was
unable to find a link.iii

James exclusively referred to unemployment

data between 1960 and 1979, so it is possible that his results are
specific to his sample period. While he did note a slight increase in
applications for library cards during economically depressed periods,
James felt that he could not satisfactorily prove the Librarian's Axiom in
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large, urban, public libraries.iv Mary Jo Lynch felt that this idea was
worth revisiting, and suggested further research into the topic in order
to draw more thorough conclusions.v While discussion of the
Librarian's Axiom is interesting, a library manager need not be
concerned with the veracity of the theory. The more practical matters
inherent in the daily management of a library are more important.
However, knowledge of the Librarian's Axiom may prove useful for
library managers when working to attain funding during economically
strapped periods. Many accounts of increased library use during the
economic recession have also noted budget cuts due to limited
funding, and this reality is certainly important from a management
standpoint. Budget cuts during economic downturns pose an obvious
problem, as Stephen James himself noted, "reduction of fiscal support
cripples the library to such a degree that reduced patronage is a logical
outcome."vi Libraries provide many vital services, particularly during
economic recessions, and it would be a serious misfortune to be forced
to reduce services due to budgeting issues. Many libraries seem to be
feeling the pressures of limited finances, and it is important to consider
how best to serve patrons while everyone experiences economic
hardship.
The library is a popular place to turn for job research and jobhunting during a period of unemployment. In a news piece about the
increased popularity of the library, one unemployed job seeker
described the library as "his office," noting that he was provided with a
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quiet place where he could feel productive during a difficult time. vii
One author listed the top three uses of the library during an economic
recession as: "education, job hunting, and skills training."viii Libraries
are full of information and resources for job seekers, and use of the
facility is free. One area of mastery that may be increasingly beneficial
for those in the job market is information literacy. Advancements in
technology have flooded the average user with a deluge of
information, and a certain degree of proficiency is required to navigate
through these resources and perform a job effectively. As one author
observed, "The United States is now in an economic age characterized
by the switch to jobs that require and/or are characterized by increased
knowledge, globalization, rapid technological change, broadband or
wireless telecommunications, and the digital revolution."ix Libraries
may serve as an ideal place to provide training and assistance in
information literacy for those seeking a job, or those aiming to attain a
greater sense of competence in an existing position. A library manager
establishing such programs could provide a valuable service to the
community he or she serves: "Knowledge is the new currency. Society
is seeing a shift toward dependence on personal computers, mobile
technology, and "the cloud" to enhance productivity and efficiency at
work."x Librarians helping patrons to gain new information literacy
skills are aiding in an individual job search, but also playing a role in
helping to improve the economy with a more skilled workforce.

Many individuals struggling during the recession have come to

rely upon government assistance. Applications for government
benefits, such as food stamps or unemployment income, are now
widely available in online formats. An increased number of people
have used the library, where Internet access is generally free, as a site
to complete online applications for government benefits and refer to
librarians when seeking assistance during the process.xi One author
has asserted that librarians assisting in completing e-government
forms have become "first responders to the economic crisis."xii The
value of this library service cannot be underestimated, as "government
information is increasingly being introduced only online," and many
require individual assistance in order to access and benefit from this
information.xiii Providing such assistance has occurred with enough
frequency that librarians interviewed by one author "felt they had
become ad hoc experts in relation to various e-government programs
and materials--FEMA forms, student loan forms, tax documents,
Medicare applications, immigration forms--simply by working with
many patrons on the materials."xiv In this sense, "libraries have taken
the role of the government's customer service outlet."xv This role has
occasionally taken on even greater significance during communitywide crises, including the communities impacted by Hurricanes Katrina
and Sandy. One author lauded libraries as a "first refuge" for
communities suffering during such extreme events.xvi

While natural

disasters are an unfortunate and thankfully rare event, library

managers should be aware of the volume of requests for assistance in
accessing and completing the aforementioned e-government
materials. Library staff can be trained and prepared to better serve
patrons with these needs.
Accessing government services online would not be possible
without another service commonly provided in public libraries: free
Internet. Many authors indicated that public libraries are often the only
source of free Internet available to communities.xvii According to one
study, "62.1% of public libraries serve as the only provider of free
public Internet and computer access within their communities, making
the library an essential outlet for workers who telecommute and who
have insufficient Internet access at home."xviii This service is of
tremendous importance, as "the new economy necessitates that
workers have not only the technological devices needed to do their
work, but also the information technology skills to do the work."xix This
service is also of particular importance to low income households, as
one source stated that, "44% of people in households living below the
federal poverty line use library computers to go online."xx For some of
these individuals, regular online access may not otherwise be possible.
The significance of this service was underscored by another author:
"The role of Internet access provider for the community is ingrained in
the social perceptions of public libraries, and public Internet access has
become a central part of community perceptions about libraries and
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the value of the library profession."xxi A library manager may respond

to this trend by, if fiscally possible, obtaining more computers and
technological services. Additionally, library staff may offer classes in
computer and Internet skills for patrons. This service would appeal to
what is apparently a popular reason to visit the library, and could also
add to the skill sets of job seeking participants.
Many of the library services mentioned are useful for individuals and families
who are feeling some of the effects of a slow economy, but have managed to maintain a
place to live. Some authors have also devoted attention to the homeless population of
library patrons. One author observed an increase in homeless patrons appearing in
business attire and spending long hours job hunting."xxii Berman addressed some of the
challenges faced by the very poor when visiting public libraries, institutions founded
upon the ideals of equality and access for all. After admonishing LIS professionals to
stop pretending that libraries exist in a classless society, Berman stated: There are many
things we can do to serve poor people directly and to direct public attention to the
continuing problem of poverty and how it can be lessened."xxiii One suggestion included a
sliding scale or the complete elimination of fees and fines, as even nominal charges can
be prohibitive for the severely impoverished.xxiv Berman also commented upon the
discrimination sometimes occurring against homeless visitors to public libraries,
mentioning unfounded accusations of inappropriate conduct in the bathrooms, restrictions
against carrying large bags of possessions into the facilities, and other measures that can
make the very poor feel unwelcome or even criminalized.xxv Berman mentioned the high
population of immigrants and refugees amongst the very low-income cohort, and
explained that members of these communities may be accustomed to visiting and

socializing in public places but confront an institutional culture that has too long
emphasized silence over conversation."xxvi While all library patrons should be educated
and encouraged in following the proper protocol for library etiquette, these individuals
and others who may not have a tradition of library use may face discriminatory
measures put in place by frustrated librarians or other patrons.xxvii The implications of
this inequality strike at the Core Values of Librarianship published by the ALA and
challenge LIS professionals to reflect upon the central mission of any library.xxviii Berman
suggested looking beyond the bottom line of income level to better understand the
inequality faced by the homeless through social exclusion. Without equal access to the
educational and beneficial resources available at a public library, the homeless are
excluded from equal access to benefits ostensibly offered to all members of society.
Citing instances that homeless patrons have faced different treatment from other library
visitors, Berman wrote: In each of these examples, deliberate decisions were made by
those in powerdecisions that perpetuate disadvantage for low income families and
blue-collar workers."xxix

Library managers may also make deliberate decisions to

proactively address this issue. While many patrons and LIS professionals are
understandably frustrated by homeless patrons using the library to nap or even beg from
others, everyone could benefit from a thoughtfully implemented program for homeless
users, including career counseling and assistance in applying for government benefits.
Above all, Berman emphasized that the best path to equality consists of [allowing]
people to set the agenda by verbalizing their own needs and potential remedies."xxx This
issue is somewhat divisive, with comparatively vitriolic exchanges on the subject lobbed
back and forth between authors publishing in various academic journals. This is perhaps

an even greater reason for library managers to be aware and have an action plan for how
to respond to homeless library patrons. Ignoring a contentious issue can only lead to
further conflict.

In seeming contradiction to the observations of increased

library use, another consequence of the economic downturn has been the widespread
decrease in library budgets. One article commented upon many consequences of this
trend, including shortened operating hours, closed branches, and lay-offs of staff
members.xxxi This is especially troubling considering the observation that libraries are
essential to a well-developed economy."xxxii Libraries provide many services to patrons in
a struggling economy, and staff members have become very versatile, [acting] as
librarians, technology trainers, government representatives, and social workers all rolled
into one."xxxiii One case study attempted to quantify the value of public library services as
an actual dollar amount. The authors of this study introduce the subject, [encouraging]
communities to see libraries not as collections of books, but as economic development
agents."xxxiv The study divided the economic benefits of a public library into four
components: providing literacy education, providing career counseling and services,
assisting in entrepreneurial endeavors, and adding to the property value of the
surrounding area.xxxv Using conservative estimates to equate the benefits of library
services against the costs of career counseling books, career counselor fees, childrens
books, childrens literacy services, and the actual property value increase observed near
public libraries, the authors of the study estimated that the Free Library of Philadelphia
provides several million dollars worth of benefits for the community, while operating on
a comparatively small budget.xxxvi Many advocacy groups have attempted to calculate a
library's ROI according to various formulas and determinations. While it is difficult to

assign a definite price value to the community benefits of a library, the goal of these
studies to quantify this amount provides a valuable resource in the argument to secure
funding for public libraries. Library managers can expect to engage in advocacy in order
to secure library funding, especially during periods of economic strain. Providing
quantitative value estimates and descriptions of relevant library services could help to
sway potential funders.
Discouragement is common during economic hardship, but many authors have
expressed optimism about the future: "As public libraries are now playing a vital role in
the recovery, they will secure an even greater place within the new prosperity."xxxvii In the
present climate, library managers can orchestrate many vital services and provide
tremendous benefits to the community. Libraries are not simply repositories for books,
but vibrant and evolving community centers. It is perhaps not surprising that many
sought refuge and assistance from libraries during the recent disasters of Hurricane
Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. As one author wrote, "libraries may well be the mind and
soul of their communities."xxxviii Libraries can undeniably provide numerous
indispensable services to patrons experiencing economic hardships. Library managers
can work to secure funding by highlighting examples of these services and perhaps
researching quantitative estimates of the value of libraries. With adequate funding and
the thoughtful planning of services, libraries can continue to function as community
pillars and provide resources for patrons in any economic condition.

10

Notes

11

i Jim Carlton, "Folks Are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job,"
Washington Post, January 19, 2009, accessed April 3, 2014,
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB123197709459483585.

ii Stephen E. James, "The Relationship Between Local Economic Conditions and

the Use of Public Libraries," Library Quarterly 55 (1986): 257.

iii Ibid.

iv Ibid.

v Mary Jo Lynch, "Economic Hard Times and Public Library Use Revisited,"
American Libraries, August 2002, Accessed April 4, 2014,
http://www.ala.org/research/librarystats/economichard.

vi James, "The Relationship Between," 258.

vii Sandra Hughes, "In Recession, Libraries are Booming," CBS News, February 2,
2009, accessed April 10, 2014, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/in-recessionlibraries-are-booming/.

viii J Bertot et al, "The Impacts of Free Public Internet Access on Public Libraries,
Patrons and Communities," Library Quarterly 78, no. 3 (July 2008): 290, accessed
April 10, 2014,
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.dom.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
sid=8fff44e3-8932-41f2-8937-b037546e349a
%40sessionmgr198&vid=3&hid=120.

ix Natalie Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy: Twenty-First
Century Skills, the Internet, and Community Needs," Public Library Quarterly 31,
no. 3 (July 2012): 195, accessed April 7, 2014,
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.dom.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=91cf4c592947-40ff-9c338d8893a10182%40sessionmgr198&hid=120&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZS
ZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=lih&AN=79830014.

x Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 196.

xi Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 201.

xii Ibid.

xiii Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 210.

xiv J Bertot et al, "Public Access Computing and Internet Access in Public Libraries:
The Role of Public Libraries in EGovernment and Emergency Situations," First
Monday 11, no. 9 (September 2006), accessed April 9, 2014,
http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1392.

xv Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 210.

xvi J Bertot et al, "Public Access Computing and Internet Access."

xvii Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 201.

xviii Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 195.

xix Ibid.

xx Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 198.

xxi J Bertot et al, "The Impacts of Free Public Internet," 285.

xxii S Holland and A Verploeg, "No Easy Targets: Six Libraries in the Economy's
Dark Days," Public Libraries 48, no. 4 (July/August 2009): 30, accessed April 14,
2014, http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.dom.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?

sid=f85b18a3-84d9-4a48-a59de5cb70315f30%40sessionmgr115&vid=4&hid=120.

xxiii S. Berman, "On My Mind: Libraries, Class, and the Poor People's Policy,"
American Libraries 29 (March 1998): 45, accessed April 14, 2014,
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.dom.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
sid=751d5c30-dc4d-4f5d-ad11465c9b1cd1b1%40sessionmgr198&vid=8&hid=120.

xxiv Ibid.

xxv Ibid.

xxvi Ibid.

xxvii Ibid.

xxviii "Core Values of Librarianship." American Library Association Website,

adopted June 29, 2004, accessed March 12, 2014,
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/corevalues.

xxix Berman, "On My Mind," 45.

xxx Ibid.

xxxi Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 207.

xxxii Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 209.

xxxiii Greene Taylor et al, "Public Libraries in the New Economy," 208.

xxxiv K Diamond et al, The Economic Value of the Free Library of Philadelphia
(Philadelphia, PA: Fels Institute and the University of Pennsylvania, 2010), 3,
accessed April 16, 2014, http://www.freelibrary.org/about/Fels_Report.pdf

xxxv Ibid.

xxxvi K Diamond, Economic Value of the Free Library, 17.

xxxvii S Holland and A Verploeg, "No Easy Targets," 36.

xxxviii Ibid.

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