Adapt or die: a call to action for libraries

To introduce an OCLC report on public perception of libraries.

An overview of the report is given, along with personal recommendations in response to research results.

Largely, the reaction to libraries is positive, yet overwhelmingly survey respondents were not aware of, nor do they use, most libraries' electronic information resources. The internet is more of a competitor than realized, as most in the survey ranked the quality of library and internet information about equal. The author believes that libraries must change from passive to aggressive marketers of library services, as well as make libraries easier to use, with fewer rules and more self‐service.

Reliable research has generated valuable and challenging insights for libraries.