Fact Check: "Visits to the Mandel Library declined 27 percent between 2012 and 2019."
What We Know
The claim that visits to the Mandel Library declined by 27 percent between 2012 and 2019 lacks specific data directly related to the Mandel Library itself. However, broader trends in library visits across the United States indicate a significant decline in physical visits. According to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), overall physical library visits have been in decline for more than a decade, with an average decrease of nearly 50% per user per year. Specific examples from major cities show declines of 47% in New York, 74% in Los Angeles, and 66% in Chicago, among others.
While the claim specifies a 27% decline for the Mandel Library, it is important to note that this figure does not appear in the available data from the IMLS or other sources. The decline in library visits is a nationwide trend, but without specific data for the Mandel Library, we cannot confirm the accuracy of the 27% figure.
Analysis
The evidence surrounding library visit trends is compelling, with multiple sources indicating a significant decline in physical visits to libraries across the U.S. For instance, the Quiet Crisis Facing U.S. Public Libraries report highlights that library visits have dropped dramatically, with the average number of visits per user falling by 49.1% over the past decade. This aligns with other reports indicating that library attendance has decreased by 28% by 2019 compared to previous years (source-3).
However, the specific claim regarding the Mandel Library's 27% decline is not substantiated by the available data. The Public Library Data Service and other statistics do not provide specific figures for individual libraries, making it difficult to assess the accuracy of the claim. Furthermore, the reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they are based on data collected from reputable organizations like the IMLS and peer-reviewed studies.
The lack of specific data for the Mandel Library means that while the broader trend of declining library visits is well-documented, the exact percentage decline for this specific library remains unverified.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that visits to the Mandel Library declined by 27 percent between 2012 and 2019 cannot be confirmed due to the absence of specific data for the library in question. While there is substantial evidence indicating a general decline in library visits across the United States, the specific figure for the Mandel Library is not supported by the available sources.
Sources
- Black lung disease
- The Quiet Crisis Facing U.S. Public Libraries
- Libraries Are in Decline: Let's Renew Them
- The Public Library Data Service 2012 Statistical Report
- IMLS Statistics for - Library Technology Guides
- Library Visit Statistics – WordsRated
- Unequal Access: How Public Library Closures Affect ...
