Despite being heavy technology users, most young Americans still read and borrow printed books from libraries, according to a new survey.

The most recent poll by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, released last month, found that three-quarters (75%) of young adults ages 16-29 said they have read at least one book in print in the past year, compared with 64% of adults 30 and older.

"Younger Americans' reading habits and library use are still anchored by the printed page," said Kathryn Zickuhr, a research analyst at the Pew Research and co-author of the report. "Some of this stems from the demands of school or work, yet some likely lies in their current personal preferences. And this group's priorities and expectations for libraries likewise reflect a mix of traditional and technological services."

Americans under 30 are just as likely as older adults to visit the library, and once there, they borrow print books and browse the shelves at similar rates, the survey found. Large majorities of those under age 30 said it is "very important" for libraries to have librarians as well as books for borrowing, and few think that libraries should automate most library services, move most services online or move print books out of public areas.

Other findings of the survey included: 60% of younger patrons say they go to the library to study, sit and read or watch or listen to media—significantly more than the 45% of older patrons who do this; 38% of Americans under 30 have used computers and the Internet at libraries in the past year, compared with 22% of those ages 30 and older; and almost half (48%) of Americans ages 16-29 have ever visited a library website, compared with 36% of those adults 30 and older.

In the late-2012 survey of 2,252 Americans ages 16 and older, the report found that more than nine in 10 young adults under 30 owned a cell phone, with the majority owning a smartphone; some 16% owned an e-reader; and 25% owned a e-tablet.

For more information on the survey, visit http://libraries.pewinternet.org/.

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