‘Google
Generation’ is a myth, says new research
New report
reveals the information needs of the researchers and learners of the future
16th January,
2008. A new report, commissioned by JISC and the British Library, counters the
common assumption that the ‘Google Generation’ – young people born or brought up
in the Internet age – is the most adept at using the web. The report by the
CIBER research team at University College London claims that, although young
people demonstrate an ease and familiarity with computers, they rely on the most
basic search tools and do not possess the critical and analytical skills to
asses the information that they find on the web.
The report ‘Information
Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future’ also shows that research-behaviour
traits that are commonly associated with younger users – impatience in search
and navigation, and zero tolerance for any delay in satisfying their information
needs – are now the norm for all age-groups, from younger pupils and
undergraduates through to professors.
The study calls for
libraries to respond urgently to the changing needs of researchers and other
users and to understand the new means of searching and navigating information.
Learning what researchers want and need is crucial if libraries are not to
become obsolete, the report warns.
The findings also send a
stark message to government - that young people are dangerously lacking
information skills. Well-funded information literacy programmes are needed, it
continues, if the
Dame Lynne Brindley DBE,
Chief Executive of the British Library, said of the report findings: “Libraries
have to accept that the future is now. At the British Library we have
adopted the ‘Wiki’ view and the ‘Beta’ mindset. We have seized many of the
opportunities new technology offers to inspire our users to learn, discover and innovate.
However, we must do more and welcome the report findings,
particularly the need to equip users of all age-groups with wider information
and digital literacy skills.”
Dr Malcolm Read,
Executive Secretary of JISC, welcomed the publication of the report, saying:
“These findings add to our growing understanding of subjects that should concern
all who work in further and higher education – the changing needs of our
students and researchers and how libraries can meet their needs. We hope that
this report will encourage debate around these important questions. We hope it
will also serve to remind us all that students and researchers will continue to
need the appropriate skills and training to help navigate an increasingly
diverse and complex information landscape.”
For further information,
please go to: www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/resourcediscovery/googlegen.aspx
Or contact Philip Pothen
on 07887 564 006 or [log in to unmask]
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