Perhaps you’ve heard the news: Younger generations born or raised during the last several years, the co-called “Internet Age,” are the most web-literate. They have an ease and familiarity with the technology of computing and the Internet which often dwarves those of older generations. They can find information readily out on the World Wide Web, process it readily, and use it effectively.
Right?
A recent study by the “CIBER” research team over at the University College of London claims that these assertions become more incorrect the further one reads into the above paragraph.
“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 becoming the norm for all age-groups, from younger pupils and undergraduates through to professors.”
What do they intend to do about it? Dr. Malcom Read, Executive Secretary of the British Joint Information Systems Committee, says:
“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.”
I’ll be curious to see what comes from the forthcoming debate.
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