I have not read this study, but by the press release it appears to be an interesting study. See also the project website and in the Guardian.
Press release
'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 UK is to remain as a leading
knowledge economy with a strongly-skilled next generation of researchers.
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."
