Realized it might be interesting to post what I read in my blog rather than linking people to it via email.

From The British Library: More from the British Library on this report

“Pioneering research shows ‘Google Generation’ is a myth 16 January 2008”

• All age groups revealed to share so-called ‘Google Generation’ traits
• New study argues that libraries will have to adapt to the digital mindset
• Young people seemingly lacking in information skills; strong message to the government and society at large

“A new study overturns the common assumption that the ‘Google Generation’ – youngsters born or brought up in the Internet age – is the most web-literate. The first ever virtual longitudinal study carried out by the CIBER research team at University College London claims that, although young people demonstrate an apparent ease and familiarity with computers, they rely heavily on search engines, view rather than read and do not possess the critical and analytical skills to assess the information that they find on the web.

The report Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future (PDF format; 1.67MB) 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 becoming the norm for all age-groups, from younger pupils and undergraduates through to professors.

Commissioned by the British Library and JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee), the study calls for libraries to respond urgently to the changing needs of researchers and other users. Going virtual is critical and learning what researchers want and need crucial if libraries are not to become obsolete, it warns. “Libraries in general are not keeping up with the demands of students and researchers for services that are integrated and consistent with their wider internet experience”, says Dr Ian Rowlands, the lead author of the report.”

The cover image of the report is pretty garish. I am not sure how necessary it was to add this but I guess they felt that the report needed some “punch”

This is just a snippet from the press release and part of an enormous conversation. For the full press release and a lot of good links and information around the topic- More from the British Library on this report.