The Google Generation: Information behaviour of the researcher of the future Maggie Fieldhouse CIBER School of Library Archive and Information Studies, University College, London

CIBER’s study Literature reviews –Pre 1990 (Generation X, Baby Boomers) – (Generation Y) –Post 1993 (Google Generation) Longitudinal studies Log analysis Review of new technologies

“And over 90 per cent of teachers are concerned about the impact of plagiarism on their students’ long-term prospects. Beverley Alaimo, from Newcastle under Lyme College in Staffordshire, said: “I believe students who provide excellent pieces of work which achieve a high grade will find progression to a higher level far more difficult, as they will not have the knowledge and understanding necessary to cope with the work, however, new lecturers will, again, assume that students do.” View from ATL

The academic view “white bread for the mind” Tara Brabazon delivers a scathing attack on attack on the lack of skill and judgement displayed by her undergraduates with regard to their handling and evaluation of information.

View from the media The study confirms what many are beginning to suspect: that the web is having a profound impact on how we conceptualise, seek, evaluate and use information. What Marshall McLuhan called 'the Gutenberg galaxy' - that universe of linear exposition, quiet contemplation, disciplined reading and study - is imploding, and we don't know if what will replace it will be better or worse. But at least you can find the Wikipedia entry for 'Gutenberg galaxy' in 0.34 seconds

How different is the Google Generation? Will they research in new ways in the future? What does post-web life mean for information seeking? How much does technology matter? How have older generations adapted to new technologies?

Is the Google Generation a myth? Not an accurate description of all young people Perceptions of the impact of ICT on young and older generations needs rebalancing We’re all Googlers now

Assumptions……….. Young people are expert at using computers Young people use search engines to find information Most are satisfied with the results they get Students demand 24/7 access, instant gratification and expect ‘answers’ (rather than a book or article) Younger people rely on friends/parents/teachers for information rather than using libraries

CIBER has found that……… EVERYONE – students, professors, lecturers and practioners – exhibits bouncing/flicking behaviour, searching horizontally rather than vertically. Power browsing and viewing is the norm

This raises concerns about The demise of creative and independent thinking Self directed learning The role of libraries Use of library resources Information skill levels Plagiarism and respect for copyright and intellectual property

Education Information skills need to be developed at an early age University is too late Scholarly behaviour has become promiscuous diverse and volatile Does this constitute a dumbing down?

We’re all librarians now….. Need to establish a central position as trusted 3 rd parties in the information chain Find out about user behaviour and preferences –Making library research more rewarding and exciting The use of library resources –Making content easier to use –Making systems as intuitive to use as Google

Information literacy Get information skills on the agenda Close the gap between performance and perceived skills Develop IL skills to a level appropriate to the demands of HE and research

Google Generation: implications for the researcher of the future Keep things in perspective!! Digital libraries are in their infancy

Thank you