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 findings also send a strong message to the government. Educational research into the information behaviour of young people and training programmes on information literacy skills in schools are desperately needed 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 digital mindset and have seized many of the opportunities new technology offers to inspire our users to learn, discover and innovate. Turning the Pages 2.0 and the mass digitisation project to digitise 25 million of pages of 19th-century English literature are only two examples of the pioneering work we are doing.

“We are a trusted and independent source, both in cyberspace and through our vast printed collections, with more than 67 million hits on our website in the past 12 months and 500,000 readers passing through our doors every year.

“We welcome the report findings, particularly on information and digital literacy skills. We focus on research skills, creativity, critical thinking and visual, verbal and information literacy, within our overall learning programme.”

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.”

In the absence of a longitudinal study tracking a group of young people through schooling to academic careers, CIBER developed a methodology which has created a unique ‘virtual longitudinal study' based on the available literature and new primary data about the ways in which the British Library and JISC websites are used. This is the first time for the information seeking behaviour of the virtual scholar to have been profiled by age.

The British Library and JISC commissioned report Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future conducted by the Centre for Information Behaviour and the Evaluation of Research (CIBER) at UCL was launched on 16 January 2008.

The panel:

• Dame Lynne Brindley DBE, Chief Executive British Library
• Lord Triesman, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Innovation, Universities, and Skills: keynote speech
• Dr Malcolm Read, Executive Secretary, JISC
• Ian Rowlands and Professor David Nicholas, the report's authors from CIBER at UCL

Listen to a recording of the Wednesday 16 January launch event (MP3, 77min 22sec, 66.3MB)

Listen to a podcast about the launch event on the JISC website (MP3)

Download full report documentation (from UCL website)

For further information and interviews, please contact: Lawrence Christensen at the British Library Press Office, +44 (0)20 7412 7114, lawrence.christensen@bl.uk or Suvi Kankainen, +44 (0)20 7412 7105, suvi.kankainen@bl.uk