Pew Report: Information Searches That Solve Problems

At the CARL North Regional meeting at Santa Clara University on Feb. 11th, Carolyn Schubert shared data from the Dec 2007 Pew Report "Information Searches That Solve Problems : How People Use the Internet, Libraries and Government Agencies When They Need Help.

This report found that while more people still turn to the Internet for help to solve problems, a large percent of younger people are starting to turn to libraries. From the report, "Another key insight is that members of Gen Y are the leading users of libraries for help solving problems and in more general patronage". Are people starting to want more "quality" information that a librarian can provide?

Many other reports on the Pew website would be of interest to Academic Libraries. This post from librarian Mari Miller, Co-Chair, CARL North IT IG.

25 Awesome Beta Research Tools

CollegeDegree.com notes, "Check out this list of tools being used in libraries" -- tools such as Project Blacklight at UVA, LibX, Encore at Michigan State.

Pew Internet - Typology of Information & Communication Technology Users

"Where Do You Fit? - Do you cringe when your cell phone rings? Do you suffer from withdrawal when you can't check your Blackberry? Do you rush to post your vacation video to your Web site? The questions below allow you to place yourself in one of the categories in the Pew Internet Project's Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users. " Take the 10 questions quiz to learn which type of user you are.

Top 100 Alternative Search Engines

AltSearchEngine, part of the ReadWriteWeb network (provides web technology news, reviews and analysis) produces a monthly Top 100 Alternative Search Engine list. Check out February's list.

AltSearchEngine and ReadWriteWeb have feeds if you're interested in adding them to your reader.