Report Findings
…on Information Consumers Perceptions and Habits
Respondents use search engines to begin an information search (84 percent). One percent begin an information search on a libraryWeb site. (Part 1.2)
Quality and quantity of information are top determinants of a satisfactory information search. Search engines are rated higher than librarians. (Part 2.6)
The criterion selected by most information consumers to evaluate electronic resources is that the information is worthwhile. Free is a close second. Speed has less impact. (Parts 3.1 and 3.4)
Respondents do not trust purchased information more than free information. The verbatim comments suggest a high expectation of free information. (Part 3.4)
Library users like to self-serve. Most respondents do not seek assistance when using library resources. (Part 2.4)
Library card holders use information resources more than non-card holders, and they are more favorably disposed to libraries than non-card holders. (Parts 1.1, 1.4 and 3.7)
Age matters sometimes. Sometimes it doesnt. Responses are sometimes consistent across U.S. age groups, suggesting age-independent preferences and practices. Familiarity with e-mail is an example. In other areas, responses vary considerably by the age of the respondents. For example, young U.S. respondents are much less likely than those over 65 to agree librarians add value to the information search process. (Part 2.6 and all Parts)
The survey results are generally consistent across the geographic regions surveyed. Responses from the United Kingdom showed the largest range of variations from other regions surveyed.
(Part 5 and all Parts)
A “Search engines are rated higher than librarians” doi-me muito, mas mesmo muito. Muita coisa nas conclusões me faz receio pelo futuro dos meus colegas de curso, poque não tenho a certerza se a Biblioteca como produto universal vai sobreviver até ao dia em que eles possam ascender a posições a partir das quais possam fazer alguma coisa.
