Age Differences and Library Research
As a librarian, I find that age is a factor for students who are doing library research. I'll have to generalize. This isn't the case for all students.
I find that older students are usually more interested in using the library and the online library tools. Younger students are much more likely to go straight to Google and are not interested in the tools that the library has to offer.
Hi Richard,
You make a very good point about where we are today in educational research. Your suggestion about refinement and verification is a good one if we are going to help our students develop effective research skills.
Gary
I honestly beleive that the internet makes it too easy to do research. Especally scholarly, classroom related research.
I think this situation is compounded by the fact the their is so much disinformation, spin and outright propaganda on the internet.
Adding some explaintion and a demonstration or two on how to qualify an internet informational site might go a long way to driving the more serious younger student to verified, edited, peer review information of the type found in libraires.
I certainly have seen this to be the case. Older students are more book focused and will do the searching through dusty shelves and book racks. Younger students are more likely (90%) to do research through online sources. It is more in keeping with their digital or online way of life.
There of course are exceptions as many Law and Medical schools have the books in digital format and younger students are more likely to use that format. Older or non traditional students are adapting in those circumstances, but still are likely to print out physical pages as that is their learned method.
Where I teach we have a thriving library and an ecclectic mix of people. Great source materials are available, and good staff to help them access.
