Bioindustrial Innovation Centre

The dawning of the information and knowledge era has revealed a divergence of information searching patterns between generations.  The proof of such a divide is apparent when watching an elder relative manipulates a computer or cell phone – a shocking divide.    As searching and retrieving tools have evolved, so have the patterns of discovering information.  Some have embraced the technology thus propelling them into the new frontier of the internet, while others have rejected and discounted electronic searching.  The concepts of search and retrieval have remained intact – regardless of the medium.  As information consumers we need to become familiar with the study of behavior of how these different groups and retrieve information.  For instance, individuals born between 1979 to 1994 have developed information searching skills that are departure from previous generations.

According to Information Literacy meets Library 2.0 by Peter Godwin and Jo Parker there are many interesting observations to make with these users who have embraced information search technologies.   Some of the searching behaviors include:

·         Online information and technology appears to be natural and effortless in searching;

·         Users expect single field boxes similar to Google, which gives instant satisfaction with recommended lists to spur on serendipitous searching moments;

·         Library databases need to be accessible by no restrictions to time and location;

·         Traditional databases need to have inherent searching capabilities as users have no interest in learning about Boolean logic or other techniques;

·         Users are more likely to collaborate in a team sized environment.  Collaborations can be found in how furniture tables arrangements but also using collaborative internet tools such as Face book and Twitter;

·         Users are more prone to navigate the web by trial and error, ignoring manuals and pathfinder help sheets;

·         The research query is self-directed, and likely to be linear for they are hypertext thinkers;

·         Multitasking is a way of life and people live in a state of ‘continuous partial attention’;

·         Users believe that what is written down and on the web must be correct;

·         They will cut and paste rather than read and digest what they find.

Understanding these information searching behavior patterns will help with current challenges but also prepare for future generations of users wanting to access information through the internet.  There needs to be a better formula to address the problems and build for the future.  Educating and teaching others is necessary for the future of information understanding.