Gen Y logs on at the library
Published: Dec. 31, 2007 at 7:10 PM
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- More Americans turn to the Internet for issues such as illnesses, finances, taxes and careers rather than look to other information sources, a survey found.
The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported 58 percent of respondents dealt with the government or government-provided information during the past two years via the Internet, Information Week reported Monday.
Fifty-three percent said they consulted professionals, while 45 percent sought advice from friends or family. Thirty-six percent used newspapers or other periodicals; 34 percent contacted a government agency directly; 16 percent said they consulted television and radio; and 13 percent visited a library.
Despite the low number of Americans frequenting public libraries, the study indicated people ages 18 to 30, tagged as Generation Y, were most likely to use libraries to find problem-solving information and for general purposes. Forty percent of Gen Y respondents said they use libraries to seek information, compared to 20 percent of respondents 30 and older.
A big reason is that libraries are equipped with computers and Internet access. In the Pew Internet study, 65 percent said a key reason was availability of computers and the Internet.
More than 2,790 adults were surveyed.
The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported 58 percent of respondents dealt with the government or government-provided information during the past two years via the Internet, Information Week reported Monday.
Fifty-three percent said they consulted professionals, while 45 percent sought advice from friends or family. Thirty-six percent used newspapers or other periodicals; 34 percent contacted a government agency directly; 16 percent said they consulted television and radio; and 13 percent visited a library.
Despite the low number of Americans frequenting public libraries, the study indicated people ages 18 to 30, tagged as Generation Y, were most likely to use libraries to find problem-solving information and for general purposes. Forty percent of Gen Y respondents said they use libraries to seek information, compared to 20 percent of respondents 30 and older.
A big reason is that libraries are equipped with computers and Internet access. In the Pew Internet study, 65 percent said a key reason was availability of computers and the Internet.
More than 2,790 adults were surveyed.
© 2007 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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