Who’s in the stacks?

The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently reported some interesting findings from its survey about how people use the internet, libraries, and government agencies when they need help. Here’s one: For help with a variety of common problems, more people turn to the internet than consult experts or family members to provide information and resources. Another finding is, perhaps, more of a surprise — members of Gen Y (age 18-29) are the leading users of libraries for help in solving problems and in more general patronage.

The study (done in partnership with the the University of Illinois -Urbana-Champaign) also found that the vast majority of Americans want and expect information about government programs to be available on the internet. We’re doing our part: LII is a partner in Cornell’s e-Rulemaking Initiative, a multidisciplinary collaboration to consult with government agencies on the technology and practice of e-rulemaking and related areas of e-government.