Behaviors and preferences of digital natives: Informing a research agenda

Abstract

Prensky (2001) asserts that because of their total emersion in the digital information environment from birth "...today's students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors" (np). This panel highlights ground-breaking research on information-seeking behaviors of Digital Natives, those born after 1989. Mounting evidence confirms the need for innovative approaches to understand their behaviors and their radically different use of electronic sources, services and systems. An urgently needed research agenda is proposed that draws attention to the need to identify the characteristics and preferences of this tech savvy group that surprisingly lacks basic skills in information evaluation and retrieval. Three studies that explore various aspects of the proposed research agenda are discussed below, including research in the areas of virtual reference services, selection of digital library resources, and collaborative information behavior in online environments. This panel will be an interactive discussion with a substantial audience participation component. It is hoped that the audience for this session will consist of both researchers and library practitioners in virtual environments, as well as those interested in servicing digital natives. This discussion will be led by the moderator.