As conference attendees enjoyed the dessert portion of lunch, Griffiths presented the findings of her study 'Interconnections: The IMLS National Study on the Use of Libraries, Museums and the Internet.' A compilation of five separate national surveys totaling 6,000 responses, her research investigated the information needs of current and potential users of online information. In particular, the information seeking habits of users and non-users of museums, public libraries, and the Internet were researched for the purpose of assisting IMLS in determining how to most effectively invest in digital libraries and collections. Two key findings of the study are that the public places a great deal of trust in the online content of libraries and museums versus the open Web, and that those who use the Internet are more likely to make in-person visits to libraries and museums than those who don't.

Included was an impressive serving of statistical and demographic data detailing such figures as the number of in-person visits to libraries and museums, and the percentage of respondents who utilize libraries, museums, the Internet, or some combination. It was also noted that Hispanic males ages 18-24 using the Web in libraries tend to do so for homework or entertainment purposes. Academic libraries were not mentioned until the Question and Answer period, where it was clarified that the findings applied to them as well. As an academic librarian, I wondered why that was not included in the presentation. Further, the presentation could have benefited from a stronger emphasis on the interconnections between the study findings and their application to the daily work of librarians. Nevertheless, the data conveyed in this presentation was highly informative and carries with it a great deal of potential in terms of its implications for the future of libraries.

 out of  found this valuable. Do you find this valuable?