The internet revolutionized how people find information, and now the rising popularity of both e-books and mobile devices is transforming Americans’ reading habits. The impact of this constantly evolving digital landscape on educational institutions is mixed, as libraries try to keep pace while still serving the needs of traditional patrons, and educators offer conflicting reports on technology’s effects on students’ research habits.

From the early days of internet use and home broadband adoption to the rise of mobile devices and social networking sites, the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project has tried to answer questions exploring technology’s impact on Americans’ lives. How does the shift from desktop connections to mobile devices affect how we interact with longform content? How do teens and young adults conduct research in the age of Google and Bing? And what do these changes mean for educational and cultural institutions?

In this plenary talk, research associate Kathryn Zickuhr will draw on data from the Pew Research Center’s nationally representative surveys, as well as rich qualitative material that lets individual stories shine through. This talk will explore not only how libraries, schools, museums, and other organizations are dealing with the changing technological environment, but also the larger context of how Americans find, consume, and share information in the digital age.

Date: November 4-6, 2013
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Website: eduiconf.org