Has Wiki Replaced the College Library?

Not quite: Undergrads still turn to more traditional sources

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2007 3:46 PM CDT

(Newser) – Contrary to expectations, college students are not rushing online for answers to research assignments. A new survey shows only 3% of undergraduates with research tasks went to Wikipedia first and only 13% tried search engines. The largest number, 40%, turned to course materials first and 23% sought out the library.

Ars Technica is wary of the finding, however, as the subjects were students at a small liberal arts college; further, the results came from surveys rather than observation. The site was dismayed even more that that so many respondents also called the research process “barely a tolerable task.”

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Adderall, Ritalin used to boost concentration despite health risks

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Wikipedia • research • college • university • libraries • student • college student

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Freshmen More Stressed Than Ever

First-year college students report low emotional health

'Swine Flu Dorms' Sprout at Colleges Nationwide

Sick students start school in quarantine zones

More Students Get Fix From Study Drugs

Adderall, Ritalin used to boost concentration despite health risks

Road to Ivy Paved With Rejection Letters

Thin-letter notices reach students in record numbers

Diploma Drop to Make College Entry Easier

Slump in high school grad numbers will spark 'buyers market'

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