Horizontal Information Seeking

Description

John Naughton:

"The findings describe 'a new form of information-seeking behaviour' characterised as being 'horizontal, bouncing, checking and viewing in nature. Users are promiscuous, diverse and volatile.' 'Horizontal' information-seeking means 'a form of skimming activity, where people view just one or two pages from an academic site then "bounce" out, perhaps never to return.' The average times users spend on e-book and e-journal sites are very short: typically four and eight minutes respectively.

The study confirms what many are beginning to suspect: that the web is having a profound impact on how we conceptualise, seek, evaluate and use information. What Marshall McLuhan called 'the Gutenberg galaxy' - that universe of linear exposition, quiet contemplation, disciplined reading and study - is imploding, and we don't know if what will replace it will be better or worse. But at least you can find the Wikipedia entry for 'Gutenberg galaxy' in 0.34 seconds." (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jan/27/internet.pressandpublishing?gusrc=rss&feed=technology)

Source

Alan Moore: "Naughton refers to a recent study on reading behaviour from the British Library and researchers at University College London. I am not sure if this is the correct link that Naughton refers to however it is interesting and I think it is the right one. The google generation and research." (http://communities-dominate.blogs.com/brands/2008/01/gutenberg-and-t.html)