Information searches that solve problems
How people use the internet, libraries, and
government agencies when they need help
DECEMBER 30, 2007 Leigh Estabrook, Professor Emerita, University of Illinois-
Urbana-Champaign
Evans Witt, CEO, PSRAI
Lee Rainie, Director, Pew Internet & American Life Project
This report emerges from a national survey that looks at how people use a variety of
information sources to help them address some common problems that could be related in
some way to government agencies and programs. The problems about which we queried
included: dealing with a serious illness or health concern; making a decision about school
enrollment, financing school, or upgrading work skills; dealing with a tax matter;
changing a job or starting a business; and getting information about major programs such
as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Filed under: Internet, information seeking habits | Tagged: information seeking, Internet
