In Search of Solutions: Using the Internet, Libraries and Government to Find Help

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.

http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/Pew_UI_LibrariesReport.pdf