Electronic Currents

Meeting "Digital Natives" on Their Own Turf: How Archivists Can Connect with the Next Generation

---

Abstract

Often referred to as 'generation Y,' 'generation N' (for Net), and 'millennials,' more than 81 million people in the United States have been born since 1982, only slightly fewer than those of the baby boomer population. Raised with cell phones, computers, and the Internet, these young people view the world in a different way. Close to 90 percent of 12- to 17-year olds use the Internet, and 76 percent of 18- to 29-year olds use it for school or job research. They expect information, once a commodity to be traded in academic and professional circles, to be freely available twenty-four hours a day. 'Digital natives' easily adapt to new technology and integrate it into their lives, while 'digital immigrants' (those older than 25) have a much more difficult time learning technology. We often rely on paper-based explanations, and rejoice when we know a 'techie' who can interpret terms like 'podcasting,' 'Wiki,' and 'RSS.'

How to Cite:

O'Neal, A., (2005) “Meeting "Digital Natives" on Their Own Turf: How Archivists Can Connect with the Next Generation”, MAC Newsletter 33(1), 30-31.