Digital natives: if you aren't one, get to know one

Abstract

Purpose

To outline the different learning and working styles between generations in our current digital environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Connects common theories of popular author and library industry study. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.

Findings

As native speakers of digital language, young people think and process information in an entirely different way from previous generations. Experts suggest that they may have remapped their brains.

Originality/value

The article stresses the importance of gaining a better understanding of the learning styles and tastes of young people. Libraries should consider tapping into this resource for future development, since these people are the future support base for libraries.

Citation

Long, S.A. (2005), "Digital natives: if you aren't one, get to know one", New Library World, Vol. 106 No. 3/4, pp. 187-189. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800510587381