Google Effects

How has Google and other Internet search engines changed everyday life? Will historians look back at the pre-Google era as the Dark Ages of knowledge dissemination? Are we witnessing a monumental breakthrough akin to moveable type or just another way for kids to cheat on book reports?

Washington Post staff writer Joel Achenbach discussed his recent article on Google, Internet search engine uses and its impact on libraries.
The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Washington, D.C.: Any clue when the verb "to google" will enter the OED? Are there copyright issues involved?

(Disclaimer: I realize that you have no control over what actually goes into the OED.)

Joel Achenbach: Apparently "to Google" started appearing sometime in the year 2000, fyi. My guess is that the OED is kind of stuffy about things things though.

Joel Achenbach: Let me answer that last posting: I loved the first search engines but no one "Altavistaed" a prospective date 8 years ago. Right? I focus on Google because, combined with the expansion of the Web, the googling experience is something qualitatively different than what people could do just a few years ago.

Washigton, D.C.: I like being Googled by dates. There is someone with the same name as me who is a doctor that has many accomplishments and awards.

Joel Achenbach: Why bother achieving?

New York, N.Y.: Google is often one of the first resources librarians use. I'm a librarian and do reference work from time to time and use Google extensively. The difference though (perhaps the reason some librarians are fearful of the technology as used by most people) is that Google isn't the only resource I use. Too many students use Google (and the Internet) as their first and only resource. And there's so much more information out there!

Joel Achenbach: SOME students apparently think that a Google search is the same thing as research. It's a great way to START.

Oakton, Va.: How successful is Google? Just a few years ago its was natural for people to talk about their favorite search engines. Today, you feel embarrassed for anyone who doesn't use Google.

Joel Achenbach: My Mom doesnt use Google. But ... well, yeah, I guess that does embarrass me. I will mention this to her.


By those dialog, I could summarize one thing that Google does make everything changes, even Joel paradigms. :P

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