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The Information Explosion and the Adult Learner: Implications for Reference Librarians

Summary In looking for answers to their learning and information needs, adult learners face an information explosion as one component of their complex world. While adult learners represent a wide variety of developmental stages, for information literacy, for a successful search for electronic information, each one must learn to cope with the burgeoning explosion of information. This paper explores the challenges of information gathering and examines the specific needs and characteristics of the adult learner in relation to information gathering. It presents strategies to assist the reference librarian in developing the necessary skills as well as methods to assist the adult learner.