Search Engines are more likely to index sites that are popular, and are more likely to index a commercial site as compared to an educational site. Perhaps these facts relate to the future of public libraries. As the Internet formed and grew, many predictions were made about the demise of libraries. That hasn't happened, and as a matter of fact, public libraries are busier today than ever before. People have found that the Internet is a wonderful resource.
Internet connectivity opens new worlds of information to the consumer.
If you are looking for basic information, the Internet can also be cumbersome. Much of the information is connected to commercial sites and does not meet the users need. Shopping on the Internet has been slowed by the demise of some electronic companies, and the continuing problems with company files being broken into and credit card information stolen. With the Internet, consumers are also placed in the position of evaluating information as to its content, reliability, and accurateness. The lesson to be learned is to use the Internet, but be a smart information shopper.