The internet, quite simply, is vast in both size and content. A Google query, for instance, returns literally hundreds of thousands of hits. As an information professional, it is our job to locate accurate information, usually in a timely manner. Also, patrons expect us to point them toward useful, information-finding resources they can use on their own--even when, more and more, these resources lie beyond our own stacks. In the case of Google, the question becomes: How can the information professional turn hundreds of thousands of hits into a succinct, easily searchable resource?
Searching vs. Stumbling:
Using search engines to locate relevant content typically means hunting through pages of results. Rather than searching for quality web sites, StumbleUpon members are taken directly to web sites matching their personal interests and preferences.
Combats Information Overload:
Information on the Internet changes rapidly. StumbleUpon is a dynamic approach to keep on top of this ever-evolving pool of knowledge. StumbleUpon filters through the vast amount of information on the web to direct Stumblers to high quality web sites which are relevant to their personal interests. An obscure but interesting site can be immediately shared with other like-minded users. Old or low-quality sites can be removed if their ratings become too low. The participation of community members helps maintain a database of the most up-to-date and highest quality sites possible.
Sources:
About stumbleupon. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.stumbleupon.com/aboutus/
