One the benefits of library research is that you'll be able to discover unique sources of information, and find facts that others may not be able to find using Google, Wikipedia, etc. Your work will be more lively and interesting, and your works cited page will look spectacular!

Don't forget the librarians and library staff!   These people absolutely are the greatest! All you have to do is show up and ask[;-)]  With their knowledge of indexing and cataloguing, they can really help you zero-in on your topic and tip you off to real gems squirreled away under call numbers you would never have thought about checking!

I've never had a problem with using Wikpedia & Google as a first cut method of research.  Particularly when you're wading into a subject area that you have little to no exposure in, it's nice to have access to a relatively credible and accurate site to act as a "primer".  It'll help you focus your efforts, maybe give you a few leads or references to some real authorities on subject "X".  Then you have to dig.

I never consider research to be anywhere near complete until you have a few conflicting theories, opinions, etc. fleshed out to the point where you are able to form your own opinion, and defend it with something other than rhetoric.

One thing that I do hate about the internet, it allows the most ridiculous "scientific" literature and theory to be propogated at the speed of light.  In an era where information & knowledge can be so quickly disseminated, it's unfortunate that it is more commonly used as a tool to disseminate mythology, mis-information, and absolutely false "science".

I will admit, I use Wikipedia and Google daily.  Not only in school but in work related matters as well.  There's a trick to it though, you have to critically analyze all the information presented to you (just like in a book) and NEVER use Wikipedia as a source.  Instead I often use the sources provided and begin my investigation of the topic there, especially in areas where I am week.

Is this cheating?  No, and I do not feel that I am cheating myself out of an education either.  Look, education is not an ivory tower separate from reality, instead it should reflect reality.  Since I use Google every day, it is natural to make it part of my academic life.  However I do extend the caveat that information found online is not usually as reliable as what is found in a book, unless you know where to look.  Like government websites, trade or organizational websites (like the American Bar Association) etc.  Often these can be excellent sources for research and as valid as any book.  There are times when I come across these sources in Wikipedia and follow the link, other times I have Googled them.

Now I will admit, I keep a modest but concentrated personal library in my house on the topics I am studying.  When I enrolled for my MBA I probably spent close to $400.00 on various popular business books such as The Portable MBA, Finance and Accounting Essentials, etc.  Books cannot be replaced by the internet or by search engines or open sourced things "Wiki-ish" in nature but they can and should be supplemented.

1.)  All serious students must learn to conduct research in a library.  It's not only a rite of passage but also necessary should you be required to do so professionally or academically in the future.  Many schools now have handy online libraries to use, but you still have to be versed in how to conduct research via this conduit.  

2.) The internet, Google and Wiki-ish things are here to stay.  They becoming increasingly useful and integrated into our daily lives.  The IPhone for example is almost the "all in one" machine I have only envisioned of when reading science fiction novels from when I was 10.  Technology has changed us and will continue to do so.  Education will keep up whether Brabazon does or not.  In order to not become antiquated, I recommend more schools place library features online and make them user friendly, kind of like Google and Wikipedia.

Easy does not always mean low quality and hard work does not always equal high quality.  I believe in working smarter, not harder, it's what drives our economy to innovation.  Otherwise, why invent Google at all?  How you arrive at a source does not determine either the suitability of the information to the topic nor the reliability of the information in research.  Instead it is how it is used.

And occasionally, you have a card-carrying academic like Professor Beins at Ithaca College give away the arcane secrets in the title alone: 'Research Methods: A Tool for Life.'   (As good and accessible as that one is, there are literally dozens of others that are equally as good if not significantly better!)  

BTW, it's called the 'Information Age' for a reason!  Take the hint!