As libraries automate their collections and mount online public access catalogs (OPACs), they face special challenges in educating patrons to use these electronic systems effectively and efficiently. Because users are less familiar with the concept and arrangement of an OPAC than with a card catalog, less successful searches commonly occur.…

This report summarizes the proceedings of a conference that brought together 35 librarians, network representatives, and system vendors to exchange information on the training of users of online public access catalogs. Three papers are presented: "Historic Concerns in Library Instruction: Teaching the Card Catalog," by Evan Farber;…

Identifies six successive stages in model of the library research process developed from the findings of study of high school seniors using library for two assigned research papers: initiating research assignment, selecting topic, exploring information, forming focus, collecting information, preparing to present. Assessment of the research process…

This article outlines an Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) CD-ROM bibliographic instruction (BI) session at an academic library, which is intended to produce knowledgeable and competent ERIC searchers. The 1.5 hour lecture session includes: a basic introduction to the ERIC database; narrowing down a search topic; using the thesaurus…

Focuses on the training of students in online bibliographic searching as introduced by school library media centers. The online process, teaching students to search, search steps, negative and positive aspects, and implications for school library media programs in three areas (student instruction, collection development, service goals) are…

This curriculum guide is intended to help educators design strategies to introduce the concept of online database searching to high school students. The goals of database searching are clearly defined so they may be matched with the goals already established in existing curriculum areas. The teaching process involves explaining how to use a…

Designed to assist educators in teaching information skills in a systematic way by integrating them into the kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum, this guide is intended to be shared by teachers and library media specialists. A reflection of recent study of the information searching and application process, the guide is not bound to any…

In order to use new educational technologies effectively and to help students cope with the mass of information that has become available, librarians have begun to develop strategies and lessons to instruct students in searching. There has been, however, no detailed curriculum in the schools to ensure that students and teachers in grades K-12 are…

Librarians use subject guides to introduce students to library materials. Surveys, usability tests, and usage statistics demonstrate that students do not relate well to subject guides. We suggest that library resources organized or delivered at a course level are more in line with how undergraduate students approach library research. (Contains 26…

This document was developed primarily in response to a bibliographic lecture in an upper-division Afro-American survey course that covers the American colonial period to the present. In addition to representative examples of reference works, bibliographies, bibliographic sources, and periodical indexes, a section is devoted to the proper use of…

Intended for use as a guide in the preparation of a locally approved media skills continuum, this publication lists skills appropriate for grades K through 12 within five competency goal areas: (1) orientation and organization--the learner will demonstrate a working knowledge of the media center's organization and of procedures required to use the…

Presents results of a case study which examined the library skills of graduate students in health education, especially in locating materials using the card catalog, periodical indexes and subject heading searches. Suggestions are made for the development of instructional materials based on these results. (CLB)

This document lists sources useful for academic reference and instruction librarians who are concerned with assisting and teaching novice or non-professional end-user searchers. The bibliography is organized in two lists: complete bibliographic citations and subject listing of references. The types of sources listed include journal articles,…