Discusses overuse and abuse of the online search in academic libraries, citing cases where patrons are not well served by it. Suggestions include helping students define and refine research goals and use of print indexes and abstracts which display citations in context of related literature. (15 references) (EJS)

Term paper bibliographies were independently examined and rated by a librarian and a writing instructor. Students receiving bibliographic instruction in classes that taught a cognitive strategy for using library resources did a better job of accessing and using library resources than those whose instruction emphasized specific tools and resources.…

Reports on a study at St. Olaf College (Minnesota) that was designed to measure students' research competencies and opinions, as well as other contributions to research skills, after four years of course-integrated library instruction. The Library Bibliographic Instruction Survey is appended. (Author/LRW)

Because instruction in library search strategies is often neglected in social work education, about 75 major social work and social science textbooks were reviewed and divided into 3 groups by the amount of coverage of library research skills. Strengths and weaknesses along with suggestions for a model orientation to library use are provided. (EAM)

Outlines a model to promote more effective interaction between reference librarians and science graduate students conducting literature searches in preparation for dissertations. The model uses a sequential set of search strategies: searching subject indexes, identifying reviews, searching for "ancestors," searching for…

Describes results of several studies which led to integration of end-user searching using BRS/After Dark in the bibliographic instruction program at Earlham College (Indiana). These studies compared results and patterns of online searches by students and librarians, as well as online and manual searches by students. Student opinions were also…