This paper, presented at the Indiana Library Association Meeting, discusses critical thinking in general terms and then briefly discusses why it is important to include critical thinking skills in bibliographic instruction sessions at the higher education level. A discussion of the instructional design of bibliographic instruction in relation to…

This report describes the conceptual content and hands-on activities of a course in online information retrieval skills offered at Stockton State College to expose undergraduate students to an important area of information science not traditionally included in undergraduate computer science curricula. Observations of student experience with the…

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, is to familiarize the reader with some advances in cataloging that may not be so esoteric in the near future for school librarians. Second, is to provide hints for easy cataloging of traditionally uncataloged electronic information and thus enhance information access through the school library OPAC.

Because reference librarians at San Antonio College (Texas) often found themselves facing the difficult situation of assisting students who were struggling with ill-conceived, faculty-designed library assignments, they developed a 2-hour workshop for faculty on the construction of course-related assignments. This collection of workshop-related…

Current methods for library instruction in academic libraries include audiovisual materials, programmed learning, self-paced workbooks, and course-related instruction. This document consists of reports on instructional programs involving these methods at five college and university libraries. The Concord College Library's program, "A…

A developmental English program for a liberal arts college should be individualized and intellectually challenging to students entering a four-year baccalaureate program. Such a program must emphasize motivation, flexibility, and a well-conceived progression for acquiring skills. It should view writing as a holistic process and should use such…

A five-week tutorial minicourse offered by the Douglas/Cook College Writing Center at Rutgers University helps students develop skills in research writing. The first service the Writing Center offers is a "term paper strategy session," in which students meet with a reference librarian to examine the various reference sources available.…

Students should be taught a variety of study skills, so that these skills will develop into habits that free them to think about the information presented in their textbooks. Although the study skills are common to all content areas, their application varies with each specific subject. Perhaps the foremost skill is attacking the assignment, which…

This paper discusses a course designed to equip students to use library resources while conducting academic research. By employing the methods of individualized instruction, a minimal teaching staff can direct the learning of large groups of students. Identifiable competencies are developed and can be assessed in: (1) the critical thinking which…

Motivated by accreditation standards, sanctions, legal, and other issues threatening American collegiate athletic programs, academia has put into place, on many campuses, structured programs which attempt to ensure both academic achievement and the physical prowess of its "players." As a component of the overall support program at the…

The paper reviews approaches for making bibliographic instruction accessible to college students with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments. Needs assessment should focus on students, library staff, administrative officers, faculty members, and educational specialists. Consideration in program development should be given not only to special…

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.…

Research at Tennessee Technological University indicated that library and instructional materials were not being utilized. Additional research showed that graduates of the teacher training program did not use their school library fully or draw upon the media skill of the librarian. The coordinator of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and a…

Discusses types of knowledge that should define the academic librarian: (1) background in history and development of higher education; (2) appreciation for history of scholarship and learning; (3) understanding of how knowledge is obtained in various disciplines; (4) ability to evaluate research findings. Three reactions to essay are included.…

Discussion of college students' dependency on the library card catalog as a problem in bibliographic instruction covers student attitudes toward card catalog; catalog shortcomings (portions of books are not indicated, subject headings don't always match user's terms, availability not indicated); a positive teaching approach; and online…