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)

Instructional objectives developed by Direct Patron Access to Computer-Based Reference Systems Committee, American Library Association, are designed to facilitate library instruction where online systems are used directly by patrons, and intended for librarians who are devising instructional programs for online systems in school, special, public,…

Ohio State University Library studied abilities of undergraduates to identify correct sources for answering reference questions when using the online catalog and the Sourcefinder database with its new Question Unit feature. Users located subjects and instructions at a greater percentage with Sourcefinder than with the online catalog. Topics…