This research study addressed four issues relating to subject searching in online catalogs: faculty and student use of subject searching in library catalogs; users' knowledge of and use of the Library of Congress Subject Headings List (LCSH) in a controlled subject heading search; strategies for teaching effective subject searching; and users'…

In a study conducted to compare the results of two methods of instruction for the use of periodical, book, and newspaper indexes, the traditional lecture approach and self-study guide were investigated. Two library science classes were divided into two groups, and then divided further according to sex and class status. A self-study guide was…

The level of library provision was surveyed in independent Scottish schools; surveys were returned by 39 of the 75 independent schools. The survey covered school size, examinations taken by pupils, library staffing and qualifications, books per pupil, audiovisual and computer-based resources, resources other than books, information skills programs…

A factor analysis of affective data gathered from searchers of an online library catalog, and a card catalog allowed researchers to isolate factors leading to success or failure in information retrieval. Factor patterns serve to identify how searches are evaluated by users. Further research is suggested as are features to facilitate successful…

Presents an interim report on a study investigating the impact of flexible and fixed scheduling of library instruction on library media specialists' consultative and instructional roles. The relationship between scheduling and the number of the media specialist's consultative tasks, library instruction lessons offered, and participation in student…

Describes an analysis of transaction logs of the online catalog at the University of Missouri-Kansas City that examined patron use of both controlled and uncontrolled vocabulary subject access during the same search session. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and recommendations are made for library instruction and online catalog design. (six…

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…

Based on interviews with 29 librarians at a midwestern research university, this publication serves as a benchmark for what it is like to work as an academic librarian in a U.S. research university in the mid-1990's and considers changes occurring within the wider field of librarianship. Chapter 1 begins with a broad overview of the concept and…

This report describes a research project designed to improve the University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-S) Library Learning Center services to students with learning disabilities. Three groups were surveyed to gather the information needed to improve services. Learning disabled students at the UW-S campus were asked to identify problems encountered in…

This report provides instructional materials for a voluntary introductory workshop in the use of the Educational Resources and Information Clearinghouse (ERIC) database on CD-ROM. The workshop instruction is based on Leslie J. Brigg's Theories of Instructional Design with instructional objectives based on Robert Gagne's Learning Taxonomy. Library…

This report outlines the development and evaluation of a library instruction program at Macquarie University in Australia designed to help students use the subject catalog more quickly and effectively. Phase I of development established: (1) objectives; (2) two methods of teaching--performance instruction and simulation of a real library…

The uses being made of the OCLC system in the area of public or reader's services was investigated in this study. Topics dealt with include the training of librarians and patrons in on-line searching, specific benefits of the data base to the public, disadvantages of the present OCLC system in public services, costs, and the motivation behind…

An investigation of the school and public libraries in Newport, New Hampshire was conducted to determine the kinds of cooperation which would lead to the best possible service for users. The following major recommendations were made. First, it was suggested that the Advisory Council on Libraries created for the study, be maintained, and that a…

Presents an overview of 15 studies conducted in or about North Carolina related to school library media programs. Highlights include the roles of programs and media specialists as perceived by principals, students, and peers; stress sources; reading interests of teenagers; professional roles in reference services, information skills instruction,…

Analyzes research cited in "Library Literature" during the past year that concerns school libraries. Topics examined include censorship issues; information literacy and library instruction; reading; the use of technology, especially microcomputers; and comprehensive state surveys. (14 references) (LRW)