This survey of library patrons gathered data about training needs and methodologies for CD-ROM users. Data from 87 inexperienced CD-ROM users and 31 experienced users were analyzed. Patrons especially wanted training in search strategy, procedures, Boolean logic, and equipment. Females rated the importance of training higher than males, and…

Briefly discusses six issues related to the use of CD-ROM in libraries and provides sources of information on each issue. The issues discussed are pricing and costs; user preferences for CD-ROM; networking as a means of meeting high demand for CD-ROM; media options; strategic planning to meet demands; and bibliographic instruction. (10 references)…

Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

Considers the future of library instruction and addresses four main areas: (1) the reference/instruction relationship; (2) the vision of creating the self-sufficient user; (3) organizing library instruction as a curriculum; and (4) the need for significant outcomes. Examples from Association of Research Libraries members are included. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the history of library reference service as well as the ethical debates that have emerged. Topics include codes of ethics; neutrality, and being impartial and non-judgmental; treating patrons equally; plagiarism versus confidentiality; teaching patrons; training staff; and competence and professionalism. (LRW)

Discusses trends in library reference services, focusing on the needs of the individual user. Highlights include the effects of CD-ROM; the growth of online systems; tiered reference service structures; roving reference librarians; going out to users; user studies; and bibliographic instruction. (LRW)

Jennifer Duvernay, a science reference librarian at Arizona State University (ASU), feels it is very important to make sure that the information shopping experience is completely satisfying. "I'd like our students to choose to come to us because they have good experiences with us, trust us, and like us, despite [the availability of] plenty of…

Library instruction about reference materials, databases, and quality web sites never goes out of fashion for students, faculty, or staff. An annual professional development program on the Colorado State University campus offers an opportunity to provide specialized library instruction to targeted faculty and staff members. For two consecutive…

This seminar addressed various aspects of the provision of library and other services to external students. Resolutions carried at the end of the seminar are noted, and the full text is provided for the opening address, which summarizes the activities of the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Standing Committee on External Studies, and the…

One of a set of programmed texts specifically designed for college upperclassmen doing research for term papers, this text focuses on business related topics, and the examples have been selected with advanced research for academic disciplines in mind. The text emphasizes making critical and evaluative judgments about the materials used and is…

One of a set of programmed texts specifically designed for college upperclassmen doing research for term papers, this text focuses on humanities related topics, and the examples have been selected with advanced research for academic disciplines in mind. The text emphasizes making critical and evaluative judgments about the materials used and is…

One of a set of programmed texts specifically designed for college upperclassmen doing research for term papers, this text focuses on psychology related topics, and the examples have been selected with advanced research for academic disciplines in mind. The text emphasizes making critical and evaluative judgments about the materials used and is…

The goal of this programmed textbook is to increase efficiency in the use of the University of Colorado libraries through the aid of programmed learning techniques as a means of teaching basic library procedures. The chapters are divided into separate frames, each containing information on some aspect of library usage. These include: the public…

In order to teach high school students to transfer skills learned in school media centers to public libraries, public librarians visit classes whose students have been assigned term papers. They present information on reference materials students will need to complete their assignments, including those not available in most media centers. (EM)

Discussion of the need for library adult education as a component of public library reference services highlights trends (increase in adult population, technological changes) and their implications (continuing education for librarians), goals of library adult education, importance of instructional objectives, and evaluation. References and a…