Describes a process for teaching middle school students how to do research. Topics addressed include student attitudes; five major components of the research process; choosing topics that interest the students personally; assessing student progress; and benefits to the students. (LRW)

Discusses North Central Technical College (Ohio) library's approach to bibliographic instruction through a self-instructional workbook. Topics include development of the workbook; a walking tour orientation to the library; student-faculty reactions; and advantages and disadvantages of the approach. An annotated bibliography, workbook ordering…

Presents and compares results from two surveys of basic library skills administered to first-year and upperclass students at Johns Hopkins University (Maryland). The relationship of test scores to library visits and to self-ratings for library skills are discussed, and copies of the surveys are included. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Describes several relevant library search assignments which stress the merits of secondary research in a business report writing course. Includes assignments on investment possibilities, employment opportunities, and group projects. (MM)

Examines the history of reference services; discusses present trends in reference services; and considers possible future model shifts that will be influenced by the continuing explosion of information technology, the need for high level skills, the need for building partnerships, and the need to clarify reference service philosophies. (Contains…

A teacher describes using the Foxfire approach in an exploratory class on study skills for sixth graders. The students brainstormed about activities that would meet curriculum objectives, completed miniresearch projects that sharpened their library skills, and evaluated each others' projects. (SV)

Describes a survey instrument developed at the University of Northern Colorado library that compared students' self-assessed library skills with a test component. Findings are reported that indicated no dramatic trend of higher proficiency with increasing academic status, although self-assessed skills showed such a trend. (seven references) (LRW)

The William and Mary Summer Enrichment Program for Gifted Learners serves students in the Williamsburg, Virginia, area from preschool through grade 10, while the Governor's School for Science and Technology serves high school juniors and seniors. A sample course in library skills for at risk verbally talented children (ages five through seven) is…

Describes research and writing activities introduced to a third grade class in Edgecombe (Maine). Students learned to take brief notes without copying, locate information in the library beyond encyclopedias, make logs of observations, interview experts, and present information in several formats, including acrostics, timelines, and dioramas. (DM)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether bibliographic instruction methods used in an academic library's computer classroom were effective. Teacher-education students were tested using pretests and posttests designed to determine their knowledge and skill in using library technology to obtain research information. The tests are…

Provides examples of activities to help student learn to critically evaluate information from the World Wide Web based on the Big6 approach to library and information skills instruction. Lists criteria for evaluating Web sites and describes how to relate activities to student projects so relevant Web sites can be used. (LRW)

Presents a template for teaching traditional library research and one for incorporating the Web. Highlights include the differences between directories and search engines; devising search strategies; creating search terms; how to choose search engines; evaluating online resources; helpful Web sites; and how to read URLs to evaluate a Web site's…

Discusses search strategy, strategies for understanding information, and instructional strategies as they relate to information literacy. Topics include orientation to sources and services; awareness of key literature; critical thinking and problem solving; inquiry; reading comprehension to enhance understanding; and strategies used by proficient…

Reviews the literature on library and information literacy and describes the development of an undergraduate core course on library and information skills at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The bibliographic instruction component is explained, and assessment of the course after the first year is discussed. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Explores sketch maps as an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand tool for assessing library skills, knowledge, and interest among individuals and groups. The underlying principles are found in research done with maps and surveys collected for environmental psychology, urban planning, and human geography. Includes nine figures of map examples and an…