When helping undergraduates assess materials, academic librarians balance the reference interview with instruction in electronic databases. This article describes a method connecting these tasks with a search strategy dependent on the user's information needs. The connection is made by labeling the user's need with a diagnostic tool based on…

These two brief guides are designed to assist users in searching the GPO Monthly Catalog of Government Publications and the ERIC databases on CD-ROM produced by Silver Platter Information, Inc. Each guide contains step-by-step instructions for: (1) simple subject searching using basic Boolean connectors; (2) displaying and printing; (3) correcting…

Describes important techniques by which library users avoid information overload, clarifies the terminology in the information overload literature, and reviews the major findings of this literature in the context of library applications. Implications for users and librarians are discussed. (CDD)

Discusses the need to include communication skills as a component of training sessions for library staff who will be serving patrons using online catalogs and databases. Specific points that should be covered in training sessions are identified and training methods are suggested. (eight references) (CLB)

Stresses the importance of teaching the skills necessary for students to understand computer communications, including microcomputer and remote computer commands; how to get information from human resources through a bulletin board service or information utility; and keyword searching and Boolean logic. (EM)

Describes some of the most active school library programs for introducing elementary and secondary school students to online searching. Highlights include searches performed by librarians and students; skills acquired by students (search strategy, choosing appropriate databases, accessing information online); frequently searched databases; and…

A library instruction computer game created at Newberry College, South Carolina challenges players' skill at using the "Readers' Guide," and by noting elapsed time needed to create a bibliography of citations on a given topic, encourages an increase in skill. Computer equipment used, illustrative examples, and five references are noted.…

The availability of appropriate software for library applications is a continuing problem, and this directory is designed to reduce the frustration of librarians in their search for library software for a microcomputer by providing profiles of software packages designed specifically for libraries. Each profile describes the purpose of the program,…

Two articles briefly review experiences of secondary schools using DIALOG's Classroom Instruction Program, and four New Jersey school districts that have experimented with using Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service to teach online searching at both the elementary and secondary levels. An annotated bibliography lists 12 relevant journal articles and…

Describes how four classes of high school students were introduced to concepts and terminology of online bibliographic searching, were instructed to formulate their own search strategies, and received opportunity to observe their execution. Purpose, course description, course evaluation responses, and postcourse examination results are noted.…

This report discusses a workshop conducted by the library of San Jose State University to instruct eight students with learning disabilities (SLD) in the use of CD-ROM databases. The workshop contributors believed that CD-ROM databases could simplify research paper and homework assignments for such students. The 5-month workshop sought not only to…

The administrator of the library of the future will be concerned with costs of new services, while the scholar will see a knowledge explosion within his or her own lifetime. Librarians must help scholars stay informed of new developments in their respective disciplines and teach them new techniques to access materials. (CDD)

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 instructional package describes techniques that reference librarians at George Mason University (Virginia) have found to be successful and offers specific suggestions for the application of those techniques to teach research skills to students in English 302. The first of three major sections discusses the assessment of student library…

Eight articles describing online retrieval service use in schools include: an overview based on a 1986 survey; descriptions of DIALOG; Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service, and BRS services for schools, and Pennsylvania's online library network; online training for library media specialists; and a selected annotated bibliography of online in schools.…