Educational research textbooks often portray online computer searching as available only from distant database producers, or as something students can do for themselves without assistance from a reference librarian/search intermediary. User education may be needed in this area to correct users' misconceptions. (Author/EM)

Suggests that information librarians should analyze instructors' course descriptions and syllabi, and use that information for creation of library study guides and other service supports--clarification of assignment, collection development, library information guides, anticipatory reference, instruction, course improvement, include guide as part…

Critiques the InfoTrac system and its use in academic libraries in terms of journals covered by the index; indexing accuracy; ease of use and need for instruction; and effects on the research skills of students relying on the system. (CLB)