This study was undertaken to test the effectiveness of a computer-assisted tutorial (CAI) program in teaching the novice and transient user the procedures for conducting a search on The New York Times Information Bank. A two-part experiment was designed to compare the relative effectiveness of the CAI program and the printed instructions accompanying the system. Sixty-four volunteers participated. Results indicated that the computer-assisted tutorial program is a more effective training tool than the printed instructions offered by the system. The rate of success in completing a meaningful search on The New York Times Information Bank without any human assistance was 47% for those exposed to the 30 minute CAI session and dropped to 8% for those who had access to printed instructions alone. Shortcomings of both methods of instruction are discussed and a detailed analysis of user reactions to The New York Times Information Bank on-line instructional messages is provided. (Author/DAG)