Argues that the gender gap in computer use may place female library users at a disadvantage, and discusses the implications of the gap for bibliographic instruction. Topics addressed include the extent of the gap, reasons for it, psychosocial factors involved in it, factors encouraging it, analyzing it in libraries, and bridging it. (44…

Examines 18 articles on international students' use of U.S. academic libraries, identifies common issues and concerns, and discusses proposed solutions. Recommendations for conducting research on meeting the needs of culturally diverse students, and implications for staff development and bibliographic instruction are also provided. (Author/AEF)

A system for library orientation used at the University of North Dakota included cue cards suspended from the ceiling in five areas--reference, study room and computers, periodicals, government documents and microforms, and special collections--at which a tour group would listen to a brief talk. Student and staff response was favorable. (1…

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)

A search of the literature was conducted to determine the extent to which librarians outside the reference department have been involved in bibliographic instruction (BI). Although few studies were found that address this issue, some of the scant material suggested that non-reference librarians have been linked to BI. (Contains eight references.)…

Presents a conceptual model for an enhanced online public access catalog (OPAC) called SuperPAC, which includes features that allow users to critically evaluate the information they encounter. Two features are described: the integrated availability of electronic evaluative resources and the use of improved MARC records. (Contains 22 references.)…

Students at the University of Mississippi were surveyed to compare the usefulness of two types of workbooks in a library/freshman English bibliographic instruction program. The workbook used in the first year of the study required short answers to reference questions; the revised workbook, used the second year, required answers related to term…

The psychological and educational needs of the growing population of adult students are considered, as well as the availability of necessary library services and materials for this group. The concept of andragogy (i.e., the teaching of adults), is discussed, the literature is reviewed, and a philosophical base is established. (Author/EM)

A tremendous amount has been written on culture shock experienced by people who leave their own cultures for another. This essay defines and describes culture shock and clash in general, discusses the literature related to different aspects of culture shock as it relates to international students, describes other related library literature,…

Presents literature review of concept-based search theory and its relationship to end user instruction for online bibliographic information systems. Existing search models and search curriculums from the library and information science literature are surveyed, scholarly patterns of information access are discussed, and commercial sources of…

Universities are experiencing changes in the expectations of first-year students. These students are members of the Millennial generation, whose expectations of college life and support services differ from generations of the past. This article will discuss how to integrate the library into the lives of the first-year students to create a holistic…

Reports on a study of the information-seeking behavior of users of Infotrac, OCLC, Newsbank Electronic Index, and LS/2 at the Bowling Green State University Libraries. Data gathered via interviews are discussed as they pertain to the user's profile; understanding of systems functions; effects on information-seeking behavior; and appropriateness of…

Reviews the research that suggests that qualitative approaches to the evaluation of library user education programs may sometimes be more appropriate than quantitative measures. The differences between quantitative and qualitative evaluation are discussed, and the instances in which one approach may be preferred to the other are identified. (17…

Discusses the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for bibliographic instruction in libraries. Highlights include learning theories; behaviorism; cognitive theory; the effectiveness of CAI; improving CAI through the use of hypertext and hypermedia; and broadening bibliographic instruction programs to include problem-solving skills using…

Relates bibliographic instruction concepts to the teaching of legal research at the undergraduate level and describes a conceptual framework for teaching legal research and critical thinking skills to a journalism class. Legal research instruction for law students is also described, the expected retention level is considered, and the librarian's…