It's time for a sweeping new approach to information literacy learning! The sad truth is that few, if any, information literacy efforts in schools have fulfilled the promise of a "comprehensive" information literacy program: (1) A comprehensive program should reach "all" students in the school; (2) A comprehensive program should be "predictable"…

This article explores the forms of information literacy that arise in commercial entertainment games like "World of Warcraft." Using examples culled from eight months of online ethnographic data, the authors detail the forms of information literacy that arise as a regular part of in-game social interaction, emphasizing (ironically) the…

This article reports on a project, involving three New Zealand schools, which investigated teachers' understanding of information literacy and their associated classroom practices. Recently published work, while lamenting school students' lack of information literacy skills, including working with online resources, provides little research…

This article provides results from a survey of library and web resources usage by students enrolled in mathematics courses at LaGuardia Community College. The study examined information and technology usage habits and library skills of mathematics students. The study also identified the library/information services that mathematics students…

Media specialists are working hard to get schools up to speed in the 21st century--teaching information literacy skills to students, helping teachers use technology, and harnessing Web-based tools such as blogs and wikis to enhance learning. However, the same educators report that limited funds hamper their ability to make good on these plans. An…

Discusses the use of technology to enhance literacy programs in libraries and suggests ways for librarians to increase their understanding of potential applications of technology to their programs. Technological tools are briefly described, and the activities of several public library literacy technology projects are summarized. (three references)…

This discussion of online public access catalog (OPAC) user assistance includes results of focused-group interviews of 70 OPAC users at six libraries. Importance of printed materials, library staff assistance, users' problems relearning OPAC searching, computer-assisted instruction, multiple-dialog modes, informative system error messages, and…

Discussion of adult literacy and the role of public libraries focuses on the development of Adult Learning Centers based on experiences at the Hempstead Public Library (New York). The use of self-guided computer-assisted instruction is explained, and benefits are described. (LRW)

Describes the planning and implementation of a computerized writing center that is located in a high school library. Cooperation between the librarian and the classroom teacher is discussed; various writing assignments and the role of the librarian are described; and library services to teachers that support the writing center are explained. (LRW)

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

Focuses on the computerization of the Gibault High School Library in Waterloo, Illinois, discussing the development of microcomputer programs to expand services in the area of library skills instruction and search strategy methods. Hardware, software, finances, personnel, and planning considerations are noted. (EJS)

Outlines the factors that should be considered when planning to incorporate microcomputers into the library setting. These include the function of the microcomputer (recreation, instruction, and information retrieval); criteria for software selection (technical and instructional criteria); and the formation of policies and procedures for…

Describes Education Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Nebraska that have been funded by the Kellogg Foundation to serve adults who are in a job, education, or career transition. Career assessment software is reviewed, outreach strategies are described, and future plans are…

Competent Internet-based library services can only be offered if appropriately qualified staff is available. To promote this development in Germany the Bertelsmann Foundation and its project partner, the ekz.bibliotheksservice GmbH are developing a special Web-based Training Course for Librarians. Progress to date is described. (Author)

Discussion of library reference work that may be suitable for use of expert systems focuses on (1) information and literature searches, and (2) requests to interpret bibliographic references and locate items listed. Systems and computer-assisted instruction modules designed for information retrieval at the University of Waterloo Library are…