The library literature evaluating the efficacy of online tutorial methods and delivery tools is a valuable resource for librarians looking for information to inform their choices for developing asynchronous online instruction. This literature, however, examines a wide variety of delivery tools, methods, and student populations. As a result, it is…

Accreditation is critical to the viability of institutions of higher education. Each of the six regional groups that accredit two- and four-year institutions has standards specifically addressing online or distance learning. In general, these standards require institutions to show that distance learners have adequate access to appropriate library…

Studies examining the comparative efficacy of face-to-face and computer assisted library instruction were reviewed. Differences in study methodology and lack of quality made meta-analysis impossible; however, the two methods appear to be equally effective for teaching basic library skills. More research needs to be done to confirm this finding.

This paper describes two studies, one a pilot and the second, an enhanced study, that compare problem-based learning and lecture-based learning in library instruction for first-year engineering students. Two distinct assessment strategies were used to provide empirical evidence that supports the use of problem-based learning as an effective…

The use of virtual or Web-based tours is on the rise in academic libraries, but with the loss of face-to-face contact and direct experience with the library's physical spaces, questions abound about this format's efficacy. Do online tour experiences measure up to those of a guided, face-to-face tour? Do online tours help mold students' perceptions…

Contradicts Frank F. Kuo's conclusion that a slide-tape program is superior to the lecture tour by showing that better immediate recall of bibliographic instruction is not necessarily a result of such a program. The disparity between the two studies indicates the need for further research. (Author/JD)

Reviews a study conducted at the University of Alabama that compared two bibliographic instruction programs by using the Kohl and Wilson criteria to evaluate each method's effect on student term paper bibliographies, discusses the application of evaluation criteria, and offers suggestions to increase the effectiveness of evaluation criteria.…

This study found that there were statistically significant differences in citation use and grades between students who took a library credit course and students who did not. The results of independent samples t-tests indicated that the student group that took a library credit course cited more scholarly resources, produced fewer incomplete…

Results of a project at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln showed that computer-assisted instruction (using the PLATO system) and tutorial methods were somewhat more effective than the traditional library orientation tour for teaching card catalog skills, but that cost-benefit considerations restrict their further development for large-scale use.…

Compares kinds of learning or skills required in reading and library media use in the following categories: (1) factual information; (2) visual identification; (3) principles and concepts; (4) procedures; (5) perceptual motor skills; and (6) attitude and opinion development. Cooperation between reading teachers and media specialists is advocated.…

Discusses the development of research skills through online searching by secondary school students, and compares online and optical data disk systems. The factors compared include cost, currency, subject areas, number of uses, search time, preparation needed, search methods, help needed, and alternative uses of the equipment. (CLB)

This study conducted at Texas A&M University compares two types of training approaches using ERIC SilverPlatter (ERIC SP). Education students received either: (1) a one hour training session on basic search commands and strategies, or (2) a four page instructional handout that described basic search commands, Boolean logic, and special…

Instruction in using the library and its tools is assessed in this report, which explores the effectiveness of course-integrated bibliographic instruction for graduate students. When a search of the ERIC database and a request for information from LOEX (Library Orientation and Instruction Exchange) yielded few sources, the literature pertaining to…

This report describes a three-stage catalog use study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1982 through 1986 to determine the types of searches conducted and search success rates for both the card and online catalogs during the library's transition to the DataPhase Automated Library Information System (ALIS). Phase I, conducted…

A computer-assisted bibliographic instruction program developed for remedial students to teach them critical thinking skills covered library vocabulary, formats, call numbers, tools, and question analysis. Evaluation showed that students receiving classroom presentation scored higher on a posttest than students using the computer-assisted…