For nearly a decade now, librarians have discussed and deliberated ways, for the sake of convenience, to integrate internet-like searching into their own catalogs to mimic what academic library patrons have been using outside the library. Discovery tools and web-scale discovery services (WSDS) attempt to provide users with a similar one-stop shop…

People see challenges to libraries in funding, in ebooks, and in the internet. However, in this information-rich age, librarians' roles are even more important. They are information experts. They know how to think about the changing information environment, and they know the impact--both positive and negative--it can have on people whose jobs…

Patient activation is a new term for a perennial problem. People know what they need to do for their health: exercise, eat right, and get enough rest--but how are they motivated to actually do these things? This is what patient activation is. From this author's vantage point as a medical librarian, public libraries are well-placed to be part of…

Innovations in search and retrieval have provided librarians with some of their most exciting challenges as a profession. Yet even as new tools flood the academic library commons, direct, person-to-person information counseling is still needed, some would say more than ever. Consequently, it can be very useful to study how users conduct new…

While much has been done to address the digital divide, awareness concerning the importance of information literacy (IL) has taken a back seat to a world that focuses on technology. This article traces the genesis of a global effort to address information literacy education and training beyond discussions taking place within the library and…

In order for patrons to make the wisest use of the library, they must be both computer and information-literate. Librarians are faced with the challenge of designing programs that fit the literacy needs of the community. Academic and school librarians may find that their users are mostly students who are familiar with computers, but need help with…

Describes the curriculum of free training courses offered at the New York Public Library Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) that focus on information-seeking skills and information literacy. Classes offered include basic library skills, Internet and World Wide Web, business information, government information, and science information.…

Describes a workshop program developed at the California State University Sacramento to familiarize faculty with the library's electronic resources. The broad subject areas targeted were business, humanities, social sciences, and science and technology. Training covered the online catalog, article indexes, and databases. Evaluations of the…

A special feature in the previous issue acknowledged the magazine's 25th anniversary, and current columnists as well as former contributors were asked to think back over their work and to share favorite covers, articles, and memories. Since I have been writing for CIL for nearly 18 years, I had plenty of past columns to review. It was interesting…

Describes a Web-based information literacy tutorial, OASIS (Online Advancement of Student Information Skills), developed at San Francisco State University. Discussion includes: core competencies identified; design structure and content; planning and marketing; problems and partnerships in the pilot year of OASIS; restructuring the OASIS tutorial;…

The library profession has made big advances in advocating for information literacy. High-profile initiatives, such as ACRL's comprehensive strategies, have helped attract the attention of teachers, administrators, and policy-makers. The University of California Academic Senate recently endorsed information literacy as a vital issue. In this…

Media specialists today are required to use more and more technology. Their responsibilities encompass everything from repairing overhead projectors to administrating an entire library's automated system. These responsibilities are in addition to working with students on research and information literacy, making book selections, and collaborating…

Describes a pilot project at the Muncie (Indiana) Public Library that was developed to teach disadvantaged children basic Internet and writing skills. Topics include the need for reading and writing abilities and information-literacy skills; learning processes; computer skills; word-processing skills; and report-writing skills using a template.…

Presents ideas for promoting high-school library media centers using technology, including cable television broadcasts; pathfinders to specific information needs; a World Wide Web home page; lunchtime inservice presentations for teachers; current contents from magazines for staff; senior citizen volunteers with specialized technology skills; and…

This article outlines some of the innovative ideas expressed at the December 2005 Gaming, Learning and Libraries symposium attended by the author, as well as his own notions about the potential for integrating gaming with information literacy. The purpose of this article is to recognize the possibilities to engage students in an environment that…