Traces selected instances of bibliographic instruction from the mid-17th to the end of the 19th century and puts them into a political context from a Communist viewpoint. Libraries are shown to be part of the class struggle, and to exist by order of and as enablers of the state. (Author/EM)

Eighteen journal articles and monographs on learning theory and its possible applications to library instruction are listed and annotated. Most of the materials were published within the last 10 years, although some earlier titles that are considered basic are included. (EM)

A library skills program for freshman composition students was redesigned to correct problems caused by a lack of uniformly accepted methods of implementation. Changes made included a revised workbook, streamlined class sessions, enforcement of due dates for exercises, and improved communication with faculty. Three references are listed. (MES)

Presents two essays on library instruction for incoming freshmen. The first advocates teaching general principles rather than specific applications in order to prepare students for subsequent, more narrowly focused bibliographic instruction; the second addresses the importance of librarians becoming involved with campus orientation tour guide…

A workbook for library instruction was revised using computer-generated examples selected randomly and tailored to six general subject areas. The new version (1) increased the challenge to students; (2) improved student attitudes; (3) increased contact with reference staff; (4) reduced possibility of sharing answers; and (5) was easier to update.…

Introductory biology students at a major university completed a field project which taught them investigative skills in scientific research, including the scientific method and substantiation of their results through use of periodical literature. Librarians became actively involved by providing library instruction as part of the project. Sample…

Examines the reasons why "more" subject access in online catalogs is not necessarily "better" and recommends that librarians prepare a statement informing users of what they need to know before using the catalog and how best to make use of its listing. (EM)

The standardized narrative for group orientation tours of a large university library was rewritten as audiocassette script for self-guided tours. Assessment of the audiotaped tour after one semester of use indicated that user reactions were positive and that it reduced the amount of staff time needed for orientation. (EM)

Discusses management of two interdependent domains of inner behavior in the micro-information environment: voluntary or affective skills and intellectual or cognitive skills. Examples are given under six principles for boosting motivational level of user of information services: affective knowing, social facilitation, affective Zeigarnik effect,…

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. Following a brief description of the data gathered by interviews, a model for library user education that considers automated information retrieval is presented. (2 references) (MES)

Teaching how to choose a research topic in a bibliographic instruction class should emphasize the underlying methods and principles of library research while making research tools as unobtrusive as possible. This approach teaches the basics of scientific inquiry and provides a structure in which to teach library skills. (EM)

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)

This case study chronicles the rise and fall of a typical academic library program of bibliographic instruction. Accompanying commentary examines the case from marketing point of view and suggests procedures that academic libraries could implement to develop services which would result in a higher degree of user satisfaction. (17 references) (EJS)

Reports on college freshman research unit in biography that suits writing level of students and incorporates library research as integral part of course. The freshman research paper unit, advantages of biography as topic, freshman library instruction program, and strengths of biography research are covered. Useful topics and worksheets are…

Guidelines for developing effective research assignments were distributed to University of Colorado, Boulder, teaching assistants and faculty by the Instructional Services Librarian. Suggestions concerning what to do (i.e., clarify research objectives, schedule library presentation) and what not to do (i.e., limit research to particular index or…