A survey of evaluation practices used to assess the effectiveness of library instruction at 44 colleges and universities found that "reaction data" was used most often, although it provided little evidence of what the students learned. Argues that subjective data alone are inadequate to measure student learning, guide program…

Describes the use of slides for bibliographic instruction at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The advantages of a slide/lecture format and the cost of slides are discussed, and tips for producing and using slides are offered. (nine references) (MES)

Discusses bibliographic instruction (BI) from the viewpoint of community college librarians based on responses to a previously published journal article that questioned the effectiveness of BI. Topics addressed include definitions of user education; changing student demographics in higher education; and unique characteristics of the community…

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…

Describes library orientation programs that have been developed for international students at Rutgers University in English, Chinese, and Korean. Learning objectives are explained; results of pretests and posttests are reported; and the need for library instruction in the native languages of international students is discussed. (six references)…

Research has focused on the effectiveness of library instruction and assessment, yet little is known about how information-seeking characteristics of today's undergraduate students impact information literacy efforts. The current study sought to gain an understanding of students' information-seeking habits and preferences. By conducting focus…

Research confirms that active learning techniques, like case studies, increase student participation and learning. This article provides an overview of case study methodology, discusses its appropriateness in library instruction, and presents two case studies used in a library instruction course at Murray State University (Murray, Kentucky).…

Research has shown that educational games can have positive impacts on student learning and motivation. The success of a game played in a library instruction class depends on the type of game selected, the development of learning outcomes, and the flexibility of the librarian during class. This article explains the benefits to students and…

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…

Reports results of a study of the relative effectiveness of two library orientation/instruction methods--computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a traditional library tour. Test scores and cost data for the two approaches are compared, and three CAI cost models are described. A significant cost advantage for offering CAI orientation/instruction is…

Students' library usage, attitudes, and skills were surveyed three years after they had participated in a university library instruction program. Results of the questionnaire, which was based on the design of a pre-posttest developed to evaluate the program in 1982-83, indicated that most students are using the library on a regular basis. (6…

Describes a library instruction program at the University of Illinois that consists of a narrowly focused one-shot lecture, complemented by a series of library activities that can be completed independently by students. The reasons for revising the program, the variety of instructional approaches and media used, and the effectiveness of the…

Describes a pilot in which bibliographic instruction sessions were conducted entirely in French for students majoring in French, as a means of enhancing their skills and demonstrating an application of the language to other fields. The results of tests of instructional effectiveness are discussed and recommendations for designing such programs are…

Discussion of changes in academic library instruction needed for teaching Internet access to electronic databases focuses on a study at the University of Connecticut that compared differences in effectiveness between an online, real-time hands-on class with an eclectic format that combined lecture and a hands-on component. (Author/LRW)

Librarians from three regional campuses of Kent State University examine cooperative learning as an alternative to a lecture format for bibliographic instruction. The results of a research project comparing the effectiveness of cooperative learning and traditional methods are presented. Discussion includes problems in the evaluation process; steps…