The problems faced in accessing the contents of online bibliographic data bases are assessed, and current training techniques are summarized and evaluated. A new training program, which delivers training to the trainee's home terminal, simulating interactive retrieval systems that search files and provide messages and displays, is described. (JPF)

This paper focuses on the casual user's needs and problems in learning to search online retrieval systems. Such users are inclined to infrequent use, and are unlikely to have much interest or knowledge about the complexities of the system. The TRAINER program is designed to teach these users to search online, so that they may access information…

This self-instruction guide for online searching using DIALOG or ORBIT search systems, developed at the University of Pittsburgh, is designed to allow users of scientific and technical information to access databases without an intermediary. The guide is segmented into three parts: the basic TRAINER manual and separate textual representations of…

Trainee development, TRAINER programs, and dissemination strategies are treated in this summary of the TRAINER computer assisted learning program for scientists and other professionals who wish to do literature searches using online services. A discussion of TRAINER's rationale, design, constraints, and differing institutional implementations…