When it comes to helping others learn, there is a simple piece of advice that is often recommended to educators: Show! Don't tell. While appealing to the visual learning style of an audience is always a good idea, there is a growing expectation for more than just static images. They want video, which can deliver more dynamic presentations with…

Working as a legislative reference librarian at the Connecticut State Library exposes the author to many complex topics. Law, by nature, is a multidisciplinary field involving social issues and legal ramifications. Each year when the legislature is in session (January-June during even years, February-May during odd years), the Legislative Bill…

Millipore Corp.--a global company of 6,100 employees for which the author serves as the science and patent information specialist--supplies products and expertise that span the research, development, and production stages in the life science research and biologic drug manufacturing fields. Millipore's corporate library, the information group,…

Demonstration authoring software is a tool for creating Flash-based multimedia movies. This document describes how demonstration authoring software was created for training in a library at the University of Colorado.

Describes the use of mobile labs for training at remote sites. Highlights one, at the St. Louis (Missouri) County Library, that trains librarians on the use of the integrated library system; the other, at the South Central Regional Library Council in Ithaca, New York, provides training in computer applications to consortium members. (LRW)

To alleviate the staffing pressures of increased demands for tours and classes at the Duane G. Meyer Library, Southwest Missouri State University, two HyperCard programs were developed--a library instruction text and a library orientation tour. A study of the relative effectiveness of the HyperCard text with paper texts for bibliographic…

The role of the library has changed significantly during the past 2 decades. Twenty years ago, it could have been considered the norm for a small to mid-sized library to have one or two computers for patron use. Staff was fortunate to have a computer connected to a printer--a tractor-feed ink jet printer--with a basic word processing application…

This case study offers insights into the process, pitfalls, and advantages of utilizing an Internet electronic discussion list to form a communication community in an undergraduate course that discussed gender differences. Results of an online evaluation are discussed and the use of electronic communication is considered. (Author/LRW)

Describes the development of a hypertext-based library instruction program at Algonquin College (Ottawa) that used a shareware program called Simply Help! for developing help screens. Topics include a prototype program; pilot testing the library instruction, including faculty response and student surveys; and evaluation after full implementation.…

Computers are widely used in architectural research and teaching in U.S. schools of architecture. A survey of libraries serving these schools sought information on the emphasis placed on computers by the architectural curriculum, accessibility of computers to library staff, and accessibility of computers to library patrons. Survey results and…

Describes PALL (Pennsylvania Learning Link), an interactive computer system that offers research resources, electronic mail, discussion centers, distance learning information, access to Internet mail, and specific curriculum resources geared toward classroom needs. Regional services, statewide services, and classroom services are described,…

Institutions spend millions of dollars on computer training rooms yet give little thought to lighting, temperature, ambient noise, furniture arrangement, and other physical factors that affect learning. This article examines some problems and suggests remedies: changing furniture, controlling monitors, and redesigning rooms. Lists selected…

Describes a HyperCard-based simulation/tutorial for the Macintosh that is designed to teach users to search the Medline CD-ROM database on an IBM microcomputer. Results of a user survey are reported, and the potential of HyperCard for bibliographic instruction, including the use of the tutorial to develop transparencies, is discussed. (MES)

Describes steps in renovating information service tools: (1) review why organization exists; (2) refocus direction to keep in step with clients and environment; and (3) redefine client's needs. Old tools (books and journals) can be transformed via technology into new tools (full-text CD-ROM products and online interlibrary loan services). (JMV)