This literature review is intended to examine transformative learning within the context of academic libraries and its applications for librarians. Although the main audience is academic librarians who facilitate student learning, it may also be of interest to other practitioners and researchers who are interested in applying transformative…

Librarians seek opportunities to improve outreach to faculty and promote shared interests in information literacy. A comprehensive review of syllabi for all undergraduate courses offered during one academic term examined course-level learning outcomes and graded assignments to see how well they aligned with the five Association of College and…

In January 2008, the Belk Library & Information Commons at Appalachian State University combined the Access Services staff members of the Circulation and Lower Level Service Desks with the Reference and Instruction team as part of a library-wide reorganization effort. The new team balanced what had been a staff-dominated Access Services team…

This paper will examine the learning needs of millennial students, a generation different from any previous generation, so librarians should adjust their teaching methods to accommodate their needs. Should we, as librarians, consider changing our reference services--the way we present instruction and the materials that we order for the library?…

A reference/instruction librarian used targeted outreach to furnish library services to faculty and students while assigned to work in the College of Education during a library renovation project. Due to the success of this temporary assignment, the author has subsequently maintained regular office hours in the College to provide research…

This article provides a brief history of the development of library subject guides (often referred to as pathfinders) from the late 1800s to the present. During this period, subject guides have changed both their focus and format. The needs of academic institutions at the turn of the 20th century were very different than they are today, and…

Academic reference librarians continually observe that many students are embarrassed about not knowing how to use the library and are reluctant to approach the reference desk. The theory of library anxiety offers an explanation, proposing that a fear of being in and using libraries serves as a psychological barrier, hindering many university…

This essay arguing for retention of sophisticated reference-desk service as separate from library instruction notes brief history of relationship and two fundamental reasons for separation: a "one-shot" lecture could not cover every tool useful for research needs of each individual student; and not all patrons are experiencing library instruction.…

Discusses several topics related to teaching reference work: (1) a basis for teaching reference; (2) teaching theory; (3) practicing skills; (4) preparing students for the employment marketplace; (5) developing interpersonal skills; (6) bibliographic instruction; and (7) the library environment. (five references) (MES)

This workbook in library skills is designed to acquaint students with the facilities and resources of the North Dakota State University Library. Each chapter includes a brief discussion of the topic and a worksheet. The following topics are covered: (1) library tour; (2) the online catalog; (3) term and subject searches using the online catalog;…

The Orientation and Training Task Force of the Temple University Library was charged by the Director of the Central Library System (CLS) in October 1987 to develop plans for a three-level program, including an orientation component for all CLS staff, a second component for staff who regularly work at any public service point, and a third component…

Focuses on advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the administration of a bibliographic instruction program in the academic library reference department, noting objectives in administration of such a program; concerns to be addressed prior to deciding who, within organizational structure, administers program; and administration through…

This document is the library intern orientation packet for Pfau Library at California State University, San Bernardino. The packet contains the following: (1) a checklist for training; (2) a list of duties for reference services; (3) a list of "things to know" that includes library and employee rules; (4) frequently asked reference…

Discussion of the teaching role of the academic librarian focuses primarily on reference librarianship. The interaction between patron and librarian and the necessity for the librarian to teach are noted. Eighteen references are provided. (EJS)

Reprints the introduction to a past theme issue that discussed library instruction and reference services in academic and public libraries. Topics include library instruction as part of public services; and two main viewpoints of library instruction, one of which believes in its value and one which believes it is unnecessary. (LRW)