Google Scholar is a free service that provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly works and to connect patrons with the resources libraries provide. The researchers in this study analyzed Google Scholar usage data from 2006 for three library tools at San Francisco State University: SFX link resolver, Web Access Management proxy server,…

Intended for the laboratory session of a 2-credit course on science and engineering information, this workbook introduces upper level undergraduate and graduate students to traditional and computerized library resources. Initially it presents the student with the basic information tools used to locate books, magazines, and journals, and includes…

Describes the attempt by State University of New York at Stony Brook to create a Web page that guides students through researching legislative history. Provides explanations of unfamiliar terms, the library location of needed items, and direct links to important legislative sites. Surveys other similar and related Web pages that have recently been…

Identifies six successive stages in model of the library research process developed from the findings of study of high school seniors using library for two assigned research papers: initiating research assignment, selecting topic, exploring information, forming focus, collecting information, preparing to present. Assessment of the research process…

Discusses lifelong learning and the need for information retrieval skills, and describes how Northwest Missouri State University incorporates a heuristic model of library instruction in which students continually evaluate and refine information-seeking practices while progressing through all levels of courses in diverse disciplines. (Author/LRW)

This article outlines an Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) CD-ROM bibliographic instruction (BI) session at an academic library, which is intended to produce knowledgeable and competent ERIC searchers. The 1.5 hour lecture session includes: a basic introduction to the ERIC database; narrowing down a search topic; using the thesaurus…

A user survey was conducted at the Hugh Stephens College Library to determine the degree of user satisfaction and identify limiting factors. Analysis of data from 203 data sheets completed by patrons requesting specific titles reveals that acquisitions by the library and user error are more significant limiting factors in this library than either…

Presents a model for medical reference source instruction. Focuses on identifying the potential audiences; conducting user and information assessments; creating and delivering models of training; and future goals. Includes a list of Internet healthcare sites. (AEF)

Presents 10 tips librarians and media specialists can use in taking a query-based approach to teaching users how to search the Web. Steps for searching include: defining the nature of the quest; choosing the most useful tool; and constructing the proper search statement. A sidebar lists 17 search tools with their URLs. (AEF)

Designed to introduce the college student to library research and information use skills, this guide begins with an initial survey of the topic and progresses to how to write a report. It is divided into the following sections: (1) Introduction to Library Research; (2) Analyzing Your Subject and Beginning Your Research Plan; (3) Gathering…

Noting that information retrieval in the library is a task that is ubiquitous and easily overlooked in colleges, this paper discusses the importance of possessing effective library research skills. The speaker recounts his experiences with conducting library research as a doctoral student and describes how this problem eventually evolved into a…

The benefits of cooperative and/or active learning techniques for academic library instruction have been well established in the literature of the field. However, learning about and finding appropriate techniques can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. The following is a listing of cooperative learning and active learning techniques…

In 1989 a two year collaborative project, CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) & Humanities, was initiated between the Faculty of Arts and IBM Netherlands during which General Information Retrieval All Faculties For Bibliographic Education (GIRAFFE), a program for the retrieval of information on general bibliographies, was developed. The…

In order to use new educational technologies effectively and to help students cope with the mass of information that has become available, librarians have begun to develop strategies and lessons to instruct students in searching. There has been, however, no detailed curriculum in the schools to ensure that students and teachers in grades K-12 are…

Discusses the importance of students learning and practicing effective questions in a manner that leads to organizing how information is to be searched, retrieved and sorted. Outlines ways school library media specialists should engage students in question-generating and in learning to research answers to questions. (AEF)