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…

This literature review selectively covers material on end-user searching published between 1971 and 1988. The first section discusses end-user search systems--e.g., multipurpose systems developed for end-users, simplified versions of traditional systems, gateway systems, and CD-ROM versions of databases. This section also discusses the complexity…

Describes a survey that compared search behaviors of humanities and social sciences researchers to those of researchers in science and technology. The factors discussed include frequency of use of online databases; personal searches versus intermediaries; and attitudes toward, interest in, knowledge about, and access to online database searching.…

This manual introduces the novice searcher to ERIC on Disc and discusses how to prepare for a search by creating a search statement; how to locate ERIC terms using the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors; and how to modify and limit the search using boolean logic. A computer keyboard illustration accompanies descriptions of the functions of the…

Reports results of a material-availability study in which library users were surveyed to determine their success in obtaining materials. Both OPAC users and CD-ROM journal-index users were studied and transaction logs verified their self reports. Recommendations for reducing search failures are discussed. (Author)

This report describes the grant proposals which funded an end-user instruction program for upper division and graduate students enrolled at a state university in California, and reviews the implementation and the evolution of the online instruction program originally funded by a $3,500 California State University Northridge Instructional…

Describes a study that used a mental models perspective to examine the search behaviors of gifted elementary school children searching a full text electronic encyclopedia. The discussion covers analyses of search patterns used, differences between younger and older searchers, suggestions for systems design, and needed further research. (39…

This is a study of the research communities in history and political science at Kent State University (Ohio). The purpose is to provide a profile of historians and political scientists and to discover the kinds of information they use for research. A survey/questionnaire was circulated to the history and political science departments. Information…

This paper describes a study that attempted to ascertain the degree of success that undergraduates and graduate students, with varying levels of experience using the World Wide Web and Web search engines, and without librarian instruction or intervention, had in locating relevant material on specific topics furnished by the investigators. Because…