Reference librarians must, if they hope to survive, retool in preparation for becoming the interface between the patron and computer-based information systems. This involves sharpening the interview technique and understanding where to plug into the information flow process. (4 references) (Author)

A cooperative effort, Project LOEX (Library Orientation Exchange), designed to exchange ideas and information relating to orientation and instruction in academic libraries is discussed. (Author/SJ)

Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

Refutes several popular but ill-founded arguments against user education for public library patrons to suggest that the only real issue is the extent of library involvement. This adaptation from a soon-to-be-published book on library user education includes seven references. (RAA)

Examines the commitment to bibliographic instruction in academic research libraries by comparing the existing instructional practices, clienteles, staff involvement, and support structure in those libraries having bibliographic instruction coordinators with those in which the instructional programs are still managed directly by reference…

Librarians at Rutgers Law Library developed new programs of assistance to students which included: individualized instruction; inclusion of library information materials in registration packets; tours, workshops for introductory classes, printed guides; one-time classes on various subjects; and a newsletter. (LS)

A survey of students' knowledge of the library should be a prerequisite for the design of library instruction programs. (JAB)

The library education program used to indoctrinate the large student body at the University of South Florida is discussed. (NH)

University of South Florida librarians developed 1) a library lecture series in which presentations were faculty-initiated and tailored to each situation; and 2) a course to help students develop library skills. A computer analysis of library statistics showed increased student library use since the course has been given. (LS)

Discusses the role of college libraries in the teaching of library skills to undergraduates, and describes a program in which an English department cooperated with library staff in sharing the responsibility for instruction. (FM)

A Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians workshop produced this inventory of library orientation and instruction methods. It covers program development; orientation methods; instruction methods such as classes, point-of-use methods, handbooks and guides; and programmed or computer assisted instruction, and evaluation. (LS)

Findings of a survey of the level of reference service requested at service points conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University indicate that, while 20.5 percent of 14,026 questions recorded fall in the reference category, only 0.7 percent required research by professional librarians. Models of reference desk service and…

This new column discusses the need for gaining administrative and academic support for library instruction programs to improve "library literacy," i.e., the learning of the basic skills for finding information, and summarizes the findings of a five-year experiment at the University of Colorado to improve/increase faculty and student…

Assessed library instruction initiatives with respect to OPACs by surveying 414 academic, public, school, and special libraries. Most participants' libraries have modified library OPAC software; librarians continue to teach use of the online catalog; few systems have built-in tutorials; and few have computer-assisted instruction. (Author/JKP)