When talking about collection development, few school librarians think about databases. Databases provide learners with a one-stop shop for cross-curricular, up-to-date, vetted information in a structured and easy-to-manipulate format for class projects. To be successful learners, students need to know how to use a database to find the information…

Traditionally, graduate study includes a research component, requiring library skills to locate relevant literature. Upon matriculation into graduate programs, many students are underprepared in library research skills, making library instruction a priority for the success of graduate students. This qualitative study, utilizing emergent design,…

This study compared two common types of online information literacy tutorials: a streaming media tutorial using animation and narration and a text-based tutorial with static images. Nine sections of an undergraduate biology lab class (234 students total) were instructed by a librarian on how to use the BIOSIS Previews database. Three sections…

This article reports that the Scopus Student Ambassador (SAm) program, funded by Elsevier, permitted the University of Connecticut (UConn) Libraries to hire graduate students to teach citation searching, using both Scopus and Web of Science, to other graduate students. The training does not cost the libraries anything, and it is free for graduate…

The University of Pittsburgh has developed software that stresses the teaching of systems rather than databases and replicates the language, formats, and search capabilities of the DIALOG, ORBIT, and BRS systems. Using a DEC 11/780 computer and samples of more than 60 databases, the University has successfully emulated the parent systems. A…

Examines the probability and impact of an increase in end-user searching of online databases on librarians and library education. The problems of end-user searching are discussed, new developments in online access are reviewed, and recommendations for the education of the end-user are made. Included are 25 references. (JL)

The authors present information sources and retrieval techniques for persons wishing to search recent educational literature. They discuss card catalogs, bibliographies, periodical indexes, abstracting services, computer databases, interlibrary loaning, and institutional resources. In many cases they name and briefly describe specific reference…

This manual has been prepared as a means of introducing students to online computer searching using DIATOM, a simulation of the ERIC file as it is searchable on the DIALOG Retrieval Service. The objectives and contents of the DIATOM system are described in the preface to the manual. The overall process of bibliographic searching and the procedures…

Concludes that videotape library instruction significantly increases library skills of college students for computer database searching and research paper writing. (RAA)

Describes some of the most active school library programs for introducing elementary and secondary school students to online searching. Highlights include searches performed by librarians and students; skills acquired by students (search strategy, choosing appropriate databases, accessing information online); frequently searched databases; and…

The first of two phases in this research project aimed at linking information technology (IT) with library information skills used the microcomputer as an information retrieval tool, and investigated ways of using curriculum-based keywords to help secondary school students define and maintain a clear sense of purpose when selecting, evaluating,…

A practicum addressed the problem of a lack of reading motivation among middle grade students. An activity based program for middle grade students which integrated reading, book reports, book presentations, computer programs, and a library skills program was developed. Subjects, 32 fifth grade and 33 sixth grade students enrolled in a computer…

Discussion of changes in academic library instruction needed for teaching Internet access to electronic databases focuses on a study at the University of Connecticut that compared differences in effectiveness between an online, real-time hands-on class with an eclectic format that combined lecture and a hands-on component. (Author/LRW)

This curriculum guide is intended to help educators design strategies to introduce the concept of online database searching to high school students. The goals of database searching are clearly defined so they may be matched with the goals already established in existing curriculum areas. The teaching process involves explaining how to use a…

The trend toward teaching library users to design and execute their own database searches is examined, three methods of providing this instruction (course-integrated, classroom-based, and self-service) are described, and the librarian's role is discussed. (MSE)