An emphasis on instruction has been growing in libraries as a result of the cumbersome amount of information that is produced and available globally. This, coupled with the growing diverse student populations and the demand for higher education, has created the need for students entering the workforce who can think critically, adapt quickly and…

Outlines some of the principles upon which evaluation efforts may be based, and discusses previous attempts at evaluation, as well as the shortcomings of some existing procedures. Guidelines for determining the objectives of evaluation exercises in relation to user education are offered. (Author/JAB)

Reviews the extent to which educational media are employed in library instruction, the types of methods used to evaluate mediated instruction, and possible future developments in the field. Ten references are cited. (FM)

Examines the long-term retention of library-use skills through the utilization of various research techniques and discusses the appropriateness of quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Conclusions indicate that long-term possession of skills is more highly related to library-use instruction than inherent ability or academic diligence.…

Since 2001, librarians at Oregon State University's Valley Library have been working to build a "teaching library" supported by a clearly articulated instruction program. From the start, we believed that we needed to assess the teaching library's impact, not only to determine the success or failure of our efforts but also to demonstrate…

This three phase library program was presented to some two hundred students enrolled in sections of an English composition course taught at the State University of New York College at Brockport. Offered each fall and spring semester since the spring of 1975, the library program has been incorporated into a nine module, self-guided course, taught…

Discussion of the accountability of university libraries and assessment methods to show library effectiveness focuses on two assessment tools developed at Bowling Green State University: one program-level assessment which involved a student library skills assessment survey; and one class-level assessment which involved one-shot library instruction…

Presents a template for teaching traditional library research and one for incorporating the Web. Highlights include the differences between directories and search engines; devising search strategies; creating search terms; how to choose search engines; evaluating online resources; helpful Web sites; and how to read URLs to evaluate a Web site's…

Explores sketch maps as an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand tool for assessing library skills, knowledge, and interest among individuals and groups. The underlying principles are found in research done with maps and surveys collected for environmental psychology, urban planning, and human geography. Includes nine figures of map examples and an…

Concludes that evaluations of library instruction based on library use present a useful picture of the impact of instruction within the context of program objectives. Yet to be found, however, is a methodology that will express the role student motivation and maturation play in the development of effective library skills. (RAA)

Focuses primarily on summative evaluation of library-use instruction programs, using the development and results of a systematic assessment of such a program at DePauw University. Tabulated statistics and the evaluation instrument are provided. (Author/JD)

The 19 papers and three panel discussions on the goals, methods, and evaluation of user education that are presented in this collection draw upon the experiences of librarians of the Scandinavian countries and Great Britain. The principles and practice of user education and its aims and goals in each of the participating nations are presented in…

Discusses steps taken in planning, implementing, evaluating, and revising library instruction in a general education course for freshmen at the University of the Pacific, and examines results of student library skill tests taken before and after having library instruction. Figures offer example test questions and tables display test averages and…

Describes a study that was conducted at Ohio State University at Mansfield to measure the effects of a self-paced, self-instructional workbook, both with and without a librarian's presentation, on students' library skills and their attitudes about libraries and librarians. Students' evaluations of the workbooks are also reported. (eight…

Describes the evaluation of a library orientation program for graduate students at Utah State University using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. Results are reported that indicate the need to focus on general information access skills rather than specific subject areas. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)