Discusses programed instruction as a technique for teaching the fundamentals of monographic searching on the OCLC database, the method used in developing the instructional text, the series of validation tests conducted, and some suggestions for future research. (Author/FM)

Examination of the confrontation between patrons and technology in the library focuses on two questions evident when addressing the instruction librarian's role in humanizing technology: whether the library profession can afford to humanize interaction between client and technology, and how instruction librarians can humanize the confrontation.…

This report describes the conceptual content and hands-on activities of a course in online information retrieval skills offered at Stockton State College to expose undergraduate students to an important area of information science not traditionally included in undergraduate computer science curricula. Observations of student experience with the…

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)

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…

Discussion of college students' dependency on the library card catalog as a problem in bibliographic instruction covers student attitudes toward card catalog; catalog shortcomings (portions of books are not indicated, subject headings don't always match user's terms, availability not indicated); a positive teaching approach; and online…

Used in freshman composition courses and some other introductory Syracuse University (SU) classes, the primary purpose of this illustrated workbook is to provide students with experience using the different features of the SU Libraries' online catalog, SULIRS. The workbook's self-paced exercises correspond to the text of two SU Libraries…

Results of a preliminary experiment indicate that online computer-assisted instruction covering objective information is equal to or superior to traditional methods of training new student library workers. While it costs essentially the same, it frees staff members for other duties. (Author/RAA)

This report describes efforts by three academic libraries to develop a model instructional program for online catalog users that could be adopted in other academic libraries. A key component of the research included the exploration and development of a methodology for utilizing online transaction logs to evaluate user performance. The four project…

This report summarizes the proceedings of a conference that brought together 35 librarians, network representatives, and system vendors to exchange information on the training of users of online public access catalogs. Three papers are presented: "Historic Concerns in Library Instruction: Teaching the Card Catalog," by Evan Farber;…

This manual provides a course outline and pre-test, as well as behavioral objectives, class handouts, exercises, and their keys for each of the ten sessions in a one-credit undergraduate library skills course offered by the State University of New York at Albany Library. Sessions include: (1) general course introduction and facility orientation;…

This essay offers suggestions to make online public access catalogs (OPACs) less idiosyncratic and more usable. Discussion covers qualitative difference between online catalog and predecessors, challenge of debunking assumptions, skills for success, maintaining an instructional perspective, catalog development for the people by the people, and the…

The workbook is designed to give students the basic information needed to conduct effective library research. It helps familiarize students with the Buffalo Information System ONline (BISON), as well as other sources, in print and online, that can be used to search for information. A worksheet is included for students to mark their answers to the…

Describes a workshop program for patron instruction in the use of the Ohio State University Libraries' Library Control System (LCS), a circulation system that is evolving into an online catalog. The instructional objectives, attendance levels, participant characteristics, and success of the workshops are outlined, and seven references are…

Focuses on the training of students in online bibliographic searching as introduced by school library media centers. The online process, teaching students to search, search steps, negative and positive aspects, and implications for school library media programs in three areas (student instruction, collection development, service goals) are…