Some of the most enduring, and engaging, questions within academic librarianship are those about students and research skills. The vocabulary employed for discussion has evolved, but essential questions--what skills do students need to be taught, who should teach them, and how?--have persisted from the nineteenth century into the twenty-first.…

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.…

Explains zetetics which involve theories of research and epistemology and discusses its relevance to library science. Topics include library literacy, and the use of an information matrix to help library patrons understand what information they have and what they need to find. (Author/LRW)

Business students have little skill in using the academic library. The importance of information in today's business world make it imperitive that this handicap be overcome. In a recent survey 77 percent of post graduates polled favored a formal course in library use. (4 references) (Author/DH)

Results of survey of 44 academic libraries indicate that: foreign students have problems in using library; instruction for foreign students should be offered as separate program; type of instruction and degree of coordination between library and other areas on campus differs markedly. Program idea sources and 18 references are included. (EJS)

Results of a DePauw University study of the library skills and attitudes of 43 high school students enrolled in a college preparatory program provide evidence that formal library use instruction programs can have positive results, regardless of initial level of students' academic potential. Twenty-three references are cited. (EJS)

Results of survey measuring university faculty attitudes toward bibliographic instruction indicated that: frequency of respondent's library use related positively to decision to offer bibliographic instruction and its delivery by librarians; part-time faculty were less aware of library services than full-time faculty; 29 percent of faculty…

This study utilized the concept map, a visual representation of a learner's thought processes, as an assessment tool to evaluate the effects of both bibliographic instruction and Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE) training on the library skills of elementary art teachers in a visual arts resource center. A 2x2 factorial posttest-only control…

A survey of graduate students indicated that respondents have not retained information searching skills. Undergraduate research assignments are examined in order to identify what college students need to know. School library media programs should create opportunities for learners to go beyond the mechanics of searching and reporting to practice…

Statistical analysis of data evaluating the effects of a bibliographic instruction program on college students' library-related behavior--changes in library usage, attitude toward libraries and librarians, understanding of basic library skills--indicates that students scored significantly higher on posttest than on pretest. Sample test questions…

This study shows that a one-credit library research course designed around workbook/exercise module and bibliography assignment helps students learn library skills and results in improved attitude toward library. Pre/post tests were administered to experimental and control groups to assess skill and attitude level. Test and semantic differential…

Identifies specific criteria and processes employed in four research studies that evaluated student bibliographies. Assumptions that influence choice of research methodology, bibliography criteria, and procedures are discussed, and recommendations are offered for sample selection, formulation of study's hypothesis, and criteria and procedures for…

Because instruction in library search strategies is often neglected in social work education, about 75 major social work and social science textbooks were reviewed and divided into 3 groups by the amount of coverage of library research skills. Strengths and weaknesses along with suggestions for a model orientation to library use are provided. (EAM)

Reviews the state of user education in Australian postsecondary educational institution libraries. Conclusions are based on results of a questionnaire survey of user education practices conducted in 1981. Courses in information retrieval, objectives of user education at six institutions, methods and media used, and course evaluation are…

Discusses changes in the role of the elementary school library media specialist. Highlights include cooperation with classroom teachers and administrators; the role of the school principal; actions to initiate change; structuring research for students' success; and sample library instructional activities. (LRW)