A timed comparison was made of two methods of searching. Five bibliographic searchers timed themselves while searching by possible main entries in the National Union Catalog. The authors then timed themselves searching the same items by title in the English Language Books by Title and in Library of Congress National Program for Acquisitions and…

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)

Discusses library searching of chemical literature from an industrial user's viewpoint, focusing on differences between academic and industrial researcher's searching techniques of the same problem area. Indicates that industry users need more exposure to patents, work with abstracting services and continued improvement in computer searching…

As libraries automate their collections and mount online public access catalogs (OPACs), they face special challenges in educating patrons to use these electronic systems effectively and efficiently. Because users are less familiar with the concept and arrangement of an OPAC than with a card catalog, less successful searches commonly occur.…

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…

Intended for use by undergraduate students in a required course, Bibliography 101, at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, this manual is designed to teach the fundamentals of doing research in the library. A brief preface and a glossary of useful terms are followed by an introduction to library research which discusses strategies and…

Describes two search models for school libraries. Models include searches defined by the student but conducted by a trained searcher, and student-conducted searches which teach search skills. Decisions about which model (or combination) to use should be based on the available resources and the purposes for conducting the search. (AEF)

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 article outlines an Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) CD-ROM bibliographic instruction (BI) session at an academic library, which is intended to produce knowledgeable and competent ERIC searchers. The 1.5 hour lecture session includes: a basic introduction to the ERIC database; narrowing down a search topic; using the thesaurus…

As educators become more interested in providing an environment and atmosphere which are conducive to independent learning and study activities, it is increasingly important that students be able to systematically coordinate their research skills in order to effectively use a centralized instructional materials center. To test the effectiveness of…

Designed to introduce the college student to library research and information use skills, this guide begins with an initial survey of the topic and progresses to how to write a report. It is divided into the following sections: (1) Introduction to Library Research; (2) Analyzing Your Subject and Beginning Your Research Plan; (3) Gathering…

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…

Analyzes videotapes of people using the Illinois Digital Library system during tests as well as transcripts and audiotapes from the sessions. Identifies how users learn to uncover new features and what assumptions they have about systems. What first appeared to be a random trial-and-error use of the interface was actually structured exploration…

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…

Presents a search strategy for locating time-series or cross-sectional statistical data in published sources which was designed for undergraduate students who require 30 units of data for five separate variables in a statistical model. Instructional context and the broader applicability of the search strategy for general statistical research is…