Discovery layers provide a simplified interface for searching library resources. Libraries with limited finances make decisions about retaining indexing and abstracting databases when similar information is available in discovery layers. These decisions should be informed by student success at finding quality information as well as satisfaction…

The staff at University of Connecticut are participating in Elsevier's Student Ambassador Program (SAmP) in which graduate students train their peers on "citation searching" research using Scopus and Web of Science, two tremendous citation databases. They are in the fourth semester of these training programs, and they are wildly successful: They…

Prepared for students who participate in the California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Library Instruction Program (LIP), this document is both a working syllabus for classroom use and an outline of the lecture presentations given by librarian instructors, though it can also be used as a reference guide to review library research methods,…

This study examined the inclusiveness of eight indexes and abstracts of presumable interest in communication arts, and found that none of them provided comprehensive access to articles chosen from a core list of communication arts journals. The implications of the findings for the teaching of search strategies and for editorial policies on…

Provides practical counsel for high school librarians for instructing students in basic research methods. Librarians are urged to use a vivid search strategy such as a flow chart and to provide hands-on experience in the classroom. Sample flow charts and a bibliographic search exercise are included. (CDD)

A concise explanation is provided of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and its major components: Resources in Education (RIE) and Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE). ERIC's publications are explained, and instructions are given for conducting a topic search through the ERIC system, from locating the correct terms in…

The Magazine and Journal Instructional Kit, Part 1 (MAJAK/1) is a HyperCard introduction to: (1) periodical indexes; (2) procedures for using the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), Serials List to locate specific articles; and (3) the arrangement of periodicals in the seven libraries of the UMCP Libraries System. Designed, developed,…

Librarians use subject guides to introduce students to library materials. Surveys, usability tests, and usage statistics demonstrate that students do not relate well to subject guides. We suggest that library resources organized or delivered at a course level are more in line with how undergraduate students approach library research. (Contains 26…

In this videotape script, a parody of a television sports competition serves as a vehicle for introducing college freshmen to the Ohio State University Library System and to the concept of search strategy. In the script, two student contenders participate in three events: the "card catalog combat," the "magazine mania," and the…

One in a series, this guide takes the college student through the steps involved in a thorough, systematic research of any topic in sociology. Beginning with the basics, the guide covers selecting a topic, locating an authoritative summary of the topic, taking clear notes, and narrowing the topic. Subsequent chapters cover the use of general…

Critiques the InfoTrac system and its use in academic libraries in terms of journals covered by the index; indexing accuracy; ease of use and need for instruction; and effects on the research skills of students relying on the system. (CLB)

This workbook is designed to familiarize students with the layout of Whittemore Library (Framingham State College, Massachusetts) and the types of information sources available for them to use in solving their research problems. It also provides guidance in developing a logical, systematic plan for formulating a search strategy and gathering…

Describes the online catalog in a university library, including the database, the database index, user instruction, the command language and search capabilities, functions of various commands, statistics generated to monitor system use, and hardware for both public access and staff use. (CHC)

A handbook has been produced at the University of California at Davis (UCD) for an English course titled "Introduction to Library Research and Bibliography." The course includes a term project, practical assignments, and eight lectures: (1) introduction to the library; (2) card catalog; (3) reference works; (4) serials, indexes, and abstracts; (5)…

This document provides an overview of the concepts and processes behind reference services and the most important sources consulted in answering common reference questions. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with concepts and theory. It covers ethical aspects of reference service, the reference interview, the principles and goals of…