Reference librarians overestimate the knowledge graduate students have about reference sources in the library. Many students responding to the questionnaire could not list indexes and abstracts within their specialty fields. Better library orientation and instruction are needed. (4 references) (DH)

Discusses overuse and abuse of the online search in academic libraries, citing cases where patrons are not well served by it. Suggestions include helping students define and refine research goals and use of print indexes and abstracts which display citations in context of related literature. (15 references) (EJS)

Guidelines for developing effective research assignments were distributed to University of Colorado, Boulder, teaching assistants and faculty by the Instructional Services Librarian. Suggestions concerning what to do (i.e., clarify research objectives, schedule library presentation) and what not to do (i.e., limit research to particular index or…

Describes a pilot project at the University of New Mexico library that offered peer tutoring services through the undergraduate learning center to teach students library skills and strategies for successful research. Discusses tutors assisting during other library instruction and future plans for tutors to provide electronic resource assistance in…

The problem of transferring library and information searching skills from high school to college is not new, but has become intensified in the last decade by the pressures of the information explosion, new technologies, and budget reductions. This paper compares the library skills required of students in their final year of high school with those…