This discussion of online public access catalog (OPAC) user assistance includes results of focused-group interviews of 70 OPAC users at six libraries. Importance of printed materials, library staff assistance, users' problems relearning OPAC searching, computer-assisted instruction, multiple-dialog modes, informative system error messages, and…

Concludes that evaluations of library instruction based on library use present a useful picture of the impact of instruction within the context of program objectives. Yet to be found, however, is a methodology that will express the role student motivation and maturation play in the development of effective library skills. (RAA)

Reports on a two-phase study of academic libraries to identify patterns of database use and the factors that might influence this use. Online data was used as well as results from a survey that investigated factors that may influence online use, including level of instruction and availability of remote access. (LRW)

This study examined the effect of the availability of an academic online catalog on the use of academic libraries by college-bound high school seniors to determine: (1) degree of academic library use in connection with research projects; (2) use of the catalog to search for library materials; and (3) the nature of library materials used. (12…

Presents results of two equivalent questionnaires distributed to college faculty and students to determine if faculty expectations of student library use differed from students' perceptions of their actual use; and if expectations and use were affected by college division, student class level, or class level taught. (Author/EJS)

Self-administered survey questionnaires completed by 57 percent of the college faculty and a random sample comprising 10 percent of the undergraduate population provide information on who uses the College of Charleston's library materials and services, why they use them, and in what areas users are satisfied or dissatisfied with the library.…

Describes an analysis of transaction logs of the online catalog at the University of Missouri-Kansas City that examined patron use of both controlled and uncontrolled vocabulary subject access during the same search session. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and recommendations are made for library instruction and online catalog design. (six…

Describes a survey of the teaching faculty at the Citadel that examined how the English faculty compared to other faculty in their perceptions and use of library instruction. It is concluded that the findings may be used to support an integrated, across-the-curriculum approach to library instruction. The questionnaire used is appended. (12…

This study attempted to determine if the type of training that CD-ROM patrons received had an effect on the satisfaction level of their search results by use of the survey method. Kent State University students, faculty, and patrons who used CD-ROM databases for information retrieval were asked to complete a one page (front and back) questionnaire…

The library instruction program conducted at the University of Colorado consisted of classroom contact with students in the history and economics departments, and production of a slide tape. Evaluation instruments were developed for discovering present student and faculty library use and faculty attitudes toward the library, with the idea of…

Reports on a use study of citations from college freshman composition papers at Western Illinois University (Illinois) that indicated the need for library instruction and library collection building. Tables and graphs indicate the number of citations per bibliography; the number and types of format sources; publication dates; and distribution of…

The University of Memphis (Tennessee) Libraries conducted a library user survey of undergraduate students in the fall of 1999. The survey was designed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current library resources and services, to ascertain usage patterns and user satisfaction with resources and services, and to identify future needs of…

Reports on a four-year study of use patterns of CD-ROM databases in a biological sciences library. More than half the individuals recorded all use within one month. Over a third recorded use on only one day. Results suggest that the library should emphasize point-of-use instruction for first-time searchers and deemphasize workshops. (Contains 11…

Produced as part of a formal library review process, this publication reports the results of a 1981 survey of approximately 1000 undergraduates, postgraduates, and academic staff at the Australian National University (ANU) to determine their use of and satisfaction with facilities, materials, and services provided by ANU's library system. A high…

Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)