Language is a primary barrier for international students in library instruction classes. This article reviews the literature on classroom communication from both the second language acquisition and library fields, and suggests ways in which second language acquisition research can be applied to communication with international students in library…

This paper traces library instructional programs available to graduate students in academic institutions in North America from the late 1950s to the present. Three chronological perspectives provide the framework for this analysis. The first includes programs from 1958 to 1989 that offered traditional bibliographic instruction of print resources…

In the digital era, information literacy skills enable users to locate and use online materials effectively. One persistent library service for libraries is providing skills training to students. This article traces the creation of online library instructional tutorials, currently referred to as digital learning objects, in academic libraries. It…

An analysis of postings on the LM_NET discussion list was conducted to better understand school library media specialist (SLMS) perceptions of the potential effect of structural challenges on their role in teaching Web evaluation skills. Structural challenges are institutional in the form of government regulation and school culture, and are…

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Studies examining the comparative efficacy of face-to-face and computer assisted library instruction were reviewed. Differences in study methodology and lack of quality made meta-analysis impossible; however, the two methods appear to be equally effective for teaching basic library skills. More research needs to be done to confirm this finding.

There has been much talk about libraries, including public libraries, being uniquely positioned to act as key agents for developing the critical skill of information literacy in their communities. Yet there is a notable lack of literature addressing information literacy and the public library, especially when compared to the volume of material on…

Academic reference librarians continually observe that many students are embarrassed about not knowing how to use the library and are reluctant to approach the reference desk. The theory of library anxiety offers an explanation, proposing that a fear of being in and using libraries serves as a psychological barrier, hindering many university…

This paper is a review of literature that explores how community college and junior college students use libraries and seek information. A key issue that is discussed among scholars, researchers, and librarians in general is the implosion of the Internet and how libraries have shifted focus from using print resources to online databases and…

A system for library orientation used at the University of North Dakota included cue cards suspended from the ceiling in five areas--reference, study room and computers, periodicals, government documents and microforms, and special collections--at which a tour group would listen to a brief talk. Student and staff response was favorable. (1…

This essay arguing for retention of sophisticated reference-desk service as separate from library instruction notes brief history of relationship and two fundamental reasons for separation: a "one-shot" lecture could not cover every tool useful for research needs of each individual student; and not all patrons are experiencing library instruction.…

Identifies nature of problems affecting library instruction in smaller public libraries and reports on writings which may be helpful to those libraries having no formal library instruction programs. Trends, a definition of the problem, literature reviewed, philosophy of library instruction, and programs over past 10 years are highlighted. (29…

Outlines history of library development in Japan, discussing the different role originally played by academic libraries in relation to their Western counterparts and noting increasing importance now being given to user education. The Kanazawa Institute of Technology Library Centre is given as a case in point. Ten references are listed. (Author/EJS)

Summarizes the literature which examines the formal and informal methods by which library reference services instruct the library user in the pursuit of information. (FM)

A search of the literature was conducted to determine the extent to which librarians outside the reference department have been involved in bibliographic instruction (BI). Although few studies were found that address this issue, some of the scant material suggested that non-reference librarians have been linked to BI. (Contains eight references.)…