Reviews the literature on the impact of technologies on bibliographic instruction in academic libraries, and identifies environmental factors other than technology that need to be monitored in order to effectively modify instructional tools to meet the needs of learners in an electronic information environment. (CLB)

This review of the literature discusses the image of librarians in popular culture, the importance of projecting a clear and positive image of reference librarians and their work to encourage users to seek reference help, and ways to improve users' understanding and image of librarians. (25 references) (Author/CLB)

Erroneous belief that library users are increasingly experiencing information overload is a result of confusion between concepts of information explosion and information overload, and misinterpretation of implications of research findings. Suggested ways that users can prevent overload include limiting, selecting, and delegating information;…

Describes important techniques by which library users avoid information overload, clarifies the terminology in the information overload literature, and reviews the major findings of this literature in the context of library applications. Implications for users and librarians are discussed. (CDD)

Explores issues surrounding efforts to introduce online catalogs to users and presents relevant research results from Northwestern University's "Educating the Online Catalog User" project. Highlights include attitudes and preconceptions about online catalogs and instruction, research on online catalog use, suggestions for online catalog teaching,…

Discusses the image and natural dynamics of an individual mode of library instruction in which the reference librarian serves as a role model by showing individual students or classes a searcher in action, working with ideas as well as index terms. Twenty-four sources are given. (EJS)

This five-article section on current issues in reference and adult services highlights origins of American Library Association's Reference and Adult Services Division, history and development of RQ's column "The Exchange," 25 years of adult services articles, documents reference service and changing attitudes of librarians, and library…

Discusses the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for bibliographic instruction in libraries. Highlights include learning theories; behaviorism; cognitive theory; the effectiveness of CAI; improving CAI through the use of hypertext and hypermedia; and broadening bibliographic instruction programs to include problem-solving skills using…

Reports results of a 1987 survey designed to determine the educational preparedness and attitudes of academic librarians who participate in bibliographic instruction. Findings are discussed under the following headings: demographics; educational preparation; previous teaching experience; gaining and retaining support for the program; position…

Reviews research that indicates that effective adult education should focus on the immediate needs of the student and applies those findings to library instruction. Suggestions for instructional approaches that stress the practical aspects of library instruction and address the special needs of adult reentry students are offered. (21 references)…

Presents an international view of user education and information literacy and provides definitions and rationale for information literacy education in the information age. Proposes guidelines to prepare for the 21st century in library and information work and to prepare citizens for lifelong learning and successful work in the information society.…

Analyzes definitions of information literacy by reviewing library and information science literature of the 1970s and 1980s. The response of the information profession to the expanding range of skills and knowledge required for information literacy is noted. Three main trends in information literacy from the literature of the early 1990s are…

Reports on the work of Carol Kuhlthau, who has conducted extensive studies of information processes and skills instruction. Topics include the relevance of information and its utilization; critical thinking by the students; information-seeking and problem-solving; and a process approach to information problem-solving. (LRW)

Discussion of the need for library adult education as a component of public library reference services highlights trends (increase in adult population, technological changes) and their implications (continuing education for librarians), goals of library adult education, importance of instructional objectives, and evaluation. References and a…

Explores reasons for lack of attention in library school curricula to education for bibliographic instruction in libraries and presents brief overview of instructional program at Faculty of Library Science, University of Alberta, Canada. Developments in education for bibliographic instruction and possible solutions to problem areas are covered.…