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)

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.…

Traces the evolution of bibliographic instruction from author's standpoint and examines the Library Orientation Instruction Exchange (LOEX) Clearinghouse and literature on bibliographic instruction, noting relevant conferences, academic acceptance, a field of study for librarians, and student-directed research guides. Questions concerning future…

Argues that the gender gap in computer use may place female library users at a disadvantage, and discusses the implications of the gap for bibliographic instruction. Topics addressed include the extent of the gap, reasons for it, psychosocial factors involved in it, factors encouraging it, analyzing it in libraries, and bridging it. (44…

Discusses the necessity of incorporating bibliographic instruction courses into the curriculum of teacher preparation programs and reviews the literature in this area. A unit which introduces elementary education majors to school library services as a part of a required children's literature course at Western State College of Colorado is…

Traces the development of cooperation between reference librarians and catalogers, highlighting cooperative goals, role of the library catalog in meeting informational requirements of patrons, involvement of catalog librarians in library instruction, and patterns of library organization. Future trends are discussed. Twenty sources are given. (EJS)

Reviews the research that suggests that qualitative approaches to the evaluation of library user education programs may sometimes be more appropriate than quantitative measures. The differences between quantitative and qualitative evaluation are discussed, and the instances in which one approach may be preferred to the other are identified. (17…

Discusses the evolution of library skills from information location skills to information processing skills and addresses the assessment of library information skills on three standardized achievement tests for high school students: the Iowa Tests of Educational Development, the Tests of Achievement and Proficiency, and the Comprehensive Tests of…

This discussion of various ways of looking at information argues that it is important for media specialists to think about the concepts and ethics of information in order to assist students to become effective information users. Ten references are listed. (MES)

Discussion of bibliographic instruction (BI) in academic libraries focuses on a search of the literature in nonlibrary journals that was conducted to determine the significance of BI to those outside the library profession, especially faculty. The need for library-faculty cooperation is discussed, and the authorship of BI articles is examined. (23…

In library instruction, as in any instructional setting, individual learning styles should be addressed to ensure better learning and retention. Historical examination of learning styles research suggests that in order to appreciate the diversity of students' learning styles and to apply this understanding in a library or information environment,…

This examination of the emerging theoretical base of library instruction in schools combines learning theory with research on information-seeking behavior and a broader view of library and information skills. Thirty-five references are listed. (MES)

Discusses the needs of remote users of online public access catalogs (OPACs). User expectations are discussed; problems encountered by remote-access users are examined, including technical problems and searching problems; support services are described, including instruction, print guides, and online help; and differences from the needs of…

Discusses sources of conflict between teaching and nonteaching librarians and identifies theoretical and practical contributions of library instruction to reference service. Arguments against library instruction, library applications of learning theory, improving reference services, conflicts in reference department, and future of library…

Identifies leading issues in academic reference service based on survey of literature with emphasis on 1970s and 1980s--bibliographic instruction, computer-based reference and biliographic services, personnel-related topics (specialists, generalists, professional development, nonprofessionals in reference service), measurement and evaluation, and…