The relation between library instruction and the reference function is explored, noting characteristics and aims of both functions, terminology (bibliographic instruction and library instruction), user attitudes toward library use, correlation of the two services, and purposes of both bibliographic instruction and the reference process. Sixteen…

Discusses whether librarians should aim to give "answers" (attempt to answer information need) or "clues" (instruct user in use of information sources) when responding to users' questions. Peripheral factors concerning questions (when, how, where, why, what), cost and benefits, and approaches associated with academic library…

Librarians can promote and improve their programs of bibliographic instruction through a faculty development effort on undergraduate use of the college library. Results of this kind of program have included improved course assignment formulation, imaginative assignments, and new, library-centered courses. (MSE)

Suggests ways that community college librarians can improve communication with: (1) faculty, including new faculty, off-campus instructors, and counselors; (2) administrators; (3) peers; (4) support staff; and (5) students. Highlights communication techniques particularly useful for each group. (DMM)

Discusses a paradigm for academic librarianship that requires greater sensitivity to and identification with needs of library users. Centrality of library academic community is questioned, noting insistence of librarians on independent status of library and failure of bibliographic instruction programs to make issue of critical thinking top…

Discusses the value of critical thinking in higher education and the role of the librarian in teaching these skills. Nine questions that students can use to evaluate their readings are listed, and class discussion of library research methods and review of the evaluation questions are recommended. (11 references) (MES)

Discusses the role of the academic library in the support of nontraditional students, and offers several suggestions for effectively reacquainting these students with the library and developing their research skills. (CLB)

Educational research textbooks often portray online computer searching as available only from distant database producers, or as something students can do for themselves without assistance from a reference librarian/search intermediary. User education may be needed in this area to correct users' misconceptions. (Author/EM)

This essay discusses the relationship between academic library reference work and teaching and examines the reasons for considering technical services librarians to be teachers. The notion that teachers are an originating force, while college librarians are primarily a responding force, is discussed. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

Explains the basic requirements of Proposition 48 and discusses why college student-athletes are an important target for library user education, and how libraries can help student-athletes maintain their eligibility. A library user education module for student-athletes developed at the University of Wisconsin at Madison is described. (20…

This paper presented at the 1987 convention of the Catholic Library Association explores the role of the librarian as a teacher in school and public libraries and among clienteles ranging from school-age children to older adults. (EM)

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 the planning and implementation of a computerized writing center that is located in a high school library. Cooperation between the librarian and the classroom teacher is discussed; various writing assignments and the role of the librarian are described; and library services to teachers that support the writing center are explained. (LRW)

The editors of School Library Media Activities Monthly discuss the debate between advocates of a strong instructional development or design role for library media specialists and advocates of strong library media skills programs. They suggest that well-planned and interesting lessons can incorporate both library media and classroom objectives. (EM)