Discusses a strategy for improving user access to information in academic libraries by articulating the goals of user education and planning programs accordingly, encouraging students to be critical and analytical in evaluating their information needs, and providing library instruction which makes students feel comfortable in the library…

The increase in end-user searching, the advantages and limitations of front ends, and the role of the librarian in end-user searching are discussed. It is argued that librarians need to recognize that front ends can be of benefit to themselves and patrons, and to assume the role of advisors and educators for end-users. (37 references) (CLB)

The use of search strategy as a conceptual framework for teaching research techniques has long been a central concept of library instruction. It involves teaching analysis of research questions, understanding of structural differences in knowledge across disciplines, and evaluation of information. (MSE)

Discussion of the difficulties undergraduates have with the research process focuses on the research process of scholars and suggests guiding questions for students to ask. Highlights include finding a topic and its focus; selecting a search method; the role of the librarian; and evaluating Web sites. (Author/LRW)

While the "information superhighway" offers new opportunities for independent research and study, the amount of information available requires users to have a high level of information-literacy skills. Librarians are in the best position to facilitate the development of these skills and to instruct clients in the use of search and…

Discussion of issues concerned with providing library reference services to machine readable data files focuses on numeric databases. The team approach used at the University of Florida, which incorporates reference librarians, programers and data managers, database producers and vendors, and professional associations, is described. A bibliography…

Discusses the importance of Boolean searching as a skill that students will need in the future. Methods for teaching Boolean searching are described, and the value of truncation as an online searching aid is considered. (MES)

Discusses user education in China's academic libraries in light of educational reform and the changing role of academic libraries. Describes information technology developments, objectives of user education, and the emphasis on computerbased searching in the Tsinghua University library. (LRW)

Considers the success and satisfaction of end users' searches on CD-ROM systems. Topics discussed include introductory training lessons; the selection of appropriate databases; search strategies; and implications for the role of library staff and for staffing patterns. Examples of end-user search techniques and common errors are included. (11…

Discusses library instruction in the use of CD-ROMs and describes results of a survey of CD-ROM users at C.W. Post College (NY), including characteristics of CD-ROM users, evaluating searches, advanced search techniques, learning and using the system, and changes in CD-ROM users from 1992 to 1996. (LRW)

In an effort to verify that the library research skills that comprise the library media instructional program at the Columbus (Ohio) School for Girls are those that college librarians would regard as essential, a questionnaire was mailed in February 1987 to the undergraduate libraries of 142 colleges and universities most often attended by…

Comments on the following research finding: teacher-librarians who understand the search process, work with classroom colleagues to integrate the process in instruction, and intervene early in student support, more effectively guarantee student success and academic achievement than those who don't. (PEN)

This 16-item questionnaire was sent to 142 selected college and university libraries in February 1987 to determine which library skills academic librarians consider desirable for undergraduate students. Questionnaires were returned by 89 respondents (62.7%). The number of respondents for each question and the titles of the resources cited in their…

This report presents the following five instructional objectives tailored to meet the goal of preparing Adelphi University (New York) freshman to become independent learners and information literate: (1) students will be introduced to the services and resources of the university libraries; (2) students will understand the role of the librarian as…

This document lists sources useful for academic reference and instruction librarians who are concerned with assisting and teaching novice or non-professional end-user searchers. The bibliography is organized in two lists: complete bibliographic citations and subject listing of references. The types of sources listed include journal articles,…