Limited to programs aimed at undergraduate students in American college libraries, this paper describes the development of the concept of library skills instruction and discusses current instructional programs in 13 colleges: Brown, Washington and Lee, Manhattanville, Occidental, Dillard, Dickinson, Oberlin, State University College at Brockport/SUNY, Swarthmore, University of Richmond, Eastern Michigan University, Wabash, and the University of Colorado. The following general patterns in the approach to library instruction are ascertained: (1) a positive relationship may exist between the amount of student library use and library use instruction; (2) course-related instruction enjoys more popularity than separate courses; (3) library instruction requires either more library personnel and/or time specifically allocated for instruction; and (4) in order to receive financial support, librarians must cultivate support among the faculty in their institutions. References and a bibliography are provided. (FM)