In the academic year 1987-1988, the administration at Fort Hays University announced its commitment to emphasizing computer literacy for all students. In response to the new administrative policies, the departments of history and earth science required their students to conduct an online search in preparation for a major research paper as part of an undergraduate or a graduate seminar. The Forsyth Library worked cooperatively with the departments to orient and train the students and to coordinate the efforts of professors and librarians. This report concisely describes the process of arranging to have DIALOG available to students on a reduced-fee basis, the hardware and software utilized, and other aspects of the pilot online searching project and subsequent programs. Observations about the effectiveness of these programs, such as students' willingness to pay for searches and assignments being planned well before the end of the semester, are evaluated. Related impacts and implications--e.g., the substantial increases in demand for library services, librarians' time, and interlibrary loans--are assessed, and general trends in library automation and cooperative educational programs in Kansas are noted. (SD)