A computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program using Utah PILOT programming language was constructed that includes the same objectives that are taught during the presentation of a traditional library tour. The amount of time necessary to complete the CAI program is approximately the same time needed by a student taking a library tour. The population for the study consisted of ENG 1020 classes at Central Missouri State University. Department of English and Philosophy instructors volunteered the use of their classes for this study. The classes were divided into three groups consisting of a computer-assisted instruction group (N=66), a tour group (N=64), and a control group (N=40). Each group was given a pretest, subjected to the teaching method, and then administered a posttest. This measured the amount of difference in learning that took place between the two tests. Each test also served another purpose. The pretest was utilized to collect such student demographic data as student status, previous involvement in library work, knowledge of library skills, size of high school graduation class, and previous use of or skills with computers. The posttest was used to gather information on the students' opinions and evaluation of the particular treatment to which they were exposed. There was little difference in the over-all rating given the treatment method by either of the experimental groups. The majority in both groups indicated that they felt the teaching method in which they had participated was average or above. Since the CAI group showed the highest adjusted posttest mean, and their evaluation of the program was equal to or better than that of the general library tour, it was concluded that the CAI treatment proved to be more effective in teaching basic library orientation and research skills. (3 references) (BBM)