At no time in history has the ability to locate, organize, evaluate, manage and use information, skills collectively referred to as information literacy, been more important to today's learners. Classroom and technology teachers and library media specialists are challenged to find effective, innovative techniques for teaching research and information skills, especially to young children. This paper summarizes the research conducted for a United States Department of Education Phase I SBIR award. The project utilized digital video, database, and information technologies, to design a proof-of-concept prototype for a comprehensive Web-based tool, S.O.S, for improving instruction in this critical area. Educators identify relevant situation-specific variables (S.) and desired instructional outcomes (O.). Suggested instructional strategies (S.) are subsequently generated. These strategies are linked to a database of real-world video and multimedia examples. S.O.S. will be responsive to advancing technology and include system feedback mechanisms as well as direct user input for continuous formative evaluation and improvement. By integrating sound pedagogical principles with real-world practice presented in video and multimedia demonstrations, the project will make a valuable contribution to the quality of information literacy skills instruction. (Author)