Discusses two problems related to the use of online catalogs: (1) staff training has not kept pace with new catalogs, resulting in a lack of search expertise in staff and patrons; and (2) users expect instant access to materials found in the catalog. It is argued that these problems must be addressed to adequately serve library patrons. (CLB)

Briefly describes Chinese higher education and bibliographic instruction in Chinese academic libraries. Problems with user education are identified, including the lack of instructors, adequate facilities and reference materials, and courses on user education in library schools. Suggestions for overcoming these problems are offered. (11 references)…

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)

Reviews the most comprehensive articles on user education for microform collections in academic libraries published since 1976. Three areas of user education are addressed--promotion of microform collections, instruction in accessing the collection, and instruction in equipment use--and recommendations for implementing a user education program are…

Explains the basic requirements of Proposition 48 and discusses why college student-athletes are an important target for library user education, and how libraries can help student-athletes maintain their eligibility. A library user education module for student-athletes developed at the University of Wisconsin at Madison is described. (20…

A direct instruction model is applied to the teaching of library skills to students with mild/moderate handicaps. The model involves determining students' skill levels, setting objectives, providing instruction, and monitoring student progress. A team approach is recommended, involving the library media specialist and the special education…

Presents a two-lesson unit in which middle school students use the TimeLiner software program to create and print time lines for past presidents and their terms of office. Objectives, materials, activities/procedures, and evaluation are described for each lesson. (MES)

Discusses the library skills preparation of students entering college and reports on a study of students' attitudes about doing research in an academic library which revealed feelings of anxiety. Implications of this anxiety for the design of bibliographic instruction programs, as well as specific instructional techniques, are described. (5…

Discusses North Central Technical College (Ohio) library's approach to bibliographic instruction through a self-instructional workbook. Topics include development of the workbook; a walking tour orientation to the library; student-faculty reactions; and advantages and disadvantages of the approach. An annotated bibliography, workbook ordering…

Describes orientation programs offered at seven Israeli university libraries and discusses implications for library orientations at University of Missouri Kansas City, including utilizing student tour guides and improving the learning environment for international students. A checklist of questions for interviews with Israeli librarians is…

Presents findings from a 1993 study of 100 leaders in the field of bibliographic and library instruction regarding their perceptions of the most helpful bibliographic instructional resources. Provides descriptions of responses related to best programs, monographs, journals, journal articles, and other resources. (MAB)

Presents and compares results from two surveys of basic library skills administered to first-year and upperclass students at Johns Hopkins University (Maryland). The relationship of test scores to library visits and to self-ratings for library skills are discussed, and copies of the surveys are included. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Bibliographic Instruction librarians need a more balanced view of technology to present electronic resources in an appropriate context. To help library patrons see the benefits and drawbacks of using computer-based information sources, an assessment of librarians' attitudes, users' attitudes, and librarians' values is necessary. (Author/AEF)

Inconsistencies in librarians' professional identification and self-image are seen as partly responsible for the limited effectiveness of instructional programs and for the lack of a central position in the information society. Considers ramifications of faculty status; implications of the commitment to intellectual freedom; obligations implied by…

Discussion of the reassessment of undergraduate education focuses on the element of critical thinking. Topics include language and reasoning, the power of stories and narrative structure, critical thinking and bibliographic instruction, enrichment reading and academic libraries, reasoning in an image and electronic culture, and the role of the…