This paper discusses the potential role of librarians in user education and training in the context of knowledge management (KM) initiatives. The paper first summarizes the results of a recent study of KM systems that found a high failure and disappointment rate, with more than half of the failures attributable to inadequate user training and…

This book is designed to help college students develop information and research skills. Twenty-one chapters cover the following topics: (1) "Information Content, Information Packages"; (2) "Reference Works: Finding Facts Fast"; (3) "Directories"; (4) "Biographical Dictionaries"; (5) "Encyclopedias"; (6) "Dictionaries, Thesauruses, and Other Word…

Results of a DePauw University study of the library skills and attitudes of 43 high school students enrolled in a college preparatory program provide evidence that formal library use instruction programs can have positive results, regardless of initial level of students' academic potential. Twenty-three references are cited. (EJS)

Describes a systems development process to organize and report the data needed to prepare a microcomputer program for evaluating library instruction programs in high school libraries and media centers. A flow chart illustrating the sample program and seven references are included. (JL)

Critical review of Periodical Indexes, a computerized instructional package designed to strengthen student skills in using periodical indexes in the library. A sample of the Software Evaluation Checklist, developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, is included. (JJD)

Findings of a survey of the level of reference service requested at service points conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University indicate that, while 20.5 percent of 14,026 questions recorded fall in the reference category, only 0.7 percent required research by professional librarians. Models of reference desk service and…

Describes a schoolwide project for grades 4-6 in which students combined social studies, library research, art activities, music, and dance to present an international festival. (SJL)

Suggested ways to develop an appreciation of and use of reference sources by high school students include personal assistance, instruction in research strategies and use of materials, an impartial and nonjudgmental attitude, and providing material within the time allocated by the patron. Two references and an 11-item bibliography are provided.…

Results of a preliminary experiment indicate that online computer-assisted instruction covering objective information is equal to or superior to traditional methods of training new student library workers. While it costs essentially the same, it frees staff members for other duties. (Author/RAA)

Describes how the concept of user education developed in Pakistan under the influence of UNISIST. The outline of an inservice orientation course on the structure and use of subject literature for college teachers, and a questionnaire used to determine prior training and skills of participants are appended. (LLS)

Describes a study at Kent State University that indicated that proper and full use of audiovisual equipment can give students a basic orientation to library facilities and services without the need for physically touring in large groups. (DC)

Argues that academic librarians should broaden the concept of education as it applies to their own activity within the academic structure, and suggests that one way of accomplishing this would be to focus on interdisciplinarity and its potential for social change. Thirteen references are listed. (CHC)

Concludes that evaluations of library instruction based on library use present a useful picture of the impact of instruction within the context of program objectives. Yet to be found, however, is a methodology that will express the role student motivation and maturation play in the development of effective library skills. (RAA)

Advocates the acquisition of library skills through the medium of sciences, and outlines a short science-based library course in operation in a county high school. (GS)

Focuses primarily on summative evaluation of library-use instruction programs, using the development and results of a systematic assessment of such a program at DePauw University. Tabulated statistics and the evaluation instrument are provided. (Author/JD)