Being able to locate materials quickly on the computer has encouraged these students to use the library more and complete assignments. This provides an opportunity for these students to perform the same research tasks other students do. Recommendation 1.2 of the Missourians Prepared states that all school districts will adopt outcome-based education. We are striving to improve our achievement scores. In a survey, teachers consistently commented that the reference materials are not adequate and they would use the library more if the information was current and easily accessible.
Effective research requires initial search and continued follow-up.
When the resources are not housed locally, follow up research is not possible. Today's students require a wide variety of resources, not only books and periodicals, in order to be information literate. Access to information in newer formats such as CD-ROM, video, and computer software, while crucial, is priced out of the reach of a majority of school libraries. The most profound educational outcome was that special education, learning disabled, and average students are not only more motivated but more productive using CD-ROM technology for reference. Their research results have improved due to efficiency in accessing and retrieving a larger, relevant number of information sources.