This study of high school minority students enrolled in a library instruction course in a summer bridge program investigated the effects of multicultural vs. classical exercises and independent study vs. peer assistance on students' performance. Although some inconsistencies occurred in students' performance and their evaluation of the course, the study found that multicultural exercises and contact with a librarian instructor proved important to minority students. Jensen, Ann, and Julie Sih. Using E-mail and the Internet to Teach Users at Their Desktops. With remote access to databases becoming more prevalent, users are often reluctant to come to the library to learn how to use its resources.
Users can have one lesson delivered per week or all six tutorials at once.
The electronic tutorials reached an audience that had not been heard from before and will continue to be part of the bibliographic instruction program at San Diego and other UC campuses. McFadden, T. G., and T. J. Hostetler, eds. The Library and Undergraduate Education. Contributors to this issue of Library Trends explore the library's role in undergraduate education and the future of library user education programs. Common themes or issues that emerge include the importance of reading, literacy, and critical thinking, and the impact of rapidly changing technology.