Library Instruction Revisited

Library Instruction Revisited explores the progress, status, and challenge of bibliographic instruction over the past decade and speculates about its future. A central aspect of the changing nature of librarianship has been a shift in the reference staff's self-definition. Reference librarians who once sat in a specific location awaiting students and faculty who needed help now have increasingly proactive functions teaching users systematic approaches to research using discipline-specific and general library research methods. As librarianship has transformed with an increasingly technology-dependent world, bibliographic instruction has evolved, "come of age," and proven itself a necessary addition to library services. Editor Lynne M. Martin begins with an introduction and, for comparison, she includes two previously published chapters on bibliographic instruction. Readers will see noteworthy advancement over the past decade, as these chapters document bibliographic instruction's progress and challenge its adversaries. This volume covers significant and timely bibliographic instruction issues including: Collaboration--Covers the need for collaboration between reference librarians and their teaching colleagues, as well as technical services librarians and paraprofessional colleagues. Technology--Explores the impact of technology, including CD-ROMS, OPACs, interactive media, networks, and the Internet as we enter the age of "virtual library." Cultural diversity--Recognizes the need for bibliographic instruction specifically targeting nontraditional and culturally diverse students. Pedagogy--Reveals the necessary incorporation of pedagogical elements, such as critical thinking and active learning, to bibliographic instruction. Library Instruction Revisited attests to the importance of bibliographic instruction and addresses the evaluation and validity of its programs. It offers new perspectives on bibliographic instruction's changing and imperative role in maintaining efficient and effective library services. It is an invaluable guide for reference librarians in academic, public, and school library settings seeking the most current information about bibliographic instruction.