Using Research Assistant for Library Instruction

Welsch, Erwin K., Computers in Libraries

Librarians are studying to employ new technologies to assist in the provision of bibliographic instruction and library orientation. Expert systems and hypertext variants such as HyperPad and Guide (for DOS environments) and HyperCard (for Macintosh) have become increasingly popular in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs. Automated approaches are attractive to staffs trying to cope with library environments complicated by the proliferation of information systems and delivery media - CD-ROM, OPACs, online searching - since they promise ways of providing an introduction to the library when a librarian cannot be present.

Unlike many other stacks that have focused on single libraries or resources, Arm Bevilacqua's Research Assistant uses a HyperCard stack to teach the entire research process, from formulating an idea, through research in the library, to writing the paper. Because of de approach, it could be used at a stand-alone kiosk in a library, as an adjunct to classes that teach the research process to undergraduates. or as part of a bibliographic instruction class.

Maneuvering in the Stack

After presenting an attractive opening screen that enables experienced users to bypass basic instructions, Research Assistant leads the user to the essential card in the stack, Ten Steps for Successful Research Papers" (Figure 1).

Since the icon representing the 'Ten Steps" appears on each card, the user has this navigating card as an anchor in maneuvering and can return to it when needed or if confused about location in this complex stack. The help instructions (available at the click of a button containing a question mark) suggest to the user that From the Ten Steps' main menu, you will branch out to the program's chapters." Since the author compares …

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Publication information: Article title: Using Research Assistant for Library Instruction. Contributors: Welsch, Erwin K. - Author. Magazine title: Computers in Libraries. Volume: 10. Issue: 6 Publication date: June 1990. Page number: 10+. © 2008 Information Today, Inc. COPYRIGHT 1990 Gale Group.

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