ITHOMAS KIRK A Comparison of Two Methods of Library Instruction for Students in Introductory Biology

What should be taught in a library instruction program for general biology students is presented and two ways of providing the instruction are discussed. The two methods, lecture-demonstration and guided exercise (form of programmed instruction), are described, and evaluated for their effectiveness. The evaluations considered are students' ability to collect a satisfactory bibliography, scores on two objective exams on library skills, and students' attitudes toward the library instruction program. It is concluded that neither method is superior, although the guided exercise continues to be used, for the reasons given. Improvements in the program are suggested.