[1490] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: User Instruction
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (ACADMARG%STMARYTX.BITNET@mitvma.mi)
Thu Oct 15 17:47:02 1992
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1992 16:25:42 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: ACADMARG%STMARYTX.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Regarding the question on how to instruct users who log onto CD-ROMs at
remote sites, perhaps I can help. I will be giving a talk on this subject
at the "Computers in Libraries 1993" meeting in Washington DC in March.
In a nutshell, we have attacked this problem in several ways. First,
most classes which have a large library research component get bib
instruction from a librarian and hands-on experience with the CD-ROM
network is a part of the class. Second, interactive search tutorials
for most CD-ROMs are available on the network to lead users through
the steps of searching and using search strategy. Next, we have placed
all our "cheat sheets" for CD-ROM use online on the network as well as
in paper copy in the library.
Context sensitive help for each database is available on our menuing
system which describes the contents of the database and where to go
for more help. We are discussing email reference help but right now
we are offering help by phone.
Reaching off-campus users who get frustrated and give up without asking
for help is one of the biggest problems. In the library we are able to
do outreach and check on people as they search to make sure they are
finding what they need. This is not as easy to do with users at remote
locations.
If anyone has any ideas or comments to share with me on this, I would
be pleased to hear from you.
Margaret Sylvia
CD-ROM Local Area Network Administrator
Acquisitions & Collection Development Dept. Head
St. Mary's University Academic Library
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228-8608
acadmarg@stmarytx.bitnet
acadmarg@vax.stmarytx.edu
