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Footholds and foundations: setting freshmen on the path to lifelong learning

Gayla Byerly (University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA)
Annie Downey (University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA)
Lilly Ramin (University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA)

Reference Services Review

ISSN: 0090-7324

Article publication date: 1 October 2006

1120

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to provide an empirical study demonstrating the value of one‐shot instruction assessment, and student learning, with the software, LISA.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an outcome‐based quantitative study, using performance‐based software for assessment.

Findings

The University of North Texas librarians developed Library Instruction Software for Assessment (LISA) to assess one‐shot library instruction sessions. The study used a pre‐test, post‐test and post‐post‐test to test freshmen in English classes. The pre‐test revealed that students had more difficultly using some tools more than others, namely the catalog. The post‐test showed that student performance searching the catalog and Academic Search Premier improved with library instruction. However, students' ability to find the “Help page” decreased. This decreased number was attributed to the importance of teaching navigation skills in library instruction sessions. The post‐post‐test taken at the end of the semester demonstrated that students were retaining the skills taught.

Research limitations/implications

One‐shot library instruction sessions are valuable and can be assessed using LISA. The study shows LISA can provide meaningful results about students' library skills.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a unique software tool, Library Instruction Software for Assessment (LISA), which can be used for assessing instruction sessions – even one‐shot sessions. The findings indicate that one‐shot library instruction can have a positive effect on the information literacy level of students, and offers insight into areas of improvement for instruction sessions.

Keywords

Citation

Byerly, G., Downey, A. and Ramin, L. (2006), "Footholds and foundations: setting freshmen on the path to lifelong learning", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 589-598. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610716477

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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