A new approach to online database instruction: developing the guide on the side

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and rationale for the creation of a scalable approach to online database instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the pedagogical, organizational, and technological considerations for developing an interactive, online tutorial that can be used by librarians for database instruction.

Findings

Database instruction during one‐shot library sessions is a cornerstone of information literacy programs, but with a move to online instruction, it has not been clear how to replicate many of the pedagogical advantages that take place in a face‐to‐face environment. Librarians along with programmers have developed a new type of scalable and pedagogically‐sound interactive tutorial.

Originality/value

The paper provides librarians with a history of the development of a tutorial that has been released as open‐source software program that can be easily modified by other libraries.

Citation

Sult, L., Mery, Y., Blakiston, R. and Kline, E. (2013), "A new approach to online database instruction: developing the guide on the side", Reference Services Review, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 125-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907321311300947