Library Instruction for the Professions: Information Needs and Libraries

Abstract

In this article, Hammond and Mitchell report on a survey of practitioners in four professions: accounting, architecture, psychology, and recreation/tourism. The authors sought data on how professionals looked for information to improve instruction programs, with a goal of providing graduates with information skills to use in their careers. Fewer than half of the survey respondents had discipline‐specific library instruction. Practitioners identify a need for information but a low use of electronic resources. Data support the necessity of information skills for those entering the professions; suggest that instruction be information‐centered rather than library‐centered; and show that continuing education for professionals in information finding is needed. The authors provide suggestions for changes in library instruction.

Citation

Hammond, C. and Mitchell, E. (1997), "Library Instruction for the Professions: Information Needs and Libraries", Reference Services Review, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 79-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907329710306814