HIT->elem: curriculum guide for using online catalog

[Anne Repp <REPPANNXX@URVAX.URICH.EDU>]

Dear LM_NETters,

        Thank you for your responses about curriculum guides for teaching
the use of the online catalog in elementary schools.

I received 11 responses asking if I would forward any useful information
that was sent to me.  And I received 13 responses with some bit of
information -- everything from "My third grader can use the public
library's online catalog" to suggestions for printed material that must
be ordered (which in most cases, I did).  Many thanks for ALL.

From these responses I conclude . . .
        1) Third grade seems to be far the most popular age to begin
formal instruction of the online catalog.

        2) Almost everyone spoke in favor of individualized instruction,
even though structured.  The one person who mentioned evaluation said she
personally tested each child's understanding, as well.

        3) Title search was usually the first search taught.

        4) Most librarians delayed teaching keyword searching until last
(and maybe did not get to it at all, except for a few eager students).

        5) Several people pointed to the need for certain skills before
students can effectively use the online catalog.  These include
understanding where to find the title and author in a book.  And
proficiency with research strategy.  And keyboarding.  And reading.  And
knowledge of where to find books in the library.

        6) One librarian shows younger children how to do fiction
searches before non-fiction.  They learn title first, then author.

        Lesson plan recommentation included the use of an LCD panel, and
having the children work on paper copies of the screen while the teacher
demonstrates.  The children use colored pencils to respond:  red line
under the title, blue circle around the total copies that a library owns,
etc.

        These were wonderful ideas and helpful responses;  they indicated
that each librarian is using (or looking for) a teaching plan which suits
him/her the best.  I will post again if I come across anything more
universally used.  Am examining Big Six, of course.

Many thanks,
Anne Repp
Richmond, VA
reppannxx@urvax.urich.edu