Teaching Search Techniques on the Computerized Catalog and on the Traditional Card Catalog: A Comparative Study (Research Note)

Abstract

Libraries establishing online catalogs often retain their card catalogs until complete retroactive online conversion can be achieved; consequently, bibliographic instruction (Bl) librarians teach search strategies on both systems.This study measures students' grasp of library concepts taught on-and offline and preferences for one system over the other.Results show that students prefer the online catalog.When students are taught search strategies online first, followed by lectures on the card catalog, their test scores increase more than for those taught in the reverse order.Performance and preference are similar in American and international students.If incorporated in BI programs, these findings will improve teaching effectiveness.

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