Online Searching in Library Education.

This report summarizes the major findings of a survey of online searching education and training practices in American schools of library and information science.1 Objectives of the survey were to obtain data concerning teaching the use of online technical processing systems for reference service; course content and other characteristics of consciousness raising instruction as well as advanced instruction in online searching for reference purposes; physical resources; methods of financing; and opinions of faculty regarding the future of instruction in online searching. The results of the survey identified a variety of philosophies, goals, and practices. Three major educational patterns are discussed: the "Single Online Course" approach, the "Large Component" approach, and the "Integrated" approach. Although most educators favor an integrated approach as an eventual goal, very few schools follow this pattern in practice today. Continuing education for library school faculty is strongly recommended.