The iPad in Library Instruction: Collaborative Inquiry for Information Retrieval

Abstract

While iPads have grown in use for reference or circulation in academic libraries, the author investigates the potential for using iPads to teach information retrieval. A review of the technical logistics and classroom management strategies accompanies an appraisal of the pros and cons of teaching information literacy with tablets. In a collaborative, inquiry-based classroom, the iPads foster increased student engagement and mastery of search techniques.

KEYWORDS:

• Information retrieval
• inquiry-based learning
• iPad
• tablets