Online Tutorials and Effective Information Literacy Instruction for Distance Learners

Abstract

As Internet and computer technologies have evolved, libraries have incorporated these technologies into the delivery of information literacy instruction. Of particular benefit is the ability of online tutorials to deliver information literacy instruction to students not physically present on campus. A survey of library and information science literature determines that while a variety of methodologies have produced mixed results, the majority of studies find online tutorials can often be as or more effective than face-to-face instruction. However, more consistent research methods are needed to draw meaningful conclusions regarding student preferences, satisfaction and performance in response to online instruction.

KEYWORDS:

• Information literacy
• distance learners
• academic libraries
• online tutorials
• instruction
• technology
• bibliographic instruction
• research methodologies
• students
• active learning