Radical writing: A proposal for bibliographic instruction at Iowa State University

Abstract

Growing reliance on computer-aided instruction (CAI) technology and websites devoted to user education cannot adequately meet the research needs of university freshmen. BI instructors can receive help and encouragement in their teaching demands by joining with other instructors to create a cooperative, intensive BI program to battle library anxiety, poor research skills, and raise self-esteem in students. The author proposes a paired BI instruction program for Iowa State University, one that involves cooperation at all levels. More teaching opportunities for librarians, a revised orientation program for incoming English teaching assistants, and new BI evaluation methods are advocated. The ISU English and library environments are presented as examples of similar programs found on other campuses; conclusions here insist that the new BI computer lab in the ISU library is a strong teaching tool, but ultimately, only a comprehensive user education program in each core subject area would effectively teach research methods across the disciplines. In each major subject, instructors leading required courses could be paired with BI librarians to bring semester-long user education to students. One such program, as envisioned within the English department, is described.