Web-Based Instruction: A Guide for Libraries

by Susan Sharpless Smith

Overview

Expanding on the popular, practical how-to guide for public, academic, school, and special libraries, technology expert Susan Sharpless Smith offers library instructors the confidence to take Web-based instruction into their own hands.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838990803
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	07/09/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Susan Sharpless Smith is the Director of Research, Instruction and Technology Services for Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. Her long term interests have been exploring the potential the Web offers for the provision of library services and instruction. She received the 2008 ACRL IS Innovation Award for her work as an embedded librarian in a two week sociology course that traveled by bus through the Deep South. Smith received a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a master’s degree in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University.

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Setting the Stage 2 Library Instruction on the Web 3 Project Framework 4 Selecting Project Development Tools 5 Designing the User Experience 6 Multimedia: Using Graphics, Sound, Animation, and Video 7 Interactivity 8 Evaluation, Testing, and Assessment Appendix: List of Resources Glossary Works Cited Index

Editorial Reviews

Gordon's splendid book will help lay the groundwork for establishing Internet training in both school and public libraries. It provides justification for additional computers and information on grant writing, trainer qualifications, and designing classes; and shows sample handouts, including a brochure in Spanish. Smith's title is written for those with technical expertise. It begins with a list of acronyms, but gives no explanation of their meanings. Reasons to use Web-based instruction, when it is inappropriate, and the effectiveness of this type of instruction are justified and expanded through the list of resources at the end of the book. Program examples range from general orientation sessions to information literacy courses. Design development phases are presented in flowchart format. Project development tools, software, hardware, and authoring software programs are covered. Designing the user interface, navigation, screen layout, visual design, user accessibility, and page optimization are addressed. Of these three books, Stephens's title will be of most value to librarians. It presents 12 modules or sets of instruction programs to be used in conjunction with a CD-ROM that offers more than 400 slides, directions, handouts, and fliers. Each module begins with a brief introduction, anticipated outcomes for attendees, and tips for presentation. They cover navigating the Internet and the Web, using e-mail and WWW e-mail services, and security issues and safety tips. Module 12 discusses the consumption of memory by digital images and provides excellent ideas for selection and use of digital images and cameras. Alterations to the modules to suit individual library needs can be completed quickly. The CD-ROM also provides the scripts for each instructional program in Microsoft Word format. The slides are uncluttered with clear font size and pleasing colors. All three books clearly indicate the need for training staff and patrons in effective use of the Internet. Merely providing access to it and to other computer applications is no longer sufficient to utilize fully a library's PAC as well as the wealth of information available on the Web. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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