Subject-Specific Tutorials
Innovative Web-Based Reference Services:
A Selected List
Local Systems and Services Committee
Definition of "Subject-Specific Tutorials":
Tutorials in this context are Web-based programs that teach practical information about a subject matter or about how to conduct particular kinds of research. The tutorials in this section focus on how to conduct research on particular subjects such as biology, business, and patents.
The 2003 Reviews | The 2000 Reviews (Archives)
Institution: University of Maryland Libraries
Title: Virtual Business Information Center
URL: http://vbic.umd.edu/
Contact: Lily Griner: lg30@umail.umd.edu or Zaida Diaz: zd11@umail.umd.edu
Description: The Virtual Business Information Center (VBIC) is a collection of electronic and print business resources intended to provide research assistance to the Robert H. Smith School of Business and general users seeking authoritative business information. This site include links to Internet resources with substantial free offerings and fee-based commercial services that are available to University of Maryland faculty, students and staff through the University of Maryland libraries as well as pointers to print sources available in the University of Maryland libraries. VBIC is designed to serve as an educational tool. Each topic is preceded by a research Road Map statement pointing the way to the main issues that need to be considered for that particular topic. The sources for each topic are listed in hierarchical order, with databases/web sites best suited for the topic listed first, and each database or web site listing has How to Use instructions.
Why it's innovative: What I like best is the incorporation of "point of use" instruction which is often missing in a virtual reference environment. I've seen guides that link to "more information" within a tutorial, but users are not as likely to go there, perhaps, as read the information in the instruction column of a table. While tables are fairly "low tech," I think that presentation format works for this project. I think the guide is easy to navigate and answers how and why questions students will have as they proceed. A nice sized readable font was used.
Reviewed: June 2003
Institution: Shreyer Business Library, Pennsylvania State University
Title: Patent Search Tutorial
URL: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/instruction/business/Patents/
Contact: Sylvia M. DeSantis: smd13@psu.edu or Kevin Harwell: krh@psulias.psu.edu
Description: This tutorial helps users to understand the sometimes lengthy process and procedure in searching for patents. In order to ensure that the user's search returns the best results, the tutorial reviews a number of different patent search techniques. Throughout the tutorial, users have the opportunity to access short movies demonstrating how to use and access different features of the United States Patent and Trademark web site.
Why it's innovative: The no-frames environment is an improvement over a similar tutorial. I found the availability of a feedback link ("Tutorial Comments" under "Email Links") very nice. This suggests continuous improvement of the product. The use of the Flash movies to illustrate how to search is innovative. It is a new application of the software for library instruction and does assist in clarification. However, I wonder about the (1) slowness of streaming media in general and its effect on student attention and (2) how the graphics and movie appear via dial-up access. The font choice and size used are nice, and the color choices are pleasant. The use of call-outs to define terms within a graphic were helpful. What I liked best were the email links on every page that allow users to make suggestions and ask a reference question.
Reviewed: June 2003
Institution: Hennepin County Library
Title: Business Information
URL: http://www.hclib.org/pub/training/ (click on "Business Information" to begin; requires Macromedia Authorware Plug-in, available to download from the library site)
Contact: Ryan Paetznick: rpaetznick@hclib.org
Description: This interactive tutorial uses four characters each looking for different categories of business information. Each category has three or four "information requests" to choose from. The tutorial combines instruction alongside an active Web page, simulating business reference questions into an active learning session.
Why it's innovative: This tutorial offers a lot of feedback and the searches appear to be done in real time though they are not. It's like having the reference librarian at one's side, guiding the user through the search process. As a public library with clients with greatly varying needs, it was useful to present 4 different types of users with three or more possible information needs. Users could possibly identify with one or more of them. Audio doesn't work on the computer I used to view this, but I liked the idea of the balloons over the heads of the speakers--it makes the tutorial accessible to those who don't hear. The type used for instruction was large and easy to read, a nice concession to aging users of public libraries. The smaller screen for the actual searches, though, might be less user friendly. There were a few loading glitches, but otherwise, I found the pace quite good (something to be considered with interactive media).
Reviewed: June 2003
Institution: Marian Koshland Bioscience and Natural Resources Library, University of California, Berkeley
Title: Ovid-Biosis Tutorial Movies
URL: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/BIOS/media/ (tutorials require the Macromedia Flash Player, available to download from the library site)
Contact: Norma Kobzina: nkobzina@library.berkeley.edu
Description: There are three separate movies that demonstrate combining author and keyword searches, author searching alone, and advanced subject searching. They provide a way of training patrons at their own pace; they are short tutorials but very clearly demonstrate all of the special and unique features. It is web based but also runs as a movie.The Ovid interface was new for Berkeley, so this was an attempt to deal the transition.
Why it's innovative: The movies are silent, so no sound card is required. This makes them more useful in a library setting. Feedback, comments and suggestions are encouraged and a contact link is provided. The pacing was a little slow, but the call-outs and red highlighting were very helpful. The movies are short and a lot is covered. Students can replay or pause--instructions for using the playback buttons are given in the beginning.
Reviewed: June 2003
Reviewer: Teresa Ashley
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