An Intervention To Improve Information Research Skills

Reviewing the literature cited by undergraduates in research and design projects revealed significant use of World Wide Web resources and a lack of journal citations. To determine why the imbalance of information sources was occurring a survey of students was conducted. The survey sought to determine their knowledge of and comfort level in using the various information resources available to them. The results of the survey led to the creation of a twohour information resource workshop for the students. The abilities and attitudes as reported in the survey are presented and discussed. The workshop developed to address the deficiencies is detailed. Student and faculty views obtained after instituting the workshop are discussed and related to the success of the workshop. Ideas on improving the intervention are also presented.