The evolution and reaffirmation of a library orientation program in an academic research library

In 1981, James Rice proposed that there are three levels of library instruction: library orientation, library instruction, and bibliographic instruction. Library orientation provides an introduction for users to the physical library layout and selected resources and services. The more subtle objectives are to reduce user anxiety, motivate subsequent use, and promote the availability of helpful service. In Rice's model, the second level provides a more extensive explanation of specific library materials and the third is the offering of formal courses in bibliography.