Evaluating a Library User Education Program: A Decade of Experience

The impact of library instruction on student learning and attitudes has been regularly evaluated in the Ohio State University freshman program. Using the pre/posttest method, the evaluations have measured both cognitive and affective learning. Evaluations document that library instruction produces significant i'!!J'rovement in students' knowledge about libraries, their abili to use librari s and their attitudes toward librarians. The importance of planning reliable and valid evaluations is stressed with recommendations for implementing an evaluation. Common student misperceptions about libraries are identified and the importance of librarians' participation is noted.