Have you heard these phrases? Trying to drink from a fire hydrant... Too much information... Fifty-seven channels and nothin' on... The growth and development of the Internet as a source of information have created a related growth in the frustration level of many researchers who must rely on web-delivered resources. Depending on your search, you have found either too many or no relevant "hits."
The library staff has always provided instruction in how to use information resources. Our tools include handouts, Web pages, tours, and classes, and each method is appropriate to a certain group of users. Now we offer a new tool for Web-savvy users who need to learn how to conduct research effectively in an increasingly electronic library environment.
TILT (The Information Literacy Tutorial) is a web-based, educational site designed to teach undergraduates fundamental research skills including selecting appropriate information sources; searching library databases and the Internet; and evaluating and citing print and electronic resources. These topics are covered in three separate, 30-minute modules that include an introduction, list of skills covered, interactive segments, tailored examples, and a self-assessment section.
The tutorial, which incorporates graphics, flash animations, and a lighthearted writing style, makes excellent use of advanced interactive techniques. Users can choose to explore the site Full TILT -- plug-ins required-- or Lite TILT -- without plug-ins. It is a well-organized site that allows users to navigate through the tutorial with ease. Directions and links for downloading the necessary plug-ins are included, and users can also investigate other areas of the site by using the menu bar at the top and bottom of the screen.
Developed by the University of Texas System Digital Library, this interactive library tutorial was provided as open source code for use by other institutions, and faculty and instructors are encouraged to refer their students to TILT. In addition, faculty members who are interested in tailoring a TILT module for their own course assignments should also contact a member of of the Reference/Instruction team by directing e-mail to lib-refbi@rpi.edu.
Go to the table of contents.
Go to the Kiosk homepage.