Abstract
This thesis describes the case history of the development of a programme of user education at Chalmers University of Technology Library, Gothenburg, Sweden. It was shown, by means of user studies, that there was a need for instruction in the use of the library and its resources. The needs of student library users, as seen by students, academic staff, administrative staff, engineers and library staff, were studied. These views were used in the formulation of goals and objectives for the programme of user education. A three stage programme was drawn up: 1. Orientation for new users. 2. An introductory course in information retrieval for undergraduates. 3. An advanced course in information retrieval for postgraduates. Teaching methods and media were chosen for the various parts of the programme. Priority was given to the development of the introductory course in information retrieval for undergraduates and to library orientation, as these would reach the largest group of potential library users. The undergraduate course was evaluated in a number of ways, as part of the formative process development, and in order to provide information on the product of the instruction. Modifications were made in the course, and these have resulted in a model which now functions very well. It has been shown that, by taking account of student needs, a successful course of library instruction, integrated into the general pattern of university studies, can be developed. This course is now attended by practically all the undergraduate students at the university. One of the most important points arising from this work is that library user education is not an isolated function at the library. It needs to be integrated both into the general pattern of university studies and into the other functions and activities at the library.