This study documents the information literacy skills of college freshmen at a mid-size comprehensive university. It also examines the association between students' information literacy skills and their writing abilities as well as their overall performance in a class. A major finding of the study is that information literacy skills were positively correlated with both student writing scores and final course grades. The findings of this study call for well-integrated library instruction programs and services to improve student information literacy skills.

This article reports on the cognitive and affective development of students being mentored in virtual reference interview skills by professional librarians. The authors present a case study which examines the impact on student learning resulting from librarian mentor participation and collaboration with students on a course assignment. This study explores student reflections on the role of librarian mentoring in relation to perception and effectiveness, learning, confidence gained, and value of professional assessment.

This chapter shares the development and implementation of a redesigned Information Sources and Services course and presents a case study that examines the impact of that course on student learning. The revised course applies Presence Pedagogy incorporating epistemic framing through extended role-play and the use of experienced mentors in a three-dimensional immersive virtual environment. Also examined are: changes in students’ comfort level while playing the role of reference librarian, their technology skills and confidence, similarities and dissimilarities between the game role and an imagined real-life role, students’ comfort level with the presence of a mentor, and their incorporating mentor suggestions.

This paper presents the results of a usability study conducted to determine the functionality of a desktop, three-dimensional virtual library designed and supported by the Appalachian State University Distance Learning Library Services team. Formative evaluations were performed with representative students utilizing Morae software. Results influenced the final design of the library.

In spring semester 2009, two of the authors taught LIB 5020-Information Sources & Services to graduate library science students at Appalachian State University. The course covers information seeking patterns and provides an overview of reference services. The course is also designed to examine and evaluate library reference materials and other information sources (print, audiovisual and electronic) used in support of informational and recreational needs of youth and adults. This paper discusses one class assignment, in which the students were paired together to role play the reference interaction between a librarian and student in a 3D virtual learning community. This paper reports the assignment's evolution, learning objectives, discusses the students' reactions to working as a virtual librarian, and includes ways to improve the assignment in the future.KEYWORD virtual reference, 3D virtual learning environment, reference interview, 3D worlds, library science assignment BACKGROUND