At one time taking a public speaking course was sufficient to provide the skills necessary for effective presentations. Now, the Information Age makes the use of information technology mandatory, so that presentations are delivered not only through speech, but also using electronic communications, audio and video media, print materials. To succeed in today's world, individuals must understand the characteristics of information, as well as people's information needs, not just how to present information. Small and Arnone have developed an extraordinarily successful model for professionals and academics-the PACT model (Purpose, Audience, Content, and Technique), which makes it easy to focus on the research, selection, organization, and delivery of information. Whether the assignment is public speaking, technical writing, or web designing, the PACT model can be used to integrate the common principles of information science and communication theory. This book introduces the reader to three crucial models for the successful design, development, delivery, and evaluation of information presentations. An ideal tool for professionals, a valuable ally for communications instructors, and a necessary resource for college students.

Using an innovative, real-world approach that makes the research problem and method relevant and valuable to the reader, this book provides a broad overview of research methods used in library and information studies and associated fields. Research remains a core purpose of every library. This book provides a text for LIS students and a practical handbook to librarians and other educators who need to conduct research in their libraries. In Research Methods for Librarians and Educators, contributors reinforce the essential nature of research and provide readers with the confidence that they can conduct research to find solutions to various problems and improve their libraries and library programs. The book details various research methodologies and uses a unique perspective on research that presents authentic scenarios to immediately make the research problem and method relevant and valuable to the reader. It covers topics ranging from various research methods, including Causal, Collaborative, Design-Based Research, Longitudinal, and Mixed Methods, as well as interview methods, learning assessment, literature review, and observation and survey methods. Each chapter includes questions intended to spark discussion and deeper reflection that make the book more useful in learning settings. The summary charts throughout provide a handy and easy reference for readers who want a quick refresher on the research method without rereading the entire chapter. Explains the complex topic of research methodology and statistics in simple, straightforward language Provides examples that help clarify key concepts and points and answer potential questions Supplies guidance with practical applications, allowing readers to see how research methods may be applied to specific situations

Motivate and inspire your students as you teach them valuable information skills. These authors show you how to build a motivation toolkit filled with dozens of quick, easy-to-apply techniques for planning, improving, and enhancing information skills lessons. Designed as a professional guide for practicing media specialists, this book can also be used for in-service training, in instructional techniques courses in preservice academic programs for school library media specialists, and by classroom teachers involved in teaching information skills.

The motivational assessment tools may be used in several ways:

As a teaching tool to help your students learn valuable information literacy skills

As a decision support tool for deciding which web sites are appropriate for teaching your objectives

As a research tool for conducting practical research comparing the motivational effectiveness of various sites

As a design tool for creating a web site that will attract visitors and motivate them to remain in the web site

Small and Arnone provide ideas, lesson plans, and examples for offering in-service workshops to practitioners, as well as lesson plans and related materials for student instruction. Overhead transparency masters and handouts are included. What web resources will you use in your instruction? Be sure to examine their motivational potential first "

These practical, easy-to-use books provide insights into examining web resources for their motivational potential--the potential to engage students in the learning process. The motivational assessment tools may be used in several ways:

- As a teaching tool to help your students learn valuable information literacy skills

- As a decision support tool for deciding which websites are appropriate for teaching your objectives

- As a research tool for conducting practical research comparing the motivational effectiveness of various sites

- As a design tool for creating a website that attract visitors and motivate them to remain in the website

Small and Arnone provide ideas, lesson plans, and examples for offering in-service workshops to practitioners, as well as lesson plans and related materials for student instruction. Overhead transparency masters and handouts are included. What web resources will you use in your instruction? Be sure to examine their motivational potential first!