A new approach to online database instruction: developing the guide on the side

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development and rationale for the creation of a scalable approach to online database instruction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the pedagogical, organizational, and technological considerations for developing an interactive, online tutorial that can be used by librarians for database instruction.FindingsDatabase instruction during one‐shot library sessions is a cornerstone of information literacy programs, but with a move to online instruction, it has not been clear how to replicate many of the pedagogical advantages that take place in a face‐to‐face environment. Librarians along with programmers have developed a new type of scalable and pedagogically‐sound interactive tutorial.Originality/valueThe paper provides librarians with a history of the development of a tutorial that has been released as open‐source software program that can be easily modified by other libraries.