Ideas for training teachers and search analysts using on-line services, arising from the training working group of...

The types of organization offering training courses in on-line information retrieval techniques are grouped into four broad classes: system suppliers and data-base owners, library schools, independent organizations and individuals within organizations. The form of courses offered by the suppliers of the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) data-bases in Europe and Australia, discussed at the MEDLINE Workshop held in Paris in June 1979, are described. NLM already has a large programme of continuing education for search analysts, but not very much has been attempted in Europe as yet, because the services are still comparatively new. The training needed for teachers of on-line services was briefly discussed at the MEDLINE Workshop. This training includes a knowledge of computerized techniques, details of the actual system and software, public speaking, the design of courses and lectures, and the design of documentation and aids. After being trained initially, a teacher also has to keep up-to-date with changes made by the suppliers as well as developments in teaching. Seminars are proposed as a means of achieving this.