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This paper introduces the concept of information literacy and describes the impact of information technology on information literacy. The European Union funded EDUCATE project addressed the subject‐related aspects of information literacy for scientists and engineers. One outcome of the project was a series of modules covering ways of accessing and searching information that could be used in formal courses, distance learning courses or for self‐instruction. EDUCATE “spawned” a number of other projects. One, DEDICATE, deals with distance education information courses and is described in the paper along with brief details of its use in various universities in Central and Eastern Europe.

The following annotated bibliography of materials on orienting users to libraries and on instructing them in the use of reference and other resources covers publications from 1981. A few items from 1980 have been included because information about them was not available in time for the 1980 listing. A few items have not been annotated because the compiler was unable to secure copies of these items.

Verification is always a controversial topic, even establishing what it means and whether it is really necessary. The development of interlending in France and New Zealand is on very different lines and whether to join a national network or a local co‐operative is a problem faced by many: the solution is that probably both are necessary. Scandinavia has a long tradition of co‐operation and similar patterns have developed in each country. The results of a survey on document supply for business in Finland show that this is generally successful, with considerable reliance on international sources. The theory and practice of ILL in Tunisia differ considerably and the need for specialized document supply centres in Latin America is explored. Some of the problems of international financial limitations can be solved by a coupon system such as that proposed for AGRIS. The decision to introduce payments for ILL in Australia has caused much concern and a lot of anger and similar problems are now being faced in France with the restructuring of finances for universities. Statistical research into ILL is valuable but can cause problems unless written up well for a more general audience. Finally it is shown that document supply as an industry continues to grow throughout the world.

My aim in this paper is to try to engage you in a critical evaluation of some present practice in ‘library user education’. The discussion is in three parts:

In the finding and using of research results, the enquirer is always well advised to have an overview of the audience for and intention of, a document before becoming immersed in as contents. This for “Making Library Research Results Pay”. We have a varied audience in mind. Firstly, we are concerned to meet the needs of the person beginning research work, secondly, to help those involved in development and application work, and thirdly, to assist those professionally involved in the dissemination of research results.

In 1979 a computerized interlending link between Chalmers University of Technology and the British Library Lending Division was developed, based on a system already in operation between the British Library Lending Division and a number of US libraries. A successful pilot evaluation at Chalmers University of Technology led to the decision to test DOCLINE in different Swedish libraries. A comparative study between requests sent via DOCLINE and those sent via the Swedish interlending network showed a satisfaction rate of 83% for the former and 64% for the latter. The main reason for the difference was the greater coverage of material held by the Lending Division. The speed of delivery via DOCLINE was six days and eight days via the Swedish network, however for the latter, requests from smaller institutions are frequently sent via the main library thus involving a delay. The costs for the DOCLINE interlending requests total £3.42 compared with between £5.42 and £6.42 for the Swedish interlending manual procedures. The DOCLINE system is being developed to provide users with statistical and administrative information and as the number of libraries using the system grows, a DOCLINE newsletter is planned. Experiments with telefacsimile transmission between Chalmers University of Technology and the Lending Division have also been operating since November 1982. There is considerable interest from Swedish libraries of many types in the use of the DOCLINE link.

This paper points out the need for economical and effective methods for library orientation. Objectives and factors affecting the learning process are briefly stated. Various teaching methods are examined in relation to these factors. The use of one method—the self‐paced tour—is described in some detail, together with evaluation of an experimental use of this method for 205 mechanical engineering undergraduates. It is concluded that the self‐paced tour with exercises is an excellent method for library orientation. The programme has subsequently been used for a wide variety of new users and proved time‐saving for library staff and popular with students.

The following is an annotated bibliography of materials published in 1977 on orienting users to the library and on instructing them in the use of reference and other resources. A few entries have a 1976 publication date and are included because information about them was not available in time for the 1976 review. Also some entries are not annotated because the compiler was unable to secure a copy of the information.

It is important that all those involved with education and training for online searching are aware of the teaching aids which have been produced and are used. This paper aims to provide some of this information by describing primarily aids which have been developed and are used within the UK schools of librarianship and information science; however aids which are used by other organisations in various parts of the world have also been included.

This review is based for the most part on conference proceedings. It begins with a look at recent developments in interlending in Australasia, with a comparison of interlending statistics, and papers from a resource‐sharing conference in New Zealand reporting Australian and New Zealand interlending practice. Unresolved attempts to define an interlending plan for Australia are discussed together with the present situation. Two delegates' papers at a conference in Western Australia report contrasting developments there. Turning to the UK, four papers from an interlending conference consider the current UK situation, financial aspects, the end user's view and future development of interlending. Finally, a world‐wide collection of ‘proceedings’ is reviewed, dealing with different interlending systems in the UK, FRG, GDR, USA, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, China and the European Communities' DOCDEL project, with particular reference to Patent information in Germany and the TRANSDOC project in France.