The use of computer-based tutorial packages for user education

The main aim of this thesis was to examine whether computer-based tutorial (CBT) packages, were a viable delivery method for user education in academic libraries, and to identify good design features, The search for innovative approaches for delivery for user education is not new and has taken many different forms, from the early experiments in the 1970s with tape slides and audio-visual materials to the advent of CBT. This thesis sought to establish the theoretical validity of using CBT packages as a delivery method for certain aspects of user education in academic libraries. It did this through a survey questionnaire to all academic libraries and through librarian and student profile forms. To establish the practical viability of CBT packages as a method of delivery a series of workshops took place, where individual packages were evaluated. The aim of the workshops. was to examine the success and viability of CBT packages as a delivery method by evaluating specific individual packages in terms of their structure, content and overall design. This thesis also sought to identify some good design features from an assessment of the prevailing literature and from the individual package evaluations.