Teaching Chemical Information

This section includes several overview articles which discuss teaching chemical information, plus articles which describe specific teaching initiatives.

Overviews

Huber, Charles F; Baysinger, Grace. "Training the Trainers: Creating A Workshop on Teaching Chemical Information"; Issues in Science & Technology Librarianship 1997, (No.16 Fall ) (accessed Jan 1999)
Describes the process of designing a workshop on teaching chemical information and provides insights on teaching chemical information in general. Presenters used HTML files loaded onto a laptop hard drive and used Netscape to view them, eliminating the necessity for a network connection. The authors recommend this method when you teach away from home and are not absolutely sure of the speed and quality of your net connection. The authors also stress that the technology and resources available in your home setting will affect what and how you teach.

Lee, Wade M.; Wiggins, Gary, "Alternative Methods for Teaching Chemical Information to Undergraduates"; Science & Technology Libraries 1997, 16(3/4), 31-43.
The authors review the literature of chemical information instruction and argue that the most effective method is integrating the material into chemistry classes. Ideally chemist-librarian teams should coordinate the timing and content.

Locknar, Angie; Baysinger, Grace; Meszaros, Rosemary L., "Library Instruction Ideas for Science and Technology: A Baker's Dozen"; Issues in Science & Technology Librarianship 1997, (No 16 Fall) (accessed Jan 1999)
Thirteen practical tips on preparing and presenting training sessions.

Somerville, Arleen N.; Carr, Carol "Chemistry Librarians as Teachers: New Partnerships for a New Environment" ; Science & Technology Libraries 1997, 16(3/4), 3-30.
Reviews reasons why chemical information instruction is important to students and faculty. Offers suggestions for developing partnerships with faculty and computing staff. Provides tips for overcoming barriers to teaching. Specific information skills needed by chemistry students are outlined and ways to teach are reviewed. Tips on designing class sessions are provided, along with a selected list of teaching resources.

Zass, Engelbert, "Approaches to Chemical Information Instruction in a Multi-Media World"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. April 2, 1995, 209 (pt. 1) 34 CINF.
Advocated a problem, rather than source driven approach to chemical information instruction. Clearly defined selection criteria for sources and search procedures are necessary to help chemists navigate through the array of information sources. Prerequisites for successful teaching are analyses of user needs and searching behavior and constant adaptation to changing information supply and demand.

Descriptions of Instructional Initiatives

Table 1 provides an index to the articles in this section. Author locations are provided at the end of each abstract. In addition to these articles/presentations; web sites for chemical information classes are annotated in the section: Web Resources for Instructors.

  1. Baysinger, Grace "Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Students use Printed and Electronic Handbooks to Identify Unknowns"; J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72(12 ), 1107-1111.
    Chemical information instruction is provided within the organic laboratory class via teaching assistants (TA's) who receive 1.5 hours training from the librarian on using Beilstein Online and the Chapman &Hall Chemical Database. The laboratory students receive a 50 minute lecture on print and electronic resources and complete a library exercise. TA's provide reference help in the library for 25 hours per week. Experiences and insights on scheduling and assisting large numbers of students are provided. A cheat sheet describing major data sources is included. Class guidesare available on the web (accessed Jan 1999)
    CA : Stanford University, Stanford

  2. Beall, H. "Literature Reading and Out-of-Class Essay Writing in General Chemistry"; J. Chem. Educ. 1993, 70(1), 10-11.
    Literature assignments were introduced into the general chemistry class to help students dispel the concept that chemistry is a collection of facts to be memorized. Students have four reading assignments and write an essay based on those readings. Sample readings and essay assignments are included.
    MA: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester
  3. Belfield, K. D. "Collaborative Learning Through Chemical Literature Projects in First Semester Organic Chemistry"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 20, 1995 210 (pt. 1) 59 CHED.
    Groups of 4-5 students were assigned a molecule and were responsible for researching that molecule. Students had biweekly group meetings and gave both an oral presentation and poster on their molecule.
    MI: University of Detroit, Detroit

  4. Buntrock, Robert E. "Read all about it . . . Technical Topics and the Media"; Database 1993, 16 (Oct), 94-96.
    Illustrates how to teach online searching using current topics from news stories. Two topics are presented in detail showing the use of Beilstein, Chemical Abstracts, plus other sources.
    IL: Buntrock Associates Inc.

  5. Burness, James H. "A General Chemistry Final Exam Based on the Chemical Literature"; J. Chem. Educ. 1996, 73(12 ), 1120-1122.
    Describes a final exam for a general chemistry course that is based entirely on six papers from the primary chemical literature. Allows students a chance to see a sample of the chemical literature and exposes them to the real-life applications of what they learned in class. The papers are listed and the exam questions are provided.
    PA: Penn State University, York

  6. Butkovich, Nancy J. "Integration of Active Learning in the Chemical Information Classroom."; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. April 13, 1997, 213 (pt. 1) 37 CINF.
    Also available on the web. (accessed Jan 1999)
    Outlined exercises and lectures in a chemical literature course which incorporated active learning. Collaborative in-class exercises and homework assignments require students to synthesize information rather than merely reciting it.
    PA: Penn State University, University Park
  7. Butkovich, Nancy J.; Minard, Robert. "Student-designed Syntheses: Integrating Chemical Information and Chemistry in the Learning Environment"; J. Chem. Educ. (submitted for publication, 1998)
    Penn State students taking the Chemical Literature and the Organic and Inorganic Preparations courses were divided into teams of 2-4 members. Each team selected a target molecule starting material for a multistep organic synthesis. Teams conducted a literature review of possible syntheses and designed a synthetic scheme.
    PA: Penn State University, University Park
  8. Cooke, R.C. "Undergraduate Online Chemistry Literature Searching - An Open-Ended, Course Segment Approach"; J. Chem. Educ. 1994, 71(10), 867-871.
    Students are introduced to online searching via a weekly search assignment in their laboratory course using DIALOG's Classroom Instruction Program. Students are given a search lesson and sign up for 15 minutes of search time during their laboratory. Fifteen sample lessons are included which progress from very simple searches to using ring data to identify compounds. A final assignment requires the student to retrieve information on a particular topic.
    CA: California State University, Chico
  9. Drum, Carol A.; Prinack, Alice L.; Battise, Anita; Barratt, Evelyn "Library Instruction for Chemistry Students: A Course Integrated Approach"; Science & Technology Libraries 1993, 14, 79-88.
    Describes the course-integrated approach to chemical information instruction used at University of Florida, Gainesville. Information segments are included in several courses including the chemistry course for non-majors, the physical chemistry laboratory. A separate course on chemical information is given to advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Includes descriptions of class assignments for the two chemistry courses and the syllabus for the information class.
    FL: University of Florida, Gainesville
  10. Drum, Carol A. "Partnerships in Undergraduate Chemistry Education"; Science & Technology Libraries 1997, 16, 89-97.
    Web-based chemical information instruction for a large general chemistry class is described. The University of Florida is moving from a separate course on chemical information to an integrated approach within several chemistry courses. Students were taught to find scientific information using the library catalog and General Academic Index. Assignments were completed and graded on the web. Problems included ensuring workstation compatibility with the advanced web technologies used and supporting large numbers of students with limited computer facilities. A web site for the class is available during semesters when the course is taught.
    FL: University of Florida, Gainesville
  11. Hagerman, M. E.; Zoellner, R.W. "Introducing Chemistry Majors to the Critical Review of Current Chemical Literature: The ChemTracts Inorganic Chemistry Experience"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. April 13, 1997, 213 (pt. 1) 90 CHED.
    Critical evaluation of published research is introduced to students by using the condensation and commentary format of the journal, ChemTracts-Inorganic chemistry.
    AZ: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
  12. Holmes, Colette O.; Warden, Joseph T. "CIStudio: A Worldwide Web-Based, Interactive Chemical Information Course"; J. Chem. Edu. 1996, 73(4), 325-31.
    Describes the CIStudio (Chemical Information Studio), a one-credit undergraduate chemistry course at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The course focuses on the integration of electronic and print sources of chemical information, especially Internet-accessible reference and database services using a hands-on approach. The DIALOG online system is used for Chemical Abstracts. Discusses administrative, instructor, and student issues involved. The course is co-taught by faculty and librarians. Topics from the news are often chosen for examples and projects. Appendices include final project specifications, syllabus, and student survey.
    NY: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy
  13. Huber, C. F. "Teaching Environmental Toxicology Information"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 22, 1993, 206 (pt. 1) 90 CHED.
    The chemical information component of an undergraduate Environmental Toxicology course was described. A lecture and handouts assist students with a term project.
    CA: University of California, Santa Barbara
  14. Jenkins, J. A. "Online Searching in the Context of Senior Seminar"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 22, 1993, 206 (pt. 1) 97 CHED.
    Described a chemistry faculty member's experiences in a one year senior seminar course which includes an extensive literature research project. Students learn techniques for online and print searching. Online searching is done using STN.
    OH: Otterbein College, Westerville
  15. Landolt, R. G. "Pedagogical Benefits of On-line Access to Chemical Abstracts in the Context of the Undergraduate Curriculum"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. September 7, 1997, 214 (pt. 1) 191 CHED.
    Described laboratory-style hands-on workshops for undergraduate students at several institutions as part of Project UCAIR. Undergraduate students in targeted schools learned about information sources, how to retrieve information, and to judge quality of what is found, in the context of the intermediate level chemistry curriculum. Information about Project UCAIR (Undergraduate Cooperative Access to Information Resources) is available on the web. (accessed Jan 1999)
    TX: Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth

  16. Larsen, Sara "A Chemical Attraction. (Teaching Chemistry Database Searching to Students at Arrowhead High School)"; School Library Journal 1997 43(1), 44.
    Describes a high school AP chemistry assignment involving the school librarian (who provided a brief training session on online databases, particularly DIALOG) and the teacher. Students pick a topic, use print and online sources for information, identify and obtain a research article and interview a professional working in that subject area.. Demonstrates that information skills can be introduced at the high school level.
    WI: Arrowhead High School, Hartland
  17. List, B.A. "Electronic Resources Assistantship in an Academic Department of Chemistry"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. April 2, 1995, 214 (pt. 1) 33 CINF.
    Describes the assistantship at Columbia University created by the library, academic information system and the chemistry department. A chemistry graduate student is hired, trained and supervised by the chemistry librarian to teach faculty and students how to access the campus-wide information network and Internet.
    NY: Columbia University, New York
  18. Lynch, Brian M. "From 300 Baud to STN Easy: Familiarizing Chemistry Students with On-Line Literature Searching from 1980-1996 at a Canadian Undergraduate University"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. April 2, 1997, 213 (pt. 1) 41 CINF.
    Also available on the web. (accessed Jan 1999)
    The development of the course over a period of years is traced. Current course content, problem assignments and an exam are presented. An annotated STN search of Chemical Abstracts is included.
    CANADA: St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
  19. Martorana, Janet, Meszaros, Rosemary L. "Searching Science from the Office: Science and Engineering Workshops"; Issues in Sciences & Technology Librarianship 1997, (No. 16 Fall) (accessed Jan 1999)
    Two evening workshops for graduate students were planned and presented by the science and engineering librarians at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The goal was to familiarize students with the library's electronic resources. Workshop planning began during the previous spring semester. Information on the planning, publicity, and evaluation of the two workshops (one for physical scientists and engineers and one for the environmental and life sciences ) is included.
    CA: University of CA-Santa Barbara
  20. Matthews, Fred J. "Chemical Literature - A Course Composed of Traditional and Online Searching Techniques"; J. Chem. Educ. 1997 74(8), 1011-1014
    The author believes that a mixture of traditional and online techniques taught in an independent course best prepares students. A one-semester undergraduate chemical literature course is described. Lecture topics and exercises are described. Students use facilities at a nearby research university to complete some exercises. Includes a brief review of the literature on teaching chemical information. Full text of the article as well as handouts and sample library exercises are available on the web. (accessed Oct 1998)
    TN: Austin Peay State University, Clarksville
  21. Mendelsohn, L. D. "Working Together: the Development of a Chemical Information Course"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 22, 1993, 206 (pt. 1) 92 CHED.
    Outlines how a new chemical information course was developed with the cooperation of the chemistry department and the library.
    MI: Wayne State University, Detroit
  22. Novick, Sabrina Godfrey "Elements of and in the Chemical Literature: An Undergraduate Course"; J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72(4), 297-301.
    Describes a course that integrates learning the chemical literature with a discussion of the chemistry of the elements. Students are introduced to Beilstein, Gmelin, several synthesis compilations plus Chemical Abstracts (STN) and Science Citation Index. The librarian gives a lecture on searching Chemical Abstracts online and supervises student searches during their search of the LCA file. The use of computer programs and games enables students to explore trends of properties among the elements. Sample exercises and paper topics are included.
    NY: Hofstra University, Hempstead
  23. O'Neill, Patricia E. "Instruction Programs for Graduate Students - Two Different Programs, two Different Environments"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 22, 1993, 206 (pt. 1) 93 CHED.
    Describes instruction programs at Emory (a required program for first year graduate students) and Cornell (Lectures and demonstrations in chemistry courses and to graduate groups.)
    NY: Cornell University, Ithaca
  24. O'Neill, Patricia E., Goetz, Elaine. "Electronic Users Group: A Forum for Experienced Searchers"; J. Chem Educ., 1995, 72(7), 604-605.
    Describes a program of the physical sciences library at Cornell University designed to keep end user searchers abreast of new developments in electronic resources. The format is modeled on the computer users' meeting: short presentations and online time in an informal setting.
    NY: Cornell University, Ithaca
  25. Penhale, Sara J. "Cooperative Learning Using Chemical Literature"; Science & Technology Libraries 1997, 16(3/4), 69-87.
    Small group projects for students doing chemical literature assignments help students learn collaboration skills while gaining competence using information tools. Earlham College has integrated bibliographic instruction into courses throughout the curriculum. Three courses are described. In Organic Chemistry I and Biochemistry , students present a poster on a topic. In Organic Chemistry II, a laboratory course, students design a laboratory project, searching the chemical literature for methods they will use. Cooperative learning techniques for teaching chemical information are described.
    IN: Earlham College, Richmond
  26. Penhale, Sara. J. ; Stratton, W. J. "Online Searching Assignments in a Chemistry Course for Nonscience Majors"; J. Chem. Educ. 1994, 71(3), 227-229.
    Describes planning a course in chemical information using the assignments within a general chemistry class for non-majors as an example. Librarian and instructor work together to plan the class. Sample assignments from the class are described. Student do searches in groups during regular laboratory periods (30-60 minutes every two or three weeks). DIALOG's Classroom Instruction Program is used. Facilities and databases used are described. Students use newspapers for several of the assignments. Searching costs $15/student for 3 assignments. The sessions were analyzed to help identify types of assistance needed and who provided the assistance.
    IN: Earlham College, Richmond
  27. Porter, Katherine R.; Woerner, Todd "On the Way to the Virtual Laboratory: Integrating Chemical Information into the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory Program"; Science & Technology Libraries 1997, 16(3/4), 99-114.
    Development of a new physical chemistry laboratory program is described. One component of the course is library searching and information management methods. The electronic environment in the laboratory and library is described. Students use the Web, applications such as Accord for Access and EXCEL, and Java technology to run experiments and manipulate the data. Students become familiar with web data sources such as the NIST Chemistry WebBook and Chemical Abstracts on DIALOG.
    NC: Duke University, Durham
  28. Prorak, Diane.; Von Braun, Margrit "Teaching Students to Use Electronic Information Sources to Research Chemical Toxicity"; Research Strategies 1993, (11 Spring), 106-110.
    Describes two literature assignments within a senior/graduate environmental risk assessment course which require gathering toxicity and regulatory information on chemicals. The librarian gives a lecture (which is videotaped) on toxicity information sources. The objectives and content of the lecture is briefly summarized. The Toxnet databases are used for the exercises. Logistics and costs are discussed. The average class size is 50.
    ID: University of Idaho, Moscow
  29. Ricker, Alison S. "Chemistry Information for the Undergraduate in a One-Credit Course: Faculty/Librarian Team Teaching"; Science & Technology Libraries 1997, 16(3/4), 45-67.
    A one-credit, semester-long course in chemistry information is required of chemistry research and honors students. Evolution of instructional efforts from presentations within chemistry classes to a separate course is described. The syllabus is provided. Examples of the weekly problem sets are provided. The STN academic account is used and students are taught structure searching using STN Express. The class web page including syllabus and exercises are available on the web (accessed Oct 1998)
    OH: Oberlin College, Oberlin
  30. Ricker, Alison S; Thompson, Robert Q. "Teaching Chemistry Information in a Liberal Arts Curriculum." J. Chem. Educ. (accepted for publication 1998)
    Describes a course jointly taught by a librarian and faculty member.
    OH: Oberlin College, Oberlin
  31. Schneider, Marilyn J. "A Chemical Literature/Periodic Table Exercise for General Chemistry"; J Chem. Educ. 1992, 69(3), 232.
    Brief description of an exercise within a general chemistry class. Students are assigned an element and must locate a scientific journal article describing recent work with, or a recent use of the element. A brief introduction to the chemical literature is given. Suggested sources are: General Science Index, Applied Science and Technology Index and the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. Reference librarians are alerted and provide assistance to students.
    PA: Lafayette College, Easton
  32. Smith, Allan L. "A Graduate Course In Chemical Information"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. Aug 22, 1993, 206(pt 1) 74 CHED.
    Described a graduate course in chemical information first offered in 1992.
    PA: Drexel University, Philadelphia
  33. Smith, Allan L. "Teaching Citation Searching"; J. Chem. Educ. (submitted for publication 1998)
    PA: Drexel University, Philadelphia
  34. Somerville, Arleen N. "Introducing Chemistry Faculty, Students, and Staff to WWW Resources"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 25, 1996, 212 (pt. 1) 44 CINF.
    Described informal hands-on sessions and demonstrations on the Web. Also discussed publicity, logistics and impact of the session on library programs.
    NY: University of Rochester, Rochester
  35. Stevens, Karen E.; Stevens, Richard E. "Use of the World-Wide Web in Lower-Division Chemistry Courses"; J. Chem Educ. 1996, 73(10), 923.
    Students in a chemistry course for non-majors were assigned to find information on a chemical topic currently in the news using the web. Students were required to determine the validity of the sources they chose by comparing and contrasting information and views of various sources. One of the goals of the assignment was to help the students become more informed consumers in a technological society.
    WA: Whitworth College, Spokane
  36. Thompson, Patricia A.; Jenkins, Jeffrey J.; Buhler, Donald R. "Teaching Online Data Systems to Graduate Students of Toxicology"; J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72(4), 324-326.
    A 10-week three-credit class on online toxicology data systems is offered to graduate students. Syllabus is provided, assignments are listed and the course is described Databases taught include: MEDLINE, TOXNET, Chemical Abstracts (via STN)and BIOSIS
    OR: Oregon State, Corvallis
  37. Turner, F. A. "Reflections by a Relatively Novice Chemical Information Instructor - Undergraduate Experience"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. Aug 22, 1993, 206 (pt 1) 73 CHED.
    Course developed by a chemical faculty member at Roosevelt University was described. Course focuses on online searching . Cost control and problems with use of the STN learning files were discussed.
    IL: Roosevelt University, Chicago
  38. Turner, F. A. "Chemical Information: Online and Library Searching"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. August 22, 1993, 206 (pt. 1) 91 CHED.
    Chemical information course for advanced undergraduates was described. Curriculum included Chemical Abstracts, patent literature, structure searching (CA & Beilstein), searching for chemical and physical properties, citation searching, safety and toxicology information and reaction searching.
    IL: Roosevelt University, Chicago
  39. Voigt, K.; Pepping, T.; Matthies, M.; Benz, J. "Information-System for Environmental Chemicals - Training for End Users"; Online Rev. 1991 15(5), 293-305
    The training programs to help scientists in agencies, research institutes and other institutions to identify and access appropriate data sources are described. Three different training programs were developed: (1) a training course on retrieval of information on dangerous substances; (2) a seminar on German offline databases in the field of chemicals; and (3) a workshop entitled 'Introduction to the information System for Environmental Chemicals'.
  40. Wier, L. M. "Chemical Abstracts - Switching to Electronic Access"; J. Chem. Educ. 1994 71(7), 578-578.
    Describes how online searching of Chemical Abstracts was introduced into a chemical information class after the print subscription was canceled. STN's academic plan and STN Express software were used to facilitate student searching. Financing, search topics and costs are provided.
    NY: St Bonaventure University, Bonaventure
  41. Wiggins, Gary "Use of the Internet in Teaching Chemical Information Courses" In: New Initiatives in Chemical Education: an Online Symposium. ACS Division of Chemical Education Summer 1996, Paper 9. (accessed Oct 1998)
    Describes the use of a listserv, gopher and the web to provide materials for chemical information courses at Indiana University. The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed. The three courses offered are described. (The web pages for these courses are described in the Section: Web Resources for Instructors.
    IN: Indiana University, Bloomington
  42. Wiggins, Gary, ; Monnier, Cynthia L. "Assessment of a Library Science Program Specializing in Chemical Information. (at Indiana University)"; Special Libraries 1994, 85 (Summer), 130-138.
    Reports on a survey of Indiana University Master in Library Science (M.L.S.)-Chemical Information Specialist program graduates. The program is aimed at students with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Information includes graduates' educational background; the nature of first jobs and current positions held; and databases most frequently used. Graduates suggested more training in computer skills, patent searching, and management skills.
    IN: Indiana University
  43. Zass, Engelbert. "Chemical Information Instruction for Chemists - Experiences and Curricula Examples"; Abs. Papers Am. Chem. Soc. Aug 22, 1993, 206 (pt 1) 95 CHED.
    Described the evolution of a long standing chemical information instruction program at ETH Chemistry Department, in Switzerland. Since 1984 a one-hour, two semester course for graduate students has been taught using a problem-oriented approach. Variants of the course and a one semester version were developed. Special topics are covered within chemistry courses or in separate special information courses.
    Switzerland: ETH, Zurich