Library Instruction for the Professions: Information Needs and Libraries

In this article, Hammond and Mitchell report on a survey of practitioners in four professions: accounting, architecture, psychology, and recreation/tourism. The authors sought data on how professionals looked for information to improve instruction programs, with a goal of providing graduates with information skills to use in their careers. Fewer than half of the survey respondents had discipline‐specific library instruction. Practitioners identify a need for information but a low use of electronic resources. Data support the necessity of information skills for those entering the professions; suggest that instruction be information‐centered rather than library‐centered; and show that continuing education for professionals in information finding is needed. The authors provide suggestions for changes in library instruction.