We did a couple practice searches, but nothing helps you learn like doing it yourself. So off each group went to see if they could find the book for each of the seven challenges I gave them. Sometimes they could search for the title, sometimes the author (don't forget to use the author's last name), and sometimes just the keyword. Once they found the call number, they needed to go find it on the shelf. Most of the time, they were able to find it or get very close!
It is such a pleasure to watch as the students look up books in which they are interested all by themselves. The biggest obstacle? Spelling. But we solved that quickly with a basket full of paper scraps and they know I will quickly write down whatever they need so they can keep going.
Does it work every time? No, but the more they try it, the more independent they will become!