This article considers CD-ROM instruction in the context of the research path in the library of the interdisciplinary academy. The article also identifies key components of postmodernism (arguing that the library is a site of postmodernism) and barriers to research imposed by library collections and services. How CD-ROMs magnify these barriers to research and offers an instructional method using the active teaching and learning method known as critical pedagogy to empower the researcher. In addition, logistical and content components of the critical pedagogy based CD-ROM workshop are outlined.