1. We investigated the responsiveness of aquatic invertebrates to rehydration of floodplain soil in a south-eastern U.S. river floodplain. Non-inundated soil divots containing invertebrate seedbanks were collected from three floodplain elevations with different inundation histories (inundated for 2, 38, and 78% of a year), and subjected to rehydration (experimental inundation) in aquaria for 10 weeks. 2. Before rehydration, samples were collected to assess the initial density and composition of invertebrates in non-inundated soil at each elevation. After rehydration, benthic samples were collected biweekly and emergence of aquatic insects was collected weekly from aquaria. 3. The surviving invertebrates were classified as aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial. Some aquatic invertebrates survived the non-inundated period in an active state (e.g. Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae), while others appeared to be dormant (e.g. Heptageniidae, microcrustaceans and Chironomidae). The response for several invertebrates (e.g. Chironominae, Oligochaeta, Collembola and terrestrial invertebrates) depended on the length of rehydration and inundation history. 4. The capacity of aquatic invertebrates to survive and recover was greatest at the most frequently inundated site. Despite variation in floodplain environments, both active and dormant invertebrates persisting in non-inundated floodplain soil contributed to the floodplain assemblage during flooding. Thus, maintaining the connection between river and floodplain appears to be important in sustaining the invertebrate seedbank and its capacity to recover during inundation. River channelisation and regulation that severs this connection may result in a loss of diversity and abundance.

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of a study that assessed whether students learned information literacy concepts after taking the interactive online Tutorial for Information Power (TIP). Design/methodology/approach -The methodology and design involved a pre-and post-test assessment of students who completed an online tutorial. Findings -Students who spent more time working through the tutorial had a statistically significant increase from their post-test to their pre-test scores.Research limitations/implications -Statistically significant results reported from this study are of interest to the educational community involved with the teaching and assessment of information literacy.Practical implications -This study offers a successful model for evaluating student learning from an online tutorial. Originality/value -This study is one of the few in the literature addressing the assessment of information literacy and online tutorials.

Floodplains are dynamic wetlands that are constantly alternating between aquatic and terrestrial phases. To survive these conditions, aquatic invertebrates must have life history strategies allowing them to take advantage of inundation periods. One such strategy is growing rapidly and completing development before flood waters recede. We measured daily growth rates and development times of 7 chironomid species during April, June, and August using egg masses collected from the Sipsey River floodplain, west central Alabama, USA. Egg masses and resulting larvae were reared under ambient temperatures (18-27°C) and with a natural food source. All successfully reared chironomids were in the subfamily Chironominae. Mean growth rate was 0.28 d -1 suggesting a biomass turnover time of 3 days. Mean development time was 17 days. Temperature affected chironomid development time, with slower rates occurring at the lowest temperature. While many chironomid species appear capable of rapid growth in floodplains when temperatures are >18°C, completion of their life cycle seems likely only if inundation persists at least 2-3 weeks. Longer inundation periods are probably necessary for chironomids to complete their life cycle at colder temperatures in winter and early spring.