by:
Walker, Geraldine
Janes, Joseph
Tenopir, Carol

Publisher:
Libraries Unlimited
Published:August 15, 1999
ISBN:1563086573
Format:Paperback
Pages:312

Description: From Library Journal
Walker (SUNY-Albany) and Janes (Univ. of Michigan) have sensibly chosen one widely used online retrieval system, DIALOG, to illustrate their discussion of the principles and techniques of online searching. The reader who closely examines the numerous reproductions of DIALOG printouts will have a strong conceptual foundation on which to build real searching experience. The only obvious limitation is, of course, that not all searchers use DIALOG, but the authors have largely done a good job of generalizing their lessons. The major portion of Online Retrieval consists of a comprehensive treatment of hands-on searching techniques with attention given to Boolean logic, controlled vocabulary and free-text searching, display formats, and ways to minimize expense of time and money. Additional topics include the reference interview, evaluation of search results, and establishing and managing an institutional search service. One chapter briefly describes Internet. A few oversights slightly weaken the value of the text, e.g., typographical errors in the DIALOG examples might confuse readers, and references to DIALOG bluesheets occur prior to Chapter 10 where they are more fully described. Overall, however, this book is recommended, particularly to students who would benefit additionally from an experienced instructor's elaboration and clarification of the text.
- Dean C. Rowan, Whittier P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description:
This comprehensive introduction gives basic how-to information on the use of online systems, discusses topics for which there are no accepted paradigms, and presents alternative points of view within a framework of previous research. Expanding on their immensely popular and critically acclaimed first edition, the authors have added extensive new material addressing Internet search and retrieval techniques as well as the more traditional Dialog and Lexis-Nexis services.