| Edition |
Second edition. |
| Description |
xiii, 312 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm. |
| Series |
Database searching series |
|
Database searching series (Unnumbered)
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
The search for information in the online age -- Developments in information retrieval -- Going online -- Online information -- Database construction and structure -- Search technique -- Using controlled vocabulary -- Searching using free text -- Additional search features -- Beyond the basic search -- Searching other kinds of databases -- Evaluating your results -- Running a library search service -- Running your own search service. |
| Summary |
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. |
| Subject |
Online bibliographic searching -- United States.
|
|
DIALOG (Information retrieval system)
|
|
Electronic information resource searching -- United States.
|
|
Information storage and retrieval systems.
|
| Added Author |
Janes, Joseph.
|
|
Tenopir, Carol.
|
| ISBN |
1563086573 |
|
9781563086571 |
|
